Equality, please!

The fight for homosexual, bisexual, transsexual, and metro-sexual rights has been going on for quite some time but has recently made some progress and had even more set backs. While recently or semi-recently a handful of states (Massachusetts, Vermont, Iowa, Connecticut, and New Hampshire) have legalized same-sex marriage, some have gone out of their way to make sure it was in the state's constitution that it was illegal. (Texas, I'm talking about you!) For me, this particular fight has always been something I've felt very strongly about and is one of the only things that keeps me interested in National, State, or Local politics.

This topic is hit upon by "Tommy On Texas" on his blog and in his article "Texas VS. The Supremacy Clause". In this post he mentions that even though the Supreme Court has ruled that it is unconstitutional to persecute same-sex couples, Texas still has laws that make it a misdemeanor to partake in "homosexual conduct". He points out that there are bills to have this law removed but that they are getting little attention and are not being taken seriously because of the overwhelming amount of conservative politicians in Texas.

I definitely agree with Tommy on all of his points. This law desperately needs to be removed. However, at the same time, I don't think it's a big enough step towards the ultimate goal. I want a REAL change and I want it REAL soon. I have none of Tommy's patience (though I wish I did). I think this fight has gone on long enough and it needs to end.

But I do see that this law needs to be removed, even if only as a sign to people that we are moving forward. And I do think we are moving forward, even if at a rate much slower than I would like.

As this is a topic I tend to get very passionate about, I shall cut myself off here before I start going into an angry rant.


As Always, a student's citizen's perspective.

Not Anti-Gun, Just Practical

A new Bill in Texas has passed the senate hurdle and is heading to the floor. This bill supports licensed concealed carriers having their guns on college campuses. Hopefully after this bill goes to the floor, it stays there.

I would like to say, first of all, that I am not against guns in general. Indeed, I believe people with licenses have earned the right to own and carry their guns, have them in their own homes, and to use them in order to protect their family, their property, and themselves. I believe this despite the fact that my mother, who raised me, was hesitant to allow me to even own a pocket knife and has never supported guns, even in individuals homes, much less on an individuals person.

I believe this sets me apart from many who oppose the bill who are against guns in general and therefor oppose the bill almost blindly.

However, as a student, I would not feel safe knowing other students may have guns on their person. While some college students my be mature enough to handle this responsibility, infinitely many are not. There is also a difference in being able to learn how to use a gun and how to handle a gun and passing a test with that knowledge and then going out into the world and actually applying the knowledge. I fear some might use this as a threat.

My biggest worry though, and the one that I believe is the most obvious and most practical and should be easily seen by even the proudest gun totin' Texan: there is an undeniable liquor problem on most college campuses. While it is easy to be responsible and wise while sober, when a young person is drunk and has a gun, loaded or not, one can only imagine the chaos that might break out.

As always, this has been from a student's perspective.