Federal Reserve Rate Cuts:

- Federal Reserve Press Release: - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement.

- Reuters: Fed seen cutting rates another 50 bps in November.

- Bankrate: Fed’s interest rate history: The federal funds rate from 1981 to the present.

- What is the Federal Reserve?

- What is Inflation?

- - How are prices set in the US? 

Is voting a fundamental right?

Congress seems to think so.

The Supreme Court might disagree.

From Title 52-VOTING AND ELECTIONS: 

The Congress finds that-

(1) the right of citizens of the United States to vote is a fundamental right;

(2) it is the duty of the Federal, State, and local governments to promote the exercise of that right; and

(3) discriminatory and unfair registration laws and procedures can have a direct and damaging effect on voter participation in elections for Federal office and disproportionately harm voter participation by various groups, including racial minorities.

Public Goods and Emergency Services

Hurricane Helene has torn up western North Carolina, which gives us an opportunity to look at a central task - a public good - of all levels of government. 

- What is a public good? 

In economics, a public good (also referred to as a social good or collective good) is a good that is both non-excludable and non-rivalrous. Use by one person neither prevents access by other people, nor does it reduce availability to others. Therefore, the good can be used simultaneously by more than one person. This is in contrast to a common good, such as wild fish stocks in the ocean, which is non-excludable but rivalrous to a certain degree. If too many fish were harvested, the stocks would deplete, limiting the access of fish for others. A public good must be valuable to more than one user, otherwise, its simultaneous availability to more than one person would be economically irrelevant.

- Wikipedia: Emergency service.

Emergency services and rescue services are organizations that ensure public safety, security, and health by addressing and resolving different emergencies. Some of these agencies exist solely for addressing certain types of emergencies, while others deal with ad hoc emergencies as part of their normal responsibilities. Many of these agencies engage in community awareness and prevention programs to help the public avoid, detect, and report emergencies effectively. Emergency services are often considered first responders, and typically have dedicated emergency vehicles.

- City of Pearland: Office of Emergency Management.

- Brazoria County: Office of Emergency Management.

- Texas Division of Emergency Management.

- U.S. Homeland Security: Emergency Services.

Fall 2024 - GOVT 2305 Week Five Recap

What we covered last week: 

Introduced the second section 

The Political Institutions

Political Freedom

- Constitutional Terms
- U.S. Code
- Texas Code


This week

I want to focus on political conflict and how it conditions the nature of the political institution

- Declaration of Independence.
- Federalist 10.
- Washington's Farewell Address.
- Sedition Act of 1798
- Winner Take All Elections.
- Single-member district.
- The Two Party System.
- Party Coalitions.
- Factions in the Republican Party (United States).
- Factions in the Democratic Party (United States).

From the Texas Tribune: How Texas counts ballots and keeps elections secure

More on the mechanics of running elections.

- Click here for the article.


It mentions the Texas Association of Elections Administrators.

Here's more on them: 

The purpose of the Texas Association of Elections Administrators (TAEA) is to promote the efficient integration of voter registration functions with the actual conduct of elections and to ensure that voter registration, voting, and vote tabulation are all carried out in accordance with the highest legal and ethical standards.

The TAEA encourages all its members to pursue educational training opportunities that are compatible with the purpose of the organization. The association also supports the full involvement of its members in local, state, and federal legislative proceedings related to the purpose of the organization.


Also worth a look: 

From the Texas Association of Counties: County Elections Academy.

The Texas Association of Counties (TAC) County Elections Academy provides educational opportunities to help the county officials and personnel responsible for holding efficient and secure elections.

"The Academy, created in 2022, will not only provide practical support for election officials but also give them some additional paths to education," said TAC Executive Director Susan M. Redford. The classes will help election officials "show the critics that they’re getting the education they need and that they’re doing everything they need to,” she said. "Elections are a core function of county government and this academy is another opportunity for the Association to unite counties to achieve better solutions," she continued.

The TAC President has appointed an Education Committee, which is made up of four clerks, four election administrators, one tax assessor-collector/voter registrar and ex officio members from the Texas Secretary of State’s Office. The committee is looking to create a curriculum that offers practical advice for rerunning elections in the county.

 

How Competitive will U.S. House Races be this year?

Not very. Only 24 out of 435 races are toss-ups. Check it out: 

- From the Cook Political Report: 2024 CPR House Race Ratings.

Also check out: 

- The U.S. Senate.
- State Governors.
- The Electoral College.

From the NYT: Here Are the Charges Eric Adams Faces

For our look at due process:  

Relevant Terms: 

- Indictment
- Bribery
- Charges
- Fraud

Click here for the article.

Click here for the indictment.

How to Vote on Verity Duo

Navigating the Free Rider Problem: Strategies for Interest Groups in US ...

For 9/24/24

From the Texas Secretary of State: Elections Division.

- Offices up for election.

- Sample Ballot.

From Brazoria County Clerk: Elections.

- Map of precincts.

From Harris County Clerk: Elections Department.

- Click here for my ballot.

US Code: Title 52 - Voting and Elections

Click here for it.


Categories


1 - Voting Rights

- Subtitle 1 - - Voting Rights.
- - Definition.
- - Free from interference.
- Relevant Amendments
- - 14th
- - 15th
- - 19th
- - 23rd
- - 24th
- - 26th
- Relevant Legislation: 
- - Civil Rights Act of 1964.
- - Voting Rights Act of 1965.
- Relevant Federal Agencies
- - Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division.


2 - Voting Assistance and Election Administration

- Subtitle 2 - - Voting Assistance and Election Administration.
- - Voting Accessibility
- - Voter Registration
- - Federal Election Records
- - Election Administration Improvement 
- Relevant Legislation: 
- - Help America Vote Act.
- Relevant Federal Agencies:
- - Election Assistance Commission.
- - Federal Election Commission.
- Relevant State Agencies: 
- - Texas Secretary of State, Elections Division.


