Blog Stage 5

  Imagine riding in a bullet train going at 320 km/hr! I believe that having a high-speed rail network that connects all of Texas's major cities, would not only be awesome but beneficial as well. Therefore, Austin should extend the Metrorail transit system. The Metrorail will not only get rid of traffic congestion in a eco-friendly way but it might even improve our health.
 
The Metrorail will provide transport to those who can't afford to buy a car. As we know, Austin is an awesome place to live in but we are not the only ones who thinks so. People from other states are coming in droves to Austin, which means not only an increase in population growth but traffic too. Right now the traffic in Austin is a nightmare and building more freeways is not the answer.The Metrorail will be able to move large numbers of people in a quick and safe way. Not only would it be useful to get rid of traffic congestion but to provide emergency evacuation out of the city due to natural disasters or terrorist attacks.

 The Metrorail is eco-friendly; it causes no air pollution and runs on electricity. Therefore, breaking us away from our dependence on oil. Using electricity to power the trains is a lot cheaper than using gasoline; it is also a lot easier to produce trough wind, solar, and hydro-electric methods. Open spaces can be preserved and pedestrian-only zones can be created. Keeping Austin beautiful while reducing the chances of pedestrians getting run over by reckless drivers either accidentally or on purpose. Also you wouldn't have to worry about finding a parking space, which means the city won't have to look where to put a parking garage and destroy the environment.

  The Metrorail can help improve our health by reducing our stress levels. For example, you can ride the metro train and be able to do work on your computer, or just have the time to plan out your day. Also you are most likely to be more active by walking to your destination after getting out of the metro train compare to just driving your car there.

  Having Austin expand its Metrorail transit system, will benefit thousands of people. Because it will be a cheap and quick method of transportation, that is eco-friendly to the environment. We simply have to vote for it.
 

Blog Stage Four: Substantial commentary or criticism #2

Hello everyone! The news article that got my attention was from KXAN titled "Low-level marijuana possession penalties could be reduced with new bill" written by Brittany Glas.

 

The article talks about a new bill that might be passed called House Bill 81. This bill is meant to reduce penalties for low-level marijuana possession, not legalize marijuana for recreational use in Texas. Instead of jail time and a criminal record, a simple ticket will be given as punishment. According to the Federal Bureau of Justice Statistics, " in 2015, there were more than 60,000 arrests for marijuana possession in Texas, which made up more than 13 percent of all arrests in the state that year. It’s estimated those arrests and the subsequent prosecution cost taxpayers $1.5 billion" ( KXAN). That kind of money should be used to process those accused of murder, and other acts of violence. The opposing side believe that marijuana is a gate way drug, and by legalizing and decriminalizing marijuana it will promote consumption at alarming rates. Stoners shouldn't be put in the same jail cell that holds murderers and rapists. I believe people shouldn't face any jail time just because they had a small amount of marijuana on their possession, and have their lives ruined because they have a criminal record because of it. The author isn't being biased throughout the article, and provides information from Federal Bureau of Justice Statistics as evidence.