Wishful Thinking

In Texas Falls Short on the Civil Rights Train, fellow classmate Michael Crump, writes of the injustice the gay community is dealing with regarding their rights, especially in Texas. Michael’s main argument is that the decision to allow or not allow gay marriages should not be a decision based on religious ideas. This is a heated topic that is often debated throughout the religious and political world and I can really appreciate Michael’s sensible approach to the matter. If we take the religious aspects out of the picture what do we have left? Nothing but a simple piece of legislation to be voted on and like the Civil- rights movements of the 1960’s directly affects the rights of a “different” minority group of the voting population.


Mr. Crump’s editorial was extremely well written and his calm demeanor helps his cause. I commend his bravery in being open about being gay because in a world like ours sometimes that means choosing the harder path. I agree with his idea that politics and religion should be kept separated, but realistically we all know that it will take society a lot more changing and growing to do before that will ever happen. But we can hope that one day we can all learn to accept gays and lesbians just as we now accept African Americans as our equal. I personally think, we as a nation ,are slowly headed in that direction, the first step was that first state that allowed same- sex marriage. I think it just takes patience, time and strength, afterall we do have a lot of minds to change. Michael, don’t give up your hope and fight for equality. I think its closer than we all think it is.

A Happy Halloween Indeed

Halloween is always a big celebration here in Austin. Over 60,000 mask wearing, costume flaunting patrons flock to the streets in the heart of Austin’s Entertainment district; officially known as 6th street and formerly known as Pecan Street. It brings out ghouls, ghosts, zombies, and even Leslie. It is a long standing Austin tradition that brings the good, the bad, and of course, the intoxicated. However, this Halloween weekend there is a new tradition implemented by the Austin Police Department; Halloween is now a ‘No Refusal’ Holiday that began last Halloween weekend. The ‘No Refusal’ policy was enforced by the department from 9pm to 5am Friday and Saturday. Suspected drunk drivers who were pulled over during those hours had to give a breath sample or were forced to give a blood sample by means of blood search warrants signed by an on call judge. During this time 46 people were arrested for DUI. If that seems like an awful lot to you, you don’t want to know last years total.

Last year 96 people were arrested during Halloween weekend. That’s almost 100 known intoxicated drivers out in your city streets and countless unknown. I don’t know about you but that scares me a little. How many times have you seen a drunk driver out in the streets? I’ve almost been hit by a reckless drunk driver and it is no joke. Drunk drivers are pretty easy to spot when they are swerving all over the road. I’ve personally seen quite a few coming home from downtown around 3am. And we all know someone who has gotten a DUI. One time I saw, I swear, two Hispanic men in a running car, lights on, windows down, and beers in their hands and completely passed out in the middle of the road. That’s crazy!

The best thing about the ‘No Refusal’ policy is that it seems to be working. The number of arrest was nearly cut in half. I’m no drunk driving advocate but less intoxicated drivers out on the streets means safer streets. And I am defiantly Pro-Safer streets; we already have to deal with enough crazy sober drivers. I think its safe to say that most people would agree that if ‘No Refusal’ Policy is getting more drunk drivers off the roads then it’s doing its job, and doing it well. We can only hope that next year’s numbers follow the present trend.