Smear Tactics

In the editorial "Smear tactics? We've had enough" the author writes about how America is becoming a more "pro-America" place due to politicians not using the smear tactic as they once use to. The author's inteded audience would be the older voters that have been through more elections and understand how this tactic has been used in the past. He uses Michel Backman as one of his examples, when Backman made a comment about making an expose on the people in congress to find out if they are pro-America or anti-America this caused her opponent Tinkleberg gained over a million more dollars in campaign contributions. This example shows how smear tactic backfired, and also that American Citizens are looking for the more positive attitude to be rewarded office instead of the slanderer. Another example are of those who refer to Obama as a Muslim. This is suppose to scare the voters to the republican party instead of encouraging them to vote due to Republicans views and ideals. I agree with what the Author is saying because I would rather see someone win due to their knowledge of their world and not the insults of their opponent. I’m glad to see that America is not longer being persuaded in the direction of the bully, instead they see how the other opponent is not using these dog eat dog tactics to win an election. They also seem to be a credible source using direct quotes and well known people that gives his argument more of an impact.


Austin American Statesman

Early Voting

In "Early voting in historic election begins today" the authors highly suggests that voters should cast their ballots as soon as possible to avoid technical problems and long lines; which people generally run into when they decide to wait till November to vote. This election is said to be a historical and I believe it is important to be apart of it and vote. The author of this editorial is aiming towards the audience of all voters, especially those who have the tendency to procrastinate. The thinking behind the article is 100% logical, the sooner you vote the better chance you have of waiting in lines. The author of this article is unknown which makes me unsure of their credentials, however I would assume by their logical standpoint that they seem to be a somewhat credible source. This is a great influential editorial that insist that all Americans need to make their vote count, the author gives you informational links on where you can go to early vote as well as what you can do to get your hands on a sample ballot to make your voting process easier and faster.

Make your voice heard and vote!

The link to this article is:
http://www.statesman.com/opinion/content/editorial/stories/10/20/1020earlyvote_edit.html
More information on voting:

-www.traviscountytax.org
-elections.co.hays.tx.us/
-www.williamson-county.org/
-www.co.bastrop.tx.us/ips/cms

Jessica's Law

The Article "Defendant in Jessica's Law case takes stand
Man denies abusing girl; closing arguments Friday." is about a man named Alfredo Soto Enriquez who has been arrested and charged for the sexual molestation of an innocent 13 year old girl. DNA experts have found both Enriquez and the 13 year old DNA seperately, on something such as sex toys, however the problem is that they have not been found together. Jessica's Law has recently been passed within the last year in Texas. It originated in Florida when a girl named Jessica Lunsford,9 yrs old was raped and burried alive. The law states that a first time offender of sexually molesting a child will spend the minimum of 25 years in prison and the maximum of a lifetime sentence. In his thursday trial Enriquez pled not guilty, he was asked if he had ever touched her and he replied "Never." The closing arguments are being held today.

This is a great article to read to help keep awareness of you and your loved ones. Everyone should be aware of the predators out there, even when you think you have a safe neighborhood you dont know whats going on in others homes.

A great was to stay updated on who lives in your neighborhood is going to the National Sex Offender Registary at www.familywatchdog.us/.


This article is posted in the Austin American Stateman : http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/10/10/1010enriquez.html