Plastic Bag Ban, Is it really helpful?

            A controversial issue in Austin has been present since the ordinance was introduced to ban plastic bags. I agree with this idea somewhat, but I kind of disagree with the way it was implemented. I think citizens of Austin should have had more time to transfer to another resource.

             

            The main reason this idea is a good reason to implement is because it will save the environment quite a bit. The ordinance will not save the entire environment, because every citizen will not obey the law. Also only the plastic bags disappeared when the problem is plastic its’ self. Companies around the world continue to manufacture plastic products that are sold everywhere in the world including Austin. So the people are still just throwing their trash in the streets as they please. There needs to be another idea put into place.

           

            Perhaps they could start making materials out of different substances. Decomposable materials would be a lot of help instead of the plastic sitting in areas for a long time. The earth would benefit greatly from having nutrients pumped into it the places that now have useless trash sitting. A lot these products are still gathering up in areas such as our streams and rivers that provide water not just to humans but to the life around the world. Overall the ordinance is a good idea, but it can only do so much. Therefore, a better solution is required for the future.

Voting, Should we or should we not?

               Mr. Bagby puts forth a very interesting point on his blog. Voters don’t care, why should you? He put forth “Maybe they feel as if their… vote doesn’t count.”  A vote does count, but it doesn’t always count in certain situations. If a certain amount of people are persuaded to vote towards a policy or elected official, even if that policy or elected official could hurt them. A vote towards the right vote wouldn’t count than. As Bagby said most people don’t always understand their where political leaders stand on issues.

                 

               Bagby does quite well by also pointing out survey polls show that the average American doesn’t involve themselves in politics and usually just conforms to the way life is presented to them. As mentioned by Bagby we face complex issues in society. Aren’t the politicians suppose represent us and do their job to the best of their ability. Sometimes to me it seems like the only reason some ideologies or political figures are mentioned, is because the businesses want these polices or people there.

                 

               Over all, Bagby does an excellent job on this entry. He points out not everyone has a fair chance depending on their situation. The little guy does need to have a voice and needs the proper representative in office. Adjusting and providing alternatives can help greatly to provide the correct progress and security. As individuals and voters, we should all be interested in the politics around us or we could end up in a situation similar to Nazi Germany, which no one needs a repeat of.

Extending the Metrorail

            As Austin expands its area and population, a major question has been raised.  Should Austin extend the Metrorail? I believe Austin should extend the Metrorail, but should extend it to all citizens and major points in the city of Austin. The metrorail should be on a bridge system or have bridges over major traffic congestion points.

             

            Austin will sooner or later develop a rail system like the major cities of the Earth. Austin’s rail line needs to be built correctly and efficiently. The rail needs to supply all types of people. The rail line needs to be cheap while benefiting the people with multiple trains, while trying to supply many people by having multiple locations to stop. It can to be cheap while benefiting the people by taking the money earned from charging the riders and putting it towards purchasing more trains and rails. Multiple trains with multiple stops that have short waiting periods at each stopping location would help a lot. Instead of having to wait 30 minutes, the time should be cut down to 15 minutes to make a higher possibility of more passengers. Locations such as 6^th street require a stop to help prevent DWI’s. I also believe the capital should have a very much, well deserved stop. The rail line needs a bridge system, but since that can become very expensive. I recommend bridges be built over major congestion points, especially downtown streets. If the train runs across the streets of downtown it will stop multiple streets at once and cause even worst traffic congestion in Austin.

             

            Overall any rail line proposed needs to help traffic and connect the city to help secure riders. Therefore the rail line could provide more money to produce even more trains and more rail lines to connect the different locations throughout the city like the trains of other major cities.