3 - Federal Campaign Finance 

- Subtitle 3 - - Federal Campaign Finance.
- - Disclosure of Federal Campaign Finance Funds
- - General Provisions
- Relevant Legislation
- - Federal Election Campaign Act.
- Relevant Federal Agencies
- - Federal Election Commission.
- Relevant Supreme Court Decisions
- - Buckley v. Valeo.
See also: PACs and SuperPACs.

Question from a student:

Based on what you have learned so far, how would you address this is issue presented by one of your fellow students?  

Are there any rights that protect me if I (as a Christian) don't want to participate in selling Halloween related items at my job? Do I have the right to avoid selling or stocking specific items that conflict with my faith such as: evil eye, crystals, sage, etc. . . ? Can I be fired or disciplined for refusing to participate in certain work duties because of my religious beliefs? Can my employer require me to participate in activities that go against my religious beliefs?

Let's discuss in class.

Dear ChatGPT: What is Sedition?

Sedition is a crime against the state that involves organizing or encouraging opposition to the government through speech or writing. It originated in England in the 16th century as a lesser form of treason, and was used to punish expression that challenged the government.

Here are some examples of sedition against the king:

The Charles II Treason and Sedition Act of 1661

This act expanded the definition of treason and sedition to protect the monarch and government. It made it an offense to call the king a heretic or papist, or to incite hatred or dislike of the king or government.

The Treasonable and Seditious Practices Act

This act expanded the definition of treason to include speaking and writing against the government, even if no subsequent actions followed.

King George III's Proclamation of 1775

This proclamation declared the American colonies to be in a state of rebellion.

From Houston Landing: Houston council members want to eliminate ‘sidewalks to nowhere’ requirement and fee

An example of public policy at a local level.

Sidewalks, and walkability in cities in general.

- Click here for the article. 

A proposal to scrap a requirement that developers include a sidewalk when building a new house or pay a fee will wait another week after one of the council members who pitched the measure tagged it on Wednesday.

District F Councilmember Tiffany Thomas delayed the measure without comment.

Thomas, District J Councilmember Edward Pollard and District D Councilmember Carolyn Evans-Shabazz put the proposal on the agenda last week, saying it was aimed at eliminating so-called “sidewalks to nowhere” – pathways that do not connect to sidewalks on either end.

Pollard and Evans-Shabazz tagged the measure last week.

The proposal has prompted pushback from disability advocates, who argue sidewalks – even those that do not immediately connect to others – will improve accessibility for residents and encourage more development in those neighborhoods.

The Greater Houston Builders Association supports the idea of eliminating the requirement, saying it would reduce the cost of housing construction.

The existing ordinance applies to the construction of individual houses. The requirements for sidewalk construction in new subdivisions would not change.

Some council members have said there is a possible compromise. Pollard and Evans-Shabazz last week told the Landing the fee paid by developers in lieu of building sidewalks is too high at $12 per square foot. They said they would be open to keeping the current requirement, but with a lower fee.

City Council approved the sidewalk requirement and “in-lieu-of” fee in January 2023.

The money goes to a separate fund to build or repair sidewalks, usually in the same area where the fee was collected. Pollard estimated around $700,000 currently is in the fund, but none has been used, according to the Planning and Development Department.

City Council can take up the proposal next week, delay it for further consideration or could refer it to committee for additional vetting and refinement.

Fall 2024 - GOVT 2305 Week Four Recap

What we covered last week 

- Civil Liberties

- Substantive Liberties
- Procedural Liberties

- Habeas Corpus
- Bills of Attainder
- Ex Post Facto Laws

- U.S. Bill of Rights
- Texas Bill of Rights

- 14th Amendment.

- Selective Incorporation.

- Criminal Justice Policy



What we will cover week 5

Introduction to the Second Section.

The Political Institutions

- Political Ambition

Function of a Constitutional System

- Indirect Democracy

- Suffrage

- Elections

- Political Freedom

- First and 14th Amendment protections

Free Speech
Free Press
Right to Peaceful Assembly
Right to Petition for Grievances

Public Opinion
Information (Media)
Factions (Interest Groups)
Political Parties
Governmental Relations

 https://youtu.be/sybo484veJY?si=Eg3T6vLQY0pU8Gd1

 https://youtu.be/8AGpILvdwDM?si=Fln_9vdQMz5RORYj

Dear ChatGPT: What are the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States?

The "privileges or immunities" of citizens of the United States encompass a range of fundamental rights that are intended to be protected from state infringement. While the exact scope of these privileges has been debated and defined over time, they generally include:

1. **Right to Travel**: The ability to move freely between states without undue restrictions.

2. **Right to Vote**: Participation in elections and political processes.

3. **Right to Own Property**: The ability to acquire, use, and dispose of property.

4. **Right to Contract**: Freedom to enter into contracts and engage in business.

5. **Access to the Courts**: The ability to seek legal recourse and have a fair trial.

6. **Protection of Basic Rights**: This can include rights related to personal liberty, such as the right to free speech and assembly.

7. **Equal Protection**: The assurance that individuals are treated equally under the law.

The interpretation of these privileges has been shaped by various Supreme Court decisions, and while some rights are explicitly mentioned in other parts of the Constitution (like the Bill of Rights), the Privileges or Immunities Clause serves as a broader protection against state actions that may infringe upon these rights.

Slacker Culture

One of my favorite thing to cover is the section in public opinion which covers political generations.

The theory is that people who were born during a particular period of time were exposed to similar events and tend to think alike.

Slacker Culture is closely aligned with Generation X. 

The term comes from a movie of the same name.

From Axios: Graham met Nebraska leaders in push to get Trump one more electoral vote

Remember that the United States elects its president indirectly, through presidential electors, not a majority of the popular vote. The U.S. Constitution grants this power to each state.

This provides opportunities to manipulate elections by manipulating how each state selects it electors.

Here's the latest effort to do so.

- Click here for the article.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) met with Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and around a dozen Republican state lawmakers Wednesday as Republicans seek a last-minute change to the way the Cornhusker state allocates its electoral votes, per multiple reports.

