Letters from Linden
by JACK LINDEN
If our state and federal representatives have college degrees, you would think they would be logical and not let ideology overcome rational thought. But during these times, you really have to question that assumption.
Governor Rick Perry has placed “emergency” status on bills that aren’t emergencies – most being at odds with what the state really needs. One measure requires women to view a sonogram and listen to a verbal description of the fetus prior to having an abortion.
As the state legislators are cutting funds for health care, they are putting more stress on women who have enough emotional trauma in making the decision to have an abortion.
The illogical part of this legislation should be obvious. To begin with, who is going to pay for the sonogram? Will insurance companies balk at paying for these sonograms? Suppose the woman, after seeing the sonogram, decides to not have the abortion. Who will pay for prenatal care, the hospital delivery, the child’s care after birth? Are our legislators really being logical and rational in their acts? I think not.
Perry also is pushing an emergency bill to force local police to ascertain the citizenship of suspected illegal immigrants. There is no description of an illegal immigrant or what constitutes logical suspicion. Why is this such an emergency when there are no “sanctuary” cities in Texas?
The ‘illogical’ battle is also happening on the national level. House Republicans are emphasizing cuts based on ideology rather than on logic. Almost six months into the current budget year, and they are still trying to fulfill campaign promises based on a year-long budget.
Someone should really tell them that we have a high unemployment problem. Most of us know it is illogical to cut job training funds. Seemingly everyone except the House knows we must retrain our unemployed if we want to reduce their numbers. The G.I. Bill created incredible growth in America, so shouldn’t we be training unemployed workers to help America begin moving again?
Every economist says America needs an educated work force – and these workers must be life-long learners. So, what are the state legislatures and the House of Representatives doing? They are cutting the very institutions and programs that enhance education. Funds for educational institutions at all levels are being cut without any direction or discretion. Monies for libraries, the place for a relatively low cost of on-going education, have been cut.
Even children are being denied some education that has proven effective over the years. Monies for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and National Public Radio are also being cut. How many people started their education with Sesame Street and other programs on public television? How many reading this column gain a great amount of knowledge from National Public Radio?
Slashing these programs is based on ideology – not what is best for America. Republicans may be attempting to reduce spending but they are not doing it logically. If you want to “dumb down” America, just watch what some legislators are doing. You will see some very good examples.
