Blog Stage 3: A is for Aggressive, Abbott

For my critique, I choose the article entitled "Abbott wrong to put politics before the needs of people" published by Eddie Rodriguez in the Austin Statesman on February 15, 2017.

In this commentary, the author discusses Texas Governor, Greg Abbott's,'especially egregious' way of handling the disagreement between immigration policies installed by Travis County newest Sheriff, Sally Hernandez and how Abbott's brash decision to cut state funding from Travis County should be a concern for all Texans and what this could mean in the future for people who find themselves on Abbott's bad side for disagreeing with his personal views.

While Rodriguez's article speaks out as a warning to all of us who live in Texas, his powerful and harsh choice of words seem to specifically target those who are either on the fence regarding the fight between Abbott and Hernandez or who lean towards support of side of our Governor; as he states, "Don't be fooled by Abbot's rhetoric...Sheriff Sally Hernandez is on the right side of the law."

As far as credibility goes, Eddie Rodriguez is a member of the Texas House of Representatives, was elected originally back in 2002 and has been serving seven terms since; representing District 51, East, and Southeast Travis County. This being the case, he has worked very closely with the one's that Abbott's actions directly affect. It also explains the reasoning behind his passionate attack on not only the decisions of our Governor but his character as well, often comparing him to that of a bully and to our current President, who is also often described in very negative terms for his similar view on immigration.

Now, though I may personally agree with Rodriguez's stance toward Mr. Abbott (having worked with Sherrif Hernandez when she was leading Travis County Precinct 3 for two consecutive Summers, I am more favorable to her and believe her policies are fair and just), the argument that Rodriguez uses comes off as a bit too ardent and because of that, the reader finds the article lacking in substantial evidence to support his stance.

Though I do understand that on the face value, our Governor looks very much like a man who is using his power to knock down anyone who does not support and follow in line with his views, Rodriguez seems to rely solely on pathos, by describing his and the public's struggle to find a way to make up the federal funds that were cut and the fear that many of the immigrant communities are facing currently. To me, a man who has served up to seven terms in the House of Representative should have more practical advice than "we won't take your (Abbott's) punches sitting down." Rodriguez uses emotion very well throughout his argument, but there is no helpfulness to be found in it. All that it comes off as is a list and attack on Abbott and the decisions he has made recently, justified as it may be, unfortunately, he ends up preaching to the choir. For many of us, we are already very much aware of the nature of the Governor and his viewpoint regarding immigrants.

What I had hoped to find in this article was a criticism of Abbott's actions and possible solutions that we, as citizens, could take in order to be more involved - ultimately, I only found the former. Though what Rodriguez lacks in practicality, he makes up in credibility and logos. While I can assume, he, too, is unsure of what our next move should be in response to our Governor's actions, I know that Rodriguez comes from a good place of understanding that one can only get through first-hand experience - so I know he does not criticize groundlessly.

Blog Stage 2: Travis County Controversy

Hello, everyone!

In this post, I wanted to bring to your attention a development in an extremely controversial issue that has been going on in Austin since it elected Sally Hernandez as Travis County Sheriff.

One of Sheriff Hernandez's key points, when she was campaigning, was that she ultimately wanted to make Austin the first "Sanctuary City" in Texas. Now, while a good majority of Austinites are in favor of this, there is a sizable amount which is not.

Among those in the "not in favor" category is none other than our own Governor, Gregory Wayne Abbott. Yet, to say that Abbott is simply against Sheriff Hernandez's policies would be a major understatement. In this article written by KUT, it follows the events that led up to Governor Abbott cutting $1.5 million in criminal justice grants from Travis County in an effort to best Sheriff Hernandez to step back on her immigration policy.

Though I am extremely concerned concerning our nation’s travel ban on Muslims, I also feel very strongly about the relentless bullying Sheriff Hernandez has received from Governor Abbott.

Through this article you will be able to become more informed with Sheriff Hernandez’s sanctuary city policy and how she is still abiding by the state and federal law - she is simply refusing to do ICE’s (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) job for them. Not only that, but this article highlights the amount of power that Texas has allowed the Governor to possess. You can decide for yourselves - is our governor bullying his way to keep Texas the way he likes it or is Sheriff Hernandez in the wrong, despite not breaking any laws?

Let me know what your thoughts and remember to stay informed! This is your city, make sure you know what goes on in it!