Why it matters: Nebraska and Maine are the only states that don't apportion votes on a winner-take-all basis. Vice President Kamala Harris looks likely to pick up the swing congressional district around Omaha — a single electoral vote which could prove decisive depending on how other swing states break down.Graham and other Republicans, including Pillen, want to change to a winner-take-all system before November.

That would virtually guarantee former President Trump all of the state's electoral votes.

If Harris were to win the Blue Wall states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, but lose the Sun Belt swing states, the race would come down to which candidate won that single purple district in Nebraska.

Zoom in: Republicans have failed to gain sufficient support to overcome all the procedural hurdles to making the change, so Harris looks likely to take that vote — for now at least.

Driving the news: Nebraska's KOLN-TV first reported that Graham spoke to the lawmakers at the governor's mansion to try and encourage the final holdouts to rally behind the change.A spokesperson for Graham confirmed KOLN-TV's reporting but did not say whether he was acting as an envoy of the Trump campaign, as NBC reported. The Trump campaign did not provide comment.

Most of the state senators who were present at the meeting are ready to pass a winner-take-all bill, the report said.

Yes, but: Pillen said in a statement last week that he would not call a special session to reconsider the state's apportionment of votes without "clear and public indication" that 33 senators would vote to back the change.

From the Washington Post: Exploding pagers leave clues to Israeli ‘red button’ plot, officials say

Warfare has reached another level.

Lots of red buttons out there apparently. 

- Click here for the article.

The blackened husks of pagers and handheld radios that exploded in a colossal attack on Hezbollah this week have become fragmentary clues to how Israel orchestrated what current and former Israeli and Western security officials said was part of an elaborate, decade-long effort to penetrate the militant group.

Markings on the mangled electronic components have left a trail leading back through a manufacturer in Taiwan to a Hungarian shell company suspected of being set up or exploited by Israeli intelligence to disguise its alleged role in delivering the lethally rigged devices to Hezbollah. Security officials in another European capital have probed whether a second shell company there was the real seller behind the pagers deal.

Current and former officials have described it as part of a multipronged effort by Israel over the past decade to develop what Israeli officials referred to as a “red button” capability — meaning a potentially devastating penetration of an adversary that can remain dormant for months if not years before being activated.

Israel’s reason for pressing one such “red button” this week remains murky, though experts have speculated that Israeli officials were worried that the conversion of thousands of pagers to miniature IEDs was at risk of being detected. Such attacks are generally designed to be unleashed as a prelude to a broader offensive, officials said, sowing chaos in preparation for follow-on military operations.

 https://youtu.be/1w287BCT4Mw

From FRED: Real Gross Domestic Product per Capita 1947 - 2024

What is FRED?

- The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.


What is the Federal Reserve? 

. . . the central banking system of the United States. It was created on December 23, 1913, with the enactment of the Federal Reserve Act, after a series of financial panics (particularly the panic of 1907) led to the desire for central control of the monetary system in order to alleviate financial crises.


What it the real gross domestic product?

. . . is an inflation-adjusted measure that reflects the value of all goods and services produced by an economy in a given year. Real GDP is expressed in base-year prices. It is often referred to as constant-price GDP, inflation-corrected GDP, or constant-dollar GDP. Put simply, real GDP measures the total economic output of a country and is adjusted for changes in price.

Click here for more data from FRED.

"5,000 Pagers, 3gm PETN, Coded Message..." How "Mossad" Rigged, Blew Up ...

 

 

 https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2024/09/05/texas-republican-party-dominance

 

 https://www.cookpolitical.com/survey-research/cpr-national-polling-average/2024/harris-trump-overall

 https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/09/12/food-waste-bans-massachusetts/

 https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/09/16/mark-meadows-arizona-federal-court/

George Washington’s Letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport

A statement in favor of religious liberty.

- Click here for the letter.

- Click here for Touro Synagogue.

First: Moses Seixas’ Letter from Congregation Yeshuat Israel.

Permit the children of the stock of Abraham to approach you with the most cordial affection and esteem for your person and merits — and to join with our fellow citizens in welcoming you to Newport.

. . . Deprived as we heretofore have been of the invaluable rights of free Citizens, we now with a deep sense of gratitude to the Almighty disposer of all events behold a Government, erected by the Majesty of the People — a Government, which to bigotry gives no sanction, to persecution no assistance — but generously affording to all Liberty of conscience, and immunities of Citizenship: deeming every one, of whatever Nation, tongue, or language equal parts of the great governmental Machine:

This so ample and extensive Federal Union whose basis is Philanthropy, Mutual confidence and Public Virtue, we cannot but acknowledge to be the work of the Great God, who ruleth in the Armies of Heaven, and among the Inhabitants of the Earth, doing whatever seemeth him good.

For all these Blessings of civil and religious liberty which we enjoy under an equal benign administration, we desire to send up our thanks . . .


George Washington’s Letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport

. . . The citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy — a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship.

It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it were the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights, for, happily, the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.

It would be inconsistent with the frankness of my character not to avow that I am pleased with your favorable opinion of my administration and fervent wishes for my felicity.

May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants — while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid. . . . 

From Wikipedia: Dead cat strategy

For our look at politics. 

This is intended to distract people.

- Click here for the entry. 

The dead cat strategy, also known as deadcatting, is the political strategy of deliberately making a shocking announcement to divert media attention away from problems or failures in other areas. The present name for the strategy has been associated with British former prime minister Boris Johnson's political strategist Lynton Crosby.

While he was mayor of London, Boris Johnson wrote a column for the 3 March 2013 edition of The Telegraph in which he described the "dead cat" as a piece of Australian political strategy about what to do in a situation in which the argument is being lost and "the facts are overwhelmingly against you".

There is one thing that is absolutely certain about throwing a dead cat on the dining room table – and I don't mean that people will be outraged, alarmed, disgusted. That is true, but irrelevant. The key point, says my Australian friend, is that everyone will shout, "Jeez, mate, there’s a dead cat on the table!" In other words, they will be talking about the dead cat – the thing you want them to talk about – and they will not be talking about the issue that has been causing you so much grief.

