The Drug and its Potential Revenue.

There are two simple questions that Texans and politicians are pondering during our current financial crisis. These questions are: Is there any alternative to creating revenue for Texas and would implementing it interfere with our current low-tax lifestyle?

My colleague, Graham, has written an interesting article about legalizing marijuana use (medically) and taxing it similar to what we do with cigarettes and other socially undesirable products.

The legalization of marijuana use has come up time and time again and has a sizable support base within our country. So should our local government consider allowing its use and collect taxes on it?

I believe that this can be an option and merits some sort of discussion within our local government. Marijuana use is currently illegal due to beliefs that its heavy use is a stepping stone to more dangerous drugs and the effect can create lasting debilities for users.

But why are certain products like cigarettes and alcohol legally allowed in society when it has similar effects on the user. The problem stems from abuse of the drug, similar to alcohol abuse, which is the problem the government should be addressing rather than banning the product.

Marijuana is a lucrative product that millions across the nation use illegally and the proceeds from it are being used for other illegal activities. So why not step in and regulate it and use the proceeds from its tax to help contribute to needed services like education and healthcare.

I am no advocate of the use or abuse of any substance that interferes with the natural order of your body. But like Graham said, "legal or illegal, people are going to continue to buy and use it." So why let this revenue source fly off the radar.

Reforms for Our Future

The shortcomings of Texas' financial system has greatly shown its  flaws during this year's legislative session. And with the our government's proposed solution to cutting numerous services and budgets, while maintaining our "low tax lifestyle", we hear the hardships that we must endure for the next two years.

We as students will be affected with the budget cut to our education, through lower financial aid offered and a lower standard of education to a system already ranked one of the lowest in the country. Yet, we are not the only ones that our government has failed to look after in these troubling times.

The health care system in Texas will also be feeling the pinch that our government has placed upon them. Approximately 9 billion will have to be cut in the span of two years to make a significant stride in balancing our budget woes.

So what does this mean for Texans and our health care system? Currently Texas ranks one of the lowest in state expenditure for health while being the top for population uninsured who desperately need government assistance in that area. This  means Texas will have one huge problem on their hands as local hospitals will start failing to provide services to Texans due to the lack of resources needed.

This grave situation looks worse each day that passes with the current solution in place. The system is failing, and we are still holding on to our "low tax lifestyle" while every essential service is crumbling around us.