My 84th LTTE actually supporting a Republican!-I promise I was sober

[w8liftinglady]

I'd like to step away from my usual topic of discussion and take a few minutes to thank Jim Pitts for his recent column in The Daily Light,updating us on the State Legislature.There are many topics in his column that affect us all,regardless of our party affiliation.

I,too,would like to see more investment by the state in our public education,extending to low interest loans,regulated by the state,for State universities.I recommend that Mr. Pitts and his colleagues consider fining the coal plants that populate our county for every carcinogen and pollutant they have contaminated our air and water sources with.These fines can be used to fund the increase in special education teachers that the public schools need.It is a well known fact that the mercury produced as a by-product of coal,deposited into our main water source through relaxed regulations and fines,and consumed by US,is directly related to the exponential increase in autism we have seen in the Central Texas area.These fines would hopefully also serve to reduce the contaminants released into our water system,freeing up more potable water.If these fines were comparable to the damage these plants have done to our health,they would be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

I am glad the State is taking a serious look at the TYC.Unfortunately,for most people without a high school degree,there are no job opportunities anymore-even with "rehabilitation".People can't afford to feed their kids,go to the doctor or dentist,or even drive to work anymore,and eventually resort to more lucrative,albeit illegal,activities.While the legislature looks at reforming TYC,they also need to focus on raising the living wage in Texas,providing low-cost medical and dental care to all residents,and providing low-cost higher education for all Texas residents.These will raise the standard of living for all Texas residents,and elevate us above third-world country conditions that exist today.It HAS been done in other states.

Again,Thank you,Mr. Pitts,for your frankness and sincere concern for our community.I could feel that from your column,and support your run for Speaker.I hope you win,and are able to move through the quagmire that has become politics.

..In response to this column
http://www.thedailylight.com/articles/2007/06/10/dailylight/opinion/editorials/column1.txt