Johnson employed the Australian Lynton Crosby as his campaign manager during the 2008 and 2012 London mayoral elections, leading to press speculation that he was the "Australian friend" in the story.

Other similar strategies: 

- Chewbacca defense – Nonsensical diversionary legal defense strategy
- Diversionary foreign policy – Conflict instigated to distract from domestic strife
- Fearmongering – Deliberate use of fear-based tactics
- Red herring – Fallacious approach to mislead an audience
- Wag the dog – Diversional political strategy, often military in nature

Orson Welles - War Of The Worlds - Radio Broadcast 1938 - Complete Broad...

People are now coming to terms with what is real and what is not on social media. 

In 1938 they did the same with radio.

Many though the following was not a dramatization, but an actual event. It made Orson Welles famous.

- Wikipedia: The War of the Worlds (1938 radio drama).

Welles's "War of the Worlds" broadcast has become famous for convincing some of its listeners that a Martian invasion was actually taking place due to the "breaking news" style of storytelling employed in the first half of the show. The illusion of realism was supported by the Mercury Theatre on the Air's lack of commercial interruptions, which meant that the first break in the drama came after all of the alarming "news" reports had taken place. Popular legend holds that some of the radio audience may have been listening to The Chase and Sanborn Hour with Edgar Bergen on NBC and tuned in to "The War of the Worlds" during a musical interlude, thereby missing the clear introduction indicating that the show was a work of science fiction. Modern research suggests that this happened only in rare instances.

In the days after the adaptation, widespread outrage was expressed in the media. The program's news-bulletin format was described as deceptive by some newspapers and public figures, leading to an outcry against the broadcasters and calls for regulation by the FCC. Welles apologized at a hastily-called news conference the next morning, and no punitive action was taken. The broadcast and subsequent publicity brought the 23-year-old Welles to the attention of the general public and gave him the reputation of an innovative storyteller and "trickster".

Fall 2024 - GOVT 2305 Week Three Recap

Your textbook readings this week focused on federalism, which is the division of government into three layers: the national, state, and local. 

We looked at the basic documents of each: the constitutions - or charters - and their statutory codes and current news that illustrates their basic functions. 

And we looked at the basic budgets on the national and state levels, lesser so with local governments, in order to understand how they relate with each other.

Hopefully you should have an understanding of what each level is responsible for.

As a reminder, we looked at the following in class: 

- National Constitution
- Texas Constitution
- Local Charters

- U.S. Code
- Texas Statutory Code
- Local Ordinances

- The U.S. Budget
- Texas Fiscal Size-Up

For Week 4

- Civil Liberties
- Substantive Liberties
- Procedural Liberties

- Habeas Corpus
- Bills of Attainder
- Ex Post Facto Laws

- U.S. Bill of Rights
- Texas Bill of Rights

- 14th Amendment.

- Selective Incorporation.

- Criminal Justice Policy

 https://youtu.be/Xs0K4ApWl4g?si=0Q7viLs--3hKxIeU

How did Texas vote in the 2020 presidential election?

Blue = Biden
Red = Trump

By Voting Precinct:

By County: 

By U.S. Congressional District:

What is a swing state?

A little help for the GOVT 2306 essay.

- From Wikipedia: 

In American politics, a swing state (also known as battleground state, toss-up state, or purple state) is any state that could reasonably be won by either the Democratic or Republican candidate in a statewide election, most often referring to presidential elections, by a swing in votes. These states are usually targeted by both major-party campaigns, especially in competitive elections. Meanwhile, the states that regularly lean to a single party are known as "safe states" (or more specifically as "red states" and "blue states" depending on the partisan leaning), as it is generally assumed that one candidate has a base of support from which a sufficient share of the electorate can be drawn without significant investment or effort by the campaign.


What are the swing states in 2024? 

- From the NYT: Tracking the Swing States for Harris and Trump.

- - Pennsylvania
- - Georgia
- - North Carolina
- - Michigan
- - Arizona
- - Wisconsin
- - Nevada


How competitive will Texas be? 

- From Wikipedia: 2024 United States presidential election in Texas.

Texas is generally considered to be a red state, not having voted Democratic in a presidential election since Southerner Jimmy Carter won it in 1976 and with Republicans holding all statewide offices since 1999. Texas' location in the American South and largely in the greater Bible Belt has given the GOP the upper hand in the state in recent decades. Texas is considered by some to be potentially competitive, as the state has not backed a Republican for President by double digits since it favored Mitt Romney in 2012, which can be largely credited to the fast-growing Texas Triangle trending leftwards in some recent elections.

For More: 

- From Axios: As Harris invigorates Dems, Texas appears out of play.

- From KXAN: 2024 election: Exploring claim Texas is ‘sleeper battleground state’

- From KXAN: These are the reddest and bluest counties in Texas, based on recent election results.

Dear Chat GPT: What is an international government?

Is this a good answer or not?

An international government typically refers to a type of governance or administrative system that operates beyond national boundaries and involves multiple countries. There are a few ways this can be conceptualized:

1. **International Organizations**: These are institutions formed by multiple countries to address global issues and coordinate policies. Examples include the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These organizations have their own structures and procedures for decision-making and often have some degree of authority over member states in specific areas.

2. **Supranational Entities**: These are organizations or systems where member states cede some level of sovereignty to a higher authority. The European Union (EU) is a prominent example. It has its own institutions that can make decisions and create regulations that member states are obliged to follow.

3. **Global Governance Initiatives**: These are frameworks or processes aimed at managing global issues through cooperation between countries. This can involve informal agreements or frameworks like the Paris Agreement on climate change, where countries work together to address global challenges without forming a formal government structure.

In summary, while there is no single "international government" in the sense of a global government with overarching authority over all countries, there are various forms of international governance that involve cooperation and coordination among nations to address global issues.

