But before that, there were dinosaurs. But they were a bit crap so f-ck 'em!

In response to JT's Texas State Stuff Blog.

I am a huge advocate of evolution. Honestly, I really don't understand why it is still considered a theory. When you have fossilized evidence of a fish with legs, doesn't that garner enough proof that organisms will evolve to survive in a changing world?

When it comes down to teaching evolution in school, I am all for it. It's science, plain and simple. The teachers don't have to state whether or not they believe in it, but it's unfair to treat it like the red-headed stepchild simply because it's still technically a theory and goes against the Bible's proclamation that all humans were created in the image we currently have today.

I suppose my response to JT's blog isn't exactly concerning evolution (I agree that this should be taught), but more about religion being a factor. I am not an advocate of organized religion (the reasons of which I won't subject anyone to listen to). However, it is a subject that has been a major stepping stone in the human existence. If nothing else, it makes for a good lecture as to why people tend to be small-minded against evolution. I think that giving students a broader perspective on the many schools of thought when it comes to the existence of humans allows them to really wrap their minds around what is logical and what is merely faith-based.

The Road Less Traveled By is Still Taxed

High gasoline prices seem to be the bane of every American's existence these days. We can't seem to escape it, even when the entire country is in recession. Last summer, Rick Perry promised that, if the Texas Department of Transportation would borrow $1.5 million for road-building projects, he and his legislature would work to stop diverting the $600 million a year collected from motor vehicle fees and gasoline tax to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Well, here we are, and in an estimated 24 to 36 months, TXDOT will most likely be saying 'no new roads', due to the crappy economy, which has been slowly tanking since last summer. Because of this, there won't be any surplus to fill the gap if that $600 million is not diverted to DPS. It is even rumored that lawmakers will be using the state's rainy day fund of almost $9.1 million to cover themselves politically in 2011, rather than putting it to better use on the roads or even the school system.

In this article from the Austin American Statesman, the author states that metropolitan counties should be allowed to vote on whether or not to impose a higher gasoline tax, which, since 1991, has been 20 cents to the gallon. I fully agree. It is obvious that the legislation in the state would rather piddle away our tax dollars on campaigning than providing us with decent roads. In the hands of the citizens, the decision to use this money for the upkeep and construction of new roads in central Texas will be impacted more greatly and will help to justify the possible rise in the gasoline tax. At least then, we will feel as if we have gotten our money's worth!

Unemployment for Women

In these trying economic times, it can be really hard for most of us to hold down our jobs. It seems like every time I listen to the news or NPR, they are giving an update on which companies have made cutbacks in payroll and how many thousands of people they have booted out the door. Every time I hear these statistics, I always envision the long line snaking out the door of the unemployment office. I should know...as of this past week, I was one of those people.

According to the Austin Chronicle's 'On the Ledge' blog, Gov. Rick Perry is on the verge of denying unemployed citizens in Texas $555 million in federal unemployment assistance. The Democratic party has become concerned and taken the time to highlight some of the reforms in the UI system, including those that pertain to benefits for women (see the video).

Generally, I didn't think that gender mattered when it came to unemployment assistance. However, the amount of assistance offered to women, especially women who were only working part-time, is considerably lower than the average working person. The author of this article has made it a point to include clips from the press conference, held April 2nd, that focused on women who are mothers working part-time to support their children and women who are college students. Even though the blog isn't lengthy, it's obvious that the author is appealing to readers who would sympathize with these working mothers and students.

I was neither a working mother nor a part-time employee. However, given my current situation, I can definitely sympathize with these women. I am receiving a mere pittance from the government for the time I put in with my company. While this money is definitely appreciated, it is nowhere near enough to keep a single woman with 1 or more children afloat for very long.