Political Confusion, Budget Cuts, and Illegal Immigrants

In my nightly perusal of online articles, I decided to read one article on a blog, created by an Austin Community College student named Paige. Solely upon the information I could gather from her website, I was unable to determine further credentials; and though she might not be a party journalist or is indifferent to Texas politics, her opinions and views still matter because when it comes down to it, all citizens are really just putting in their own two cents. I can understand her frustration with Texas politics. On the surface, many problems seem to have an easy solution, yet when we see numerous politicians bickering over ideologies and ulterior motives, ignoring efficient solutions, it is a bit disheartening.

I would like to address a couple of Paige's ideas about Texas's major budget cuts. Talking about the budget cuts she states, "Luckily though, it will only affect minor situations such as the education system and providing for the homeless." To be honest, I was quite taken aback. With the new budget cuts, Texas's school systems are $15 billion short of providing an adequate education - hardly a minor situation. To strip the education system of its funding means teachers and students will not have the tools they need, resulting in an inadequate education. These students will grow up, not having the education they were supposed to have gotten, and could become the new leaders of our country.

Paige goes on to say that these cuts might provide better funding in areas where we need it most "such as preventing the terrible and oh-so-bad illegal immigrants from making a living here." At first glance, her remark sounded a bit sarcastic (if not racist), but I will assume she intended it to be serious. First of all, not all illegal immigrants are necessarily "bad". Many continuously strive to find ways to contribute to society and to their families, wishing to make a better life for themselves. Although I don't believe we should be paying extra taxes for people who aren't citizens, I do realize that our own ancestors were "illegal" immigrants to this country and therefore have a bit of sympathy for other illegal immigrants. Many people, never having left their own state, are blissfully ignorant of the poverty and extreme social conditions many foreigners have to deal with on a daily basis; ergo, I don't blame them for trying to escape to a better world.

But though many of their conditions pull at my heart strings, I do believe allocating more resources to deporting illegal immigrants back to their home country, especially those who are breaking the law, would benefit our state in many ways (such as lower levels of crime rate and less taxes).

Paige's post is a good read for those interested in budget cut affects, illegal immigration, Rick Perry, and political indifference to Texas politics.