Is this the future of warfare?

Shenzhen company breaks world record with 8,100 drones in drone show, taking expressiveness to new levels.

From the Texas Tribune: Texas would need about $81.5 billion a year to end property taxes, officials say

- Click here for the article. 

For our look at government finance.

Property taxes are the primary way that local governments in Texas fund their operations. This includes both ISD's and Community College districts. Since these bills can get pretty steep, there are ongoing attempts to limit them. Some would like to eliminate them. Doing require that local governments fidn other means to fund themselves.

This article explains how much.

Key Terms:
- property taxes
- state budget officials
- conservatives
- Republican lawmakers
- Texas Senate Finance Committee
- Legislative Budget Board
- School property taxes
- sales tax
- cities
- counties
- school districts
- special taxing districts
- maintenance and operations
- income tax

From the article's intro: 

Texas would have to spend tens of billions of dollars to get rid of the state’s property taxes, state budget officials said Wednesday — a reality check on some conservatives who want to end them once and for all.

Republican lawmakers have been on a yearslong push to bring down the state’s property taxes, among the highest in the nation. Some Texas conservatives have long dreamt of getting rid of at least some property taxes altogether — an idea others have criticized as unrealistic given the gargantuan cost of doing so. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a skeptic of doing away with property taxes, tasked lawmakers earlier this year with tallying the cost.

Now, lawmakers have those figures in hand. Getting rid of all property taxes collected by school districts would have cost the state $39.5 billion in tax year 2023, figures presented to the Texas Senate Finance Committee by the Legislative Budget Board show. School property taxes, which pay for costs like teacher salaries and new facilities, represent the largest chunk of a property owner’s tax bill.

In addition, the state would have had to shell out another $42 billion to cover the property taxes collected by cities, counties and special taxing districts last year. All told, the state would have had to spend $81.5 billion to completely eliminate all local property taxes. That’s more than half of the $144 billion that lawmakers allocated for Texas’ current two-year budget.

 https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/09/12/nypd-commissioner-resigns-amid-corruption-probe/

A little background on the development of Iowa Colony

I went over emigration companies in class today and looked at info related to the early development of Iowa Colony. It is what it says it is, a colony of people who moved from Iowa.

From the Wikipedia entry: 

Iowa Colony was founded in 1908 by the Emigration Land Company of Des Moines, Iowa, and received its name from Iowans G. I. Huffmann and Robert Beard. The community received a post office in 1919, and rice farming was introduced there in 1920. Although not directly on a railroad line, Iowa Colony was served by the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe line through nearby Manvel. The population grew slowly to twenty-seven and remained at that level until the mid-1960s. The discovery of oil in 1948 brought regional employment to the area. By 1961 the Iowa Colony post office had closed, yet during the 1960s the settlement began to grow vigorously as part of the greater Houston area. By 1973 Iowa Colony had been incorporated (in 1972), and by 1989 the town listed a population of 661. The city hall, community center, and municipal court are all housed in the same building, next to the fire department. In 1990 the population was 675. The population was 1,170 in 2010. Iowa Colony showed unprecedented growth, with an estimated 2019 population of 3,233. In 2020, they surpassed the 5,000 population requirement to seek home rule status, and subsequently voted to pass the city's Home Rule Charter on November 3, 2020. The city website further states in 2021 that the population has exceeded 8000, growing at a rate of 400%.

 

The Post Office: An Express History | The Origin of the US Postal Servic...

As authorized in Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.

From Wikipedia: United States congressional delegations from Texas

- Click here for the entry. 

From Texas Redistricting: Current Districts

To help out with understanding the second written assignment.

- Click here and follow the links for each map.

What can felons not do?

 Vote depends on the state.

Occupations 

From ChatGPT:

Certain professions may have restrictions for individuals with felony convictions due to the nature of the job, legal requirements, or concerns about safety and trust. These restrictions can vary by state and industry, but here are some common examples:

- Legal Professions: Becoming a lawyer or judge often requires a clean criminal record, although some jurisdictions may consider the nature of the felony and the time elapsed since conviction.

- Financial Services: Jobs in finance, such as banking or investment roles, may be restricted due to the need for trustworthiness and adherence to regulatory standards. Convictions related to fraud or financial crimes can be particularly disqualifying.

- Healthcare: Many roles in healthcare, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, require background checks. Felony convictions, especially those related to drug offenses or patient abuse, may pose barriers.

- Education: Teaching positions, especially those involving direct contact with children, often require background checks. Felonies related to violence or abuse can be disqualifying.

- Government Positions: Certain government jobs, especially those involving security clearances, can be restricted for individuals with felony convictions. This includes roles in law enforcement or other sensitive areas.

- Real Estate: Licensing requirements for real estate agents often include background checks, and felonies related to financial crimes or dishonesty can be problematic.

- Childcare and Social Services: Jobs involving the care of children or vulnerable adults usually require background checks. Felonies related to abuse or neglect can be disqualifying.

- Aviation: Jobs in aviation, such as pilots or air traffic controllers, may have strict background requirements due to safety concerns.

- Public Safety and Law Enforcement: Roles such as police officers, security personnel, and emergency responders often have strict standards regarding criminal history.

It’s important to note that some states or jurisdictions have laws and programs designed to help individuals with felony convictions reintegrate into the workforce, and the impact of a felony conviction can vary depending on factors like the nature of the offense, the time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation. If you're concerned about specific career paths, it's often helpful to consult with a legal professional or career counselor who specializes in employment law and criminal records.

From ProPublica: He Was Convicted of Killing His Baby. The DA’s Office Says He’s Innocent, but That Might Not Be Enough.

Occasionally mass hysteria creates conditions where the public - and elected officials - become focused on a problem that in hind-sight was not as wide spread as it later proved to be. 

A couple decades ago that included shaken baby syndrome. 

Suddenly an increasing number of parents whose infant children suddenly died were being accused of causing their child's death by shaking them violently enough to cause fatal brain damage. Many were found guilty.

