Use of Pepper Spray on Youths

Texas Youth Commission officials have come to an agreement to restrict the use of pepper spray on unruly youths. It is still uncertain though if this proposal could last due to a new policy which would yet again liberalize pepper spray. The agency does not like the wording of the new rule. It has scheduled an upcoming hearing on the use of pepper spray on out of control youths. Their conditions that they want heard is to limit the use of pepper spray to situations with youths that could be dangerous. They also state that they want to limit the amount of spray that would be needed to just prevent any danger or harm. I believe that this agency is right. The use of pepper spray on youths seems a little too extreme. If a situation gets out of hand and lives are at stake, I understand that pepper spray should be used. Otherwise, I believe it is inhumane. Some kids might have some kind of physical ailment that could cause much more harm if they come in contact with pepper spray. The agent’s plans also include some commands that should be use before pepper spray is used. This is also a good idea because pepper spray should not have to be used if it is not needed. Warning a youth of pepper spray before actually using it might seize the situation at that point, and no pepper spray would need to be used. I believe their proposal is very assuring, and should really be heard with open ears. It should limit injuries and put less youths at harm of being pepper sprayed. The problem with pepper spray is that officers are becoming familiar with the use of it, therefore much more force of pepper spray is being used.

The Other Ninety Percent

I agree 100% on your post. I know a lot about the whole top ten percent process, because I had to go through its flaws. You support your article with many good points. I understand how this rule is supposed to encourage students to try harder, but it really ends up punishing students. When I went to high school, I tried very hard, but ended up finishing just out of the top percent. My reward was not getting into the school of my dreams. You are right, this rule has many flaws. Students who work their butts off are not noticed by this rule. The top ten percent rule was created to diversify our Texas Universities, but there hasn’t been a huge increase in minorities. I believe the rule should be abolished, and Universities should start looking at more characteristics of a student. You have some good evidence in your commentary. I agree with everything. The top ten percent rule is not a good determinant of a good student, in my opinion.

Costly Election for Taxpayers

In the last 25 years, local governments in Texas have increased their spending at an alarming rate of 158%. This wouldn’t be too big, but the per-person income has only increased by 39%. The debt has grown at an even higher rate of 270%. These numbers are very shocking to taxpayers that have to support these growing numbers. Texas already has a general-obligation bond debt of 7.5 billion. After the upcoming election, that number might double. The ballot initiative for the upcoming election almost totals 10 billion in state spending. Voters need to sit down and actually think about these numbers. Approving some of these spending will end up hurting them. Taxpayers already carry a large debt that needs to be paid. After this election, it might be a whole lot worse. The real problem for taxpayers is state issued bonds. Yes some of the initiatives on the ballot sound good, but voters need to think of what it will do to their spending. Many of the initiatives are for education. I believe it is a great idea to put money down to further our development for our kids, but it would also hurt our kids. When they grow up, they will be paying taxes on the state debt forever. In the elections, there are five general obligation bonds that total 9.75 billion in spending. That includes Proposition 2, 4, 12, 15, and 16. Voters need to really sit down and think about the effects of passing these bonds. Texas will end up having to pass another amendment for being in debt. Voters need to start voting no on these initiatives to help taxpayers.