A "Joint" Argument

            Robyn Evans’, "A Sticky Icky Situation", brings attention to the increased demand for politicians to reform the current marijuana laws in the state of Texas. I agree with Robyn’s stance that Texas legislators should legalize the selling and possession of marijuana.

            Marijuana has been viewed for several decades as harmful and highly addictive. With further studies and scientific research scientist have observed that these claims are false and contain no supportive evidence. Many doctors have detected the medicinal aspect of marijuana and continue to speak against the false allegations towards the substance. Why is something that is not harmful to someone’s health and can be used as a medicine be illegal?

            The short answer is because the government has not come to any conclusions on how to regulate and tax marijuana. Some states within the US have taken the plunge to end the prohibition on marijuana and have successfully taxed and regulated the green leafy substance. Colorado, for example, has made the recreational use and sell of marijuana legal throughout the state to 21 and older patrons. This has only been implemented for one year and Colorado has already made $70 million in tax revenues. Although this is below the projected estimated tax revenue, it is still an increase of $70 million to their annual state taxes.
           Many bills have been introduced into the current Texas legislative session and are waiting to be voted on within the Criminal Jurisprudence committee. For instance, HB 2165 is a bill that would repeal the prohibition on marijuana in the state of Texas and HB 507 would change the punishment for an ounce or less to just a civil offense not a criminal offense. These bills are a step in the right direction for Texas lawmakers and I hope that marijuana will become more of a social issue rather than a criminal issue.    

Drink and Ride or Drink and Drive?

        Austin is a city known for large amounts of alcohol consumed every weekend. Whether it’s college students bar hoping or professionals enjoying some drinks after a long week, thousands of locals make their way downtown to their favorite bars. Getting downtown is considerably simple, other than traffic and finding a parking spot, but getting home safely is an entirely different issue. Many locals fear that if they take a cab home then their car will be towed, or in the best-case scenario, they will just receive a parking ticket.

         Capitol Metro provides public transportation in Austin and brings multiple forms of communication for daily commuters. Although this is great and helps relieve some of the traffic congestion and pollution within Austin, it does not address the increasing number of DUI related accidents within the last few years. The reason Capitol Metro does not play a role in lowering drinking and driving in Austin, is because during the weekends the public transportation stops at 12:30 am. This forces locals to have to choose between an expensive cab ride, hired driver, such as Uber or Lyft, or to just drive themselves home. This ultimatum forces locals to make a decision when their judgment is completely altered.

         Extending the hours that Capitol Metro operates may cost the city of Austin and its residence, but I believe that it is an important cause that would keep our friends and family safer. Not to mention more jobs would be created. Austin is a city that looks ahead and is willing to take chances to increase overall satisfaction. Keep Austin weird. Ride, don’t drive.