The ban of plastic bags by Austin city

Austin should keep the ban on plastic shopping bags in their city. In fact, Texas isn't exactly the role model state when it comes down to an environment-friendly state, and this is because a large portion of their economy runs on oil and natural gases. That said, for them to ban plastic bags which can actually be deadly for sea animals, is a great thing. Actually, 90% of our debris in oceans are actually plastic bags. Besides saving animals' lives, they will be increasing the growth of reusable shopping bags which don't cost that much these days. Also, it's been seen in the past that plastic bags can in fact block drainage systems in the cities. Also, due to the shopping bags being fabricated in plastic material, this material can take up to hundred years to decompose. This means that whenever one is produced, and used on the market, it'll remain on our earth for at least 100 years. Although Austin has taken the right step, the whole state of Texas ought to do the same, and the whole country should as well. In fact, China has already banned plastic shopping bags in their country in 2008, and many countries have started to implement a tax for each plastic shopping bag acquired. Canada is a great example for that. In 2009, it was reported that 102 billion of plastic bags were used in the United States alone, and this should be alarming for every city and state of the country to take action against this unnecessary good. So far, the results have been positive for Austin city; less waste on parking lots, less litter in waterways and generally a more environmental-friendly atmosphere around the city after such decision was taken in 2013.

Perry expected to call up National Guard to Rio Grande Valley

In the article, "Perryexpected to call up National Guard to Rio Grande Valley," the author makes an argument that Texas needs to improve their border patrol. The current security of the border is pointless because once the illegal get deported back to Mexico, the same illegal crosses the border again. The security is poor so Perry needs to tighten security significantly!

The author's intended audience is the Federal government of USA. Although he speaks to all citizens of the country, he targets the government of the country for not doing enough efforts to protect the borders of the country. As for the author's credibility, he makes good points and solid arguments, but he goes off with anecdotes such as "I personally know..." which doesn't make it credible unless proof is provided. He also exaggerates the situation by claiming that the "nation is being invaded by illegal". However, the main argument of the author is that the Federal government should be involved in the increase of border patrols in the country, and not a responsibility for a single state, Texas in this case. He goes on to expose the government that reduced the funds of the Border Patrols troops, in which resulted less productivity from those troops. He makes a bold statement by saying that it's not just the current U.S. president that has not helped the situation, but also past presidents and governments. He goes on to attack democrats by describing their philosophy sarcastically. He finishes his argument by claiming that the country is heading to a "Third World Dump", meaning that the "invasion" of illegal immigrants will turn this country upside down. I personally disagree with this author, because even illegal immigrants work hard in our own country. Despite their lack of social services and support from the population, they ought to work hard and do the jobs that no typical middle-class American wants to do. Also, the government is doing their best to work with illegal immigrants and providing them the needs of  becoming a legal immigrant, and that does cost a lot to do. Although I agree that Texas shouldn't hold the burden of the costs of the increase of guards for their Border Patrol, to say that the country is heading to a "Third World Dump" because of these decisions is quite an exaggeration I disagree with.

Confederate flag on Texas license plate

The article, "Despite court ruling, Confederate flag does not belong on Texas license plate" is very interesting!

Author is against the allowance of the confederate flag on license plates.

Intended audience are faithful Americans who consider the display of the confederate flag on a DMV Registered State license plate inappropriate in terms of racial equality.
Article is posted in a very reliable source on the Star Telegram. The editor works with the Star Telegram. The Star Telegram presents current events such as news articles by information and communication services.
The state DMV should ban the allowance of the confederate flag on state-issued license plates. Those who vote for the allowance of the confederate flag considers it unjust if it is banned because the state DMV allows other wars such as the Buffalo War, Korean War, the Vietnam War, etc in acknowledgement of their honor. Those for the confederate plates thus considers it an honor for the civil war and the "honor the Confederate heritage". However the author argues that the confederate flag symbolizes the remembrance of the nation's past internal conflicts. It sends a message of discrimination "especially African Americans, as it is a reminder of slavery" which is unjustly for the nation. I agree with the authors argument in terms of being faithful for equality against the ideals of discrimination. The allowance of a confederate flag on the plates present a different sense of pride compared to the pride for fighting for the nation such as the Korean War. The confederate flag is a remembrance for the nation's internal conflict which caused the Civil War. If the state allows the DMV to accept discriminating plates, then it will be acknowledged that the state is corrupt for supporting discrimination.

The growing humanitarian crisis at the border

In the Star-Telegram article, “Can Texas officials lead the way on the border crisis?” highlights the efforts being done to solve the humanitarian crisis in the U.S.-Mexico border caused by the massive inflow of unaccompanied minors coming from Central America. In particular, it highlights the recent efforts of Texas legislators. The article also points to the President’s $3.7 billion plan – and the Republican opposition to it – which shows just how difficult of an issue this will be to solve. The article concludes with a brief illustration of the Washington gridlock as it relates to this issue and the overall comprehensive immigration reform debate.

This article is definitely worth reading because it deals with an issue that is important to the entire country (and neighboring countries) – and that is continuing to unfold. This country has been having a debate for some time about comprehensive immigration reform, and this may be the crisis that may eventually make reform a reality. It is often said that Washington gets things done only when faced with a crisis. (Look at the Financial Crisis of 2008.) Whatever your view on immigration, there is no question that something has to be done – now.