Soon after, questions emerged about whether these verdicts were based on bad science and were driven by zealous prosecutors looking for headlines (remember that we elect our district attorneys).

- See: Rethinking Shaken Baby Syndrome.

But reversing convictions is difficult to do. This article describes such an effort. It can be tough to prove one is actually innocent of a crime after conviction.

- Click here for the article.

Here's a bit of it: 

If Eaton concluded that a conviction was no longer supported by the evidence, she was expected to go back to court and try to undo that conviction. The advent of DNA analysis, and the revelations that followed, did not automatically free people who were convicted on debunked evidence or discredited forensics. Many remain locked up, stuck in a system that gives them limited grounds for appeal. In the absence of any broad, national effort to rectify these convictions, the work of unwinding them has fallen to a patchwork of law-school clinics, innocence projects and, increasingly, conviction-review units in reform-minded offices like Nashville’s. Working with only one other full-time attorney, Anna Hamilton, Eaton proceeded at a ferocious pace, recruiting law students and cajoling a rotating cast of colleagues to help her.

 

What is a tariff? What in an unrealized capital gain?

Each is part of the tax proposals each major party candidate promotes.

What are they? 


Trump proposes increased tariffs: 

A tariff is a tax that a government imposes on imported or exported goods or services. Tariffs are also known as customs duties.

Tariffs can serve several purposes, including:

- Revenue: Tariffs are a source of revenue for the government.
- Regulation: Tariffs are a form of regulation for foreign trade.
- Protectionism: Tariffs can help protect domestic industries by making imported products more expensive.
- Unfair practices: Tariffs can address unfair practices that other countries use to make their exports cheaper.

Tariffs can be fixed or variable. Fixed tariffs are a constant sum per unit of imported goods or a percentage of the price. Variable tariffs vary based on the price.

- From Investopedia: What Is a Tariff and Why Are They Important?
- Analysis: Trump’s 10 Percent Tariffs: Projected Impacts on U.S. Households and Allies.
- Analysis: Five Things to Know about Trump’s Tariff and Income Tax Proposals.


Harris proposes taxing unrealized capital gains: 

Unrealized capital gains refer to the increase in the value of an asset that has not yet been sold. In other words, it’s the profit you’d make if you sold an asset at its current market price compared to its purchase price.

For example, if you bought a stock for $50 and its current market price is $70, you have an unrealized capital gain of $20 per share. This gain is “unrealized” because it only exists on paper until you actually sell the stock. Once you sell it, the gain becomes “realized” and can be subject to taxes depending on your jurisdiction and how long you held the asset.

- From Investopedia: What Are Unrealized Gains and Losses?
- Analysis of Harris’s Billionaire Minimum Tax on Unrealized Capital Gains.
- Analysis: What Is Unrealized Capital Gains Tax? Unpacking Kamala Harris-Backed Proposal On Ultra Wealthy.

Fall 2024 - GOVT 2305 Week - Two Recap

The principle goal last week was to get you familiar with what a constitution is, and what types exist in the United States.

What is a Constitution?

Articles of Confederation

Debates of the Constitutional Convention

U.S. Constitution

- Preamble

- Article One.

- Article Two.

- Article Three.

- Article Four.

- Article Five.

- Article Six.

- Article Seven.

- Bill of Rights.

- Amendments 11-17.

The Texas Constitution.

Local Government Code.

City Charters.




Week Three: 

Federalism

National 
State
Local

Constitutions
Statutes
City Ordinances

Fiscal Federalism

From the Tax Foundation: Tracking 2024 Presidential Tax Plans

For our look at current presidential campaign and economic policy.

- Click here for it. 

Recall that the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes in Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1: 

- To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defence and general welfare of the United States; but all duties, imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States.

And it allows the national government to collect an income tax in the 16th Amendment.

- The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever sources derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.

The Tax Foundation compares the relative tax proposals along the following criteria: 

- Business Taxes
- Capital Gains and Dividend Taxes
- Credits, Deductions, and Exemptions
- Estate and Wealth Taxes
- Excise Taxes
- Individual Income Taxes
- Payroll Taxes
- Tariffs and Trade

I'll add detail as the semester proceeds.

 https://assets.bbhub.io/bna/sites/3/2024/02/2024-State-Policy-State-Policy-Watchlist-Report.pdf

 

For our look at due process - Charges recently filed . . .

What does it means to be charged with a crime? 

Keep this in mind as we walk through civil liberties soon. Due process rights are defined in Amendments 4 - 8 in the U.S. Constitution, and made applicable to the states in the 14th Amendment. The Texas Constitution also contains a list in its Bill or Rights.

From ChatGPT: 

Being charged with a crime means that law enforcement or a legal authority has formally accused someone of committing a criminal act. It’s the start of a legal process where the person accused will have to respond to the charges in court. This involves:

- Formal Allegation: The charge is a formal accusation that the person has violated the law. This is usually outlined in a document like a complaint, indictment, or information, depending on the legal system.

- Legal Process: Once charged, the person will go through legal proceedings, which might include an arraignment, where they enter a plea, and possibly a trial if the case isn’t settled through a plea deal.

- Rights and Defense: The accused has the right to defend themselves against the charge, which includes hiring a lawyer, presenting evidence, and challenging the prosecution's case.

- Consequences: If found guilty, the consequences can range from fines and community service to imprisonment or other penalties, depending on the severity of the crime.

Being charged doesn’t mean the person is guilty; it means there’s a formal allegation that they need to address in a legal context.

In the news: 

- In historic case, father of 14-year-old school shooting suspect charged with murder.

Georgia officials charged the father of the suspected Apalachee High gunman with two counts of second-degree murder Thursday — the most severe charges ever filed against the parent of an alleged school shooter. The arrest came less than 36 hours after two students and a pair of teachers were gunned down with an AR-15-style rifle that, investigators allege, the man allowed his 14-year-old son to possess.


- Steven Hotze charged with more felonies over voter fraud conspiracy assault.

