Be vigilant; today’s children; wary of ‘Texas Plan’; Trump’s presidency

Be vigilant

To suggest that the security actions taken at Bass Hall are too stringent is to imply that other venues are being careless or flippant.

But shall we search everyone now? Sporting events, movies, parades, schools, churches, shopping malls and grocery stores each present similar targets.

Even in the light of the recent Manchester bombing, I don’t believe that Americans (or the rest of the world) will begin to run around yelling “the sky is falling.”

However, be vigilant. Don’t hesitate to report suspicious activity. Support the police and obey the laws yourself.

But don’t quit enjoying life and thanking God for every day we have. And if you don’t want to be searched, don’t go.

Today’s children

I’m a transgender woman and the parent to a 13-year-old non-binary child. Recent events have made me fear for my child.

Bills in the Texas Senate and House allow discrimination against children based on restroom facilities and allow child welfare providers to use taxpayer money to discriminate against LGBT parents, youth and allies.

I was spared this fight as a child. Or rather, I never tried to join it because the hate I felt in the South was palpable. Bullying and abuse in the name of righteousness and my so-called “otherness” drove me out of school and eventually into homelessness.

Today’s children deserve better.

These bills are bad for students, children and our state’s reputation.

I wholeheartedly urge Gov. Abbott to veto them. Show the world that Texas values encompass equality for all, not just all who look like we think they should.

Wary of ‘Texas Plan’

In the past few weeks, Gov. Greg Abbott has made repeated calls for what he calls the “Texas Plan”; a new Constitutional Convention.

This idea, while outlined in Article V of the Constitution, is deeply concerning.

Beyond the possibility that the Constitution could be drastically altered, it is not clear how Gov. Abbott plans to “rein in” the federal government.

Such an idea certainly has merit, but if we expect to enter into a convention intending to change only a little, we must have well-researched goals in mind that are devoid of vague language.

History tells us as much. In 1787, when delegates gathered to discuss the creation of the United States, they sought to specifically create a federal government that was limited in power.

James Madison and Charles Pinckney both had visions and concrete governments in mind. The result of their negotiations was a government unique in human history.

A great man once said that the greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but in her ability to repair her faults.

Agreed — but we must carefully consider how.

Trump’s presidency

When Donald Trump ran for office, he seemingly did everything he could to lose the election.

Now that he is president, he seemingly is doing everything he can to not stay in office.

Trump has not disappointed me at all. His presidency is everything I thought it would be.

This story was originally published May 24, 2017 at 5:30 PM with the headline "Be vigilant; today’s children; wary of ‘Texas Plan’; Trump’s presidency."