Conservative activist Steven Hotze has been charged with two more felonies in connection to a bizarre confrontation that left an air conditioning repairman facing the barrel of a gun held by a man investigating conspiracy theories about the 2020 election.

The aggravated robbery and engaging organized criminal activity charges double the number of allegations Hotze was already facing over a 2020 incident where a private investigator, Mark Aguirre, is accused of tailing and attacking the repairman, wrongfully believing that he had thousands of fraudulent ballots in his vehicle.

- Nearly 50 people charged in Houston bail bond scheme will all face trial in February.

More than 50 people accused of participating in a conspiracy to bail inmates of the Harris County Jail using fraudulent information will stand trial together in February, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.

The defendants, collectively, are charged with using various strategies, including falsifying documents, to obtain bonds for people who had been arrested. At least one person is accused of recruiting strangers to add their names to the fraud documents, which would be wired to a Georgia underwriting company that provided financial security for the bonds.

AABLE Bail Bonds, the company at the center of the case, was raided in June 2022, and ceased operations soon after.

Have you considered being a Peer Support Specialist?

One of your fellow students is now a Peer Support Specialist - she's looking for advancement. I've never heard of the position before. I thought it was worth sharing. Notice that in order to advance she has to pass additional certifications, which are required by the state. This is an example of a public service, which we cover when we look at public policy.

From her answer:  

I am currently in the mental health field. I have Mental Health Peer Support Specialist (MHPS) and Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS)certifications. I am currently a Supervisor at a Mental Health Peer Crisis Respite with The Harris Center for Mental Health & IDD. I would like to obtain my Peer Support Supervisor (PSS) Certification. Some of the things standing in my way of getting my PSS are that I need to complete my Associate’s Degree, and then go through the course work to complete my certification. All of these certifications are state certifications. To keep them active I have to complete a certain number of CEUs every two years, and also complete and pass an FBI background check every two years. To maintain all of my certifications, to continue with my current career and move into higher levels of my career I have to maintain my certifications, and continue to maintain a clear background.

Links related to the profession: 

- Mental Health Peer Support Specialist.

- - Texas Health and Human Services: About Peer Support Services.

- - Mental Health America: How to Become a Peer Support Specialist.

- Recovery Support Peer Specialist.

- - Peer Force: Recovery Support Peer Specialist Certification Step-by-step Guide.

- Mental Health Peer Crisis Respite.

- The Harris Center for Mental Health & IDD.

- Peer Support Supervisor (PSS) Certification.

What is a political influencer?

The case brought against the two alleged foreign agents involves surreptitiously paying for the services of  a small number of political influencers. The purpose seems to be to use these people to promote certain points of view that favor interests outside of the United States that are also against the nation's interests. The people who follow them - the influenced - are more likely to adopt positions favorable to outside interests because they are veiled. 

The source is unknown.

But what is a political influencer?

And what specific influencers seem to have been the targets?

From ChatGPT:

A political influencer is someone who has the ability to shape or sway public opinion and political outcomes through their influence, often leveraging social media, traditional media, or other platforms. They might be involved in various activities, such as:

- Media Presence: Individuals with a strong presence on platforms like Twitter, YouTube, or podcasts who use their reach to promote political messages or viewpoints.

- Thought Leadership: Experts or commentators who provide analysis and opinions on political issues, potentially guiding public debate and policy discussions.

- Activism: People involved in advocacy or grassroots movements who mobilize support for specific causes or political candidates.

- Political Campaigns: Those who play a key role in shaping the strategies and messaging of political campaigns.

Their influence can manifest through shaping narratives, mobilizing voters, or affecting policy discussions.

Who are these influencers?

- Tim Pool.
- Benny Johnson.
- Dave Rubin.
- Lauren Southern.
- Taylor Hansen.
- Matt Christiansen.

The two media companies at the heart of the indictment mentioned below

- Russia Today: 

a Russian state-controlled international news television network funded by the Russian government. It operates pay television and free-to-air channels directed to audiences outside of Russia, as well as providing Internet content in Russian, English, Spanish, French, German, Arabic, Portuguese and Serbian. RT is a brand of TV-Novosti - self-named an "autonomous non-profit organization" (ANO) - founded by the Russian state-owned news agency RIA Novosti in April 2005.

. . . RT has regularly been described as a major propaganda outlet for the Russian government and its foreign policy. Academics, fact-checkers, and news reporters (including some current and former RT reporters) have identified RT as a purveyor of disinformation and conspiracy theories. UK media regulator Ofcom has repeatedly found RT to have breached its rules on impartiality, including multiple instances in which RT broadcast "materially misleading" content.

- Tenet Media: 

an American right-wing media company founded by Lauren Chen and her husband Liam Donovan in January 2022. Tenet Media features six right-wing influencers, including Matt Christiansen, Tayler Hansen, Benny Johnson, Tim Pool, Dave Rubin, and Lauren Southern. It describes itself as a "network of heterodox commentators that focus on western political and cultural issues".

According to an unsealed indictment, the two indicted Russians were employees of the Russian state-controlled media company RT who were charged with failing to register as a foreign agent, and allegedly funneling around $10 million into Tenet in order to "distribute content to U.S. audiences with hidden Russian government messaging"

. . . The indictment alleges the Tenet founders masked its Russian funding by creating a fictitious persona of a wealthy European sponsor, "Eduard Grigoriann." The charged Russian nationals, Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, were involved in day to day operations of Tenet by fall 2023, using false names to conceal they were Russian RT employees.

 

What is the purpose of FARA - The Foreign Agents Registration Act - according to the indictment below?

Let's think about this in terms of free speech and free press.

Do they apply to the covert funding of domestic speech and press activities of foreign entities?

These are the 12th and 13th paragraphs of the indictment.

BACKGROUND ON THE FOREIGN AGENTS REGISTRATION ACT

12. The Foreign Agents Registration Act ("FARA"), 22 U.S.C. § 611 et seq., is a registration and disclosure statute that requires any person acting or agreeing to act in the United States as "an agent of a foreign principal" to register with the Attorney General if he or she is engaging or agreeing to engage, directly or through another person, in certain types of conduct for or in the interest of the foreign principal. Conduct requiring registration under FARA includes, as is relevant here, political activities, acting as a publicity agent or information-service employee, and disbursing money for or in the interests of the foreign principal. FARA registrations are made to the Foreign Agents Registration Act Unit ("FARA Unit") of the Department of Justice's National Security Division. It is a crime to willfully fail to register when required under FARA.

13.The purpose of FARA is to prevent covert influence by foreign principals, which include foreign governments, companies, and persons located outside the United States. Proper registration under FARA allows the U.S. Government and public and private audiences to evaluate the statements and activities of individuals who are serving as agents of foreign principals in light of their status as foreign agents. Among other things, FARA registration reveals the identity of the foreign principal on whose behalf the registrant performs services, the type of services the registrant provides the foreign principal, and the source and amount of compensation the registrant receives from the foreign principal. FARA registration statements are publicly accessible on the website of the FARA Unit. In addition, FARA registrants are required to label informational materials transmitted within the United States with a conspicuous statement disclosing that the materials are distributed by the agent on behalf of the foreign principal.

A DOJ Indictment: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA V. KOSTIANTYN KALASHNIKOV, a/k/a "Kostya," and ELENA AF ANASYEV A, a/k/a "Lena,"

Let's use some current news to cover class material. 

- Click here for the indictment.

- What is an indictment?

The 5th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that "No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury."

It provided an opportunity for citizens to check the power of prosecutors. They have to be convinced that there is a reason for a case to go to court.

A grand jury in DC thinks there is enough evidence for two people to go to court to face charges that they violated The Foreign Agents Registration Act.

- Click here for that law. 
- - Wikipedia.
- - 22 U.S. Code Subchapter II - REGISTRATION OF FOREIGN PROPAGANDISTS.

Now it heads to the judiciary. It will be assigned to a trial judge and the case will be heard in that court room. 

More on that when it happens.

Next up: info on the charges and the groups charged.

 

 https://weeklyworldnews.com/headlines/185035/breaking-news-new-jersey-couple-ties-the-knot-during-a-zombie-apocalypse/

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) - Knife Fight Scene (1/5) | Mo...

The Duck Song

You Won't Believe How the CIA Is Helping Ukraine Win the War

 

 https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/ken-paxton-voter-registration-mailers-19739396.php

 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/03/briefing/tax-election-harris-trump.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&ngrp=mxp&pvid=31F623D9-AA60-4BF4-A688-F5DFAA34DEB4

Technocracy

A post below - this one actually -refers to a person they call a technocrat.

What is that? 

- a proponent, adherent, or supporter of technocracy.

- a technological expert, especially one concerned with management or administration.

What is a Technocracy?

- Wikipedia.

- Investopedia.

- Britannica.

Just one of the many ___oracies that exist

For the first assignment: Texas Occupations Code

I did a google search with "Texas Occupation Code news" in order to see what's up with regulations regarding qualifications to practice certain occupations. These might have an impact on you and your plans. 

Who knows? 

- Baytown veteran, state at odds over funeral director requirements.

- Real estate broker’s license on probation after commission finds proof of state code violations.

- Affidavit: Shaker, county employees knew former deputy medical examiner was not licensed.

- Health Care Practitioner Human Trafficking Training.

- Texas court deems 8-liner games unconstitutional by nature.

__________

- Texas Statutes: Texas Occupations Code.

- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: 2018 Standard Occupational Classification System.

For 

Search for occupations. 

Showing posts sorted by relevance for query occupations.

Information about the 2024 Election

For nuts and bolts stuff, not the fluff.

FYI: The information below is about the conduction of the elections. This is not to be confused with the campaigns run by each of the candidates.

That's a different thing.

We will cover that separately.

Here is the relevant law:  

- U.S. Election Code.

- Texas Election Code.

Here are the agencies that enforce that law statewide and locally: 

From the Texas Secretary of State: 

- Welcome to Texas Elections.

From the Brazoria County Clerk: 

- Elections and Voter Registration.

How party identification influences opinion formation

Study the chart below. It shows facts associated with crime - murder rates in large cities - and data showing how people perceive those cities: Are they safe? 

Note the two furthest to the right - people who identify as Democrats and Republicans don't seem to be seeing the same thing. 

Why?

Fall 2024 - GOVT 2305 - Week One Recap

A summary of last week's activities


Definitions

What is Government? 

. . . the body, entity, invested with the power to manage a political unit, organization or more often, a state.

What is Politics?

. . . the set of activities that are associated with making decisions in groups, or other forms of power relations among individuals, such as the distribution of status or resources.

What types of governments exist? 

- Distribution of power
- - one (autocracy)
- - few (oligarchy)
- - many (democracy)

- Extent of governmental power
- - limited (constitutional)
- - authoritarian
- - totalitarian

Aristotle: 

- Pure
- Corrupt

What is Political Culture?

- "Political culture is the set of attitudes, beliefs, and sentiments, which give order and meaning to a political process and which provide the underlying assumptions and rules that govern behavior in the political system".

- - traditionalistic
- - individualistic
- - moralistic

For week 2:

What is a Constitution?

1. : the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it.

2. : a written instrument containing the fundamental rules of a political or social organization.

News - 9/1/24

For you reading list:

Group of Texas Democrats asks DOJ to investigate Texas over possible voter rights violations.
- vote suppression
- Texas House Caucuses
- federal voting rights
- Texas Election Code

State Rep. Shawn Thierry switches to GOP, says Democratic Party has “lost its way”
- primary elections
- safe districts
- ambition

Judge allows parental consent for Texas kids’ social media accounts, but blocks content moderation
requirement.
- social media
- free speech
- content moderation
- rights of children
- parental consent

Paxton takes Dallas to court over gun ban at State Fair.
- gun rights
- Texas Attorney General
- civil law
- litigation
- state / local conflict