A Good Argument. Period.

As a person who struggles who with expressing herself in written word I really enjoy fellow classmate K. Vasquez’s writing. I both respect and envy her ability to be refreshingly clear. Not much of a compliment, I know but like I said I’m a poor writer. No matter the subject of her posts, there is an upbeat feel to them which I enjoy. Even with subjects such as disgruntling as LGBT discrimination with SB 1062 in Freedom vs. Equality In America I find myself wanting to read more not only because it’s informative but also genuinely heartfelt.

In her latest post, she addressees the transgressions against the LGBT community through Arizona’s proposed bill. Yes, it is a vague bill and as many on the opposite side of argument would state it doesn’t specifically identify the gay community as the purpose for it’s original draft but that’s the problem. Being so broad, to the point where you could interject any group, gender, race or sexual orientation into it is a problem in itself.

K. Vasquez includes many links that not only educate you on the issue at had like articles that inform the reader on both sides but also inserts history. I mean, why wouldn’t you? It’s a major point to make in the argument. To introduce not only the latest national issue but the entire “American Gay Rights Movement: A Short History”.

She continues to jog your own thought process and personal beliefs by asking the reader what their own interpretation of the bill may be. She introduces queries that may make the reader wonder why they voted for the candidate they did.

So in conclusion I wish to say that I completely agree with my fellow classmates assessment of SB 1062 and applaud her not only in her ability to make her argument that this bill was completely discriminatory regardless of whom it was intended but also for her smooth application of education. Bravo, K. Vasquez!

Pressures On

Finding a national issue that hadn’t been beaten with the controversy stick repeatedly and that still enticed me to commit a minimum of 350 words to was a little difficult. Searching the usual sources I noticed a repeating headline this week though, “Use-of-forces policies”. It seems that Congress and watchdog groups alike are calling for tougher restrictions on the use of force by U.S. border agents and more transparency including the release of a recent audit that highly suggested policy reform. This was brought on by the Tribune Washington Bureau, which made it public that the results of an independent audit into the “use-of-force” policies of the U.S Customs and Border Protection Agency were less than desirable.

For me, the accusation that the border agency is less than tidy in carrying out it’s policies isn’t exactly surprising. They have few mandates giving Congress the ability to exercise oversight and are dealing primarily with individuals that do not have the same rights as U.S. citizens.

Now reading through numerous articles I find the lack of information in which to build my argument a little frustrating. I wouldn’t be the only one. The non-transparency of the border agency is alarming and according to many, especially Spanish-language media, it has been for years.“Border agents that kill Mexicans are rarely punished” according to the L.A Times when referring to Mexican authorities sentiments on the issue.

I understand that maybe these officers must endure an environment with limited resources. That the agency in which they are employed is highly politicized and their relevance swaying with each administration but it’s no excuse for the tactics used. “Lack of diligence” accused Tribune Washington Bureau, criticizing the border agency’s investigations into the 19 cases that resulted in death. There are still 8 more death related cases not yet reviewed that bring the total to a whopping 27 since 2010.

Border Protection officers are using lethal force in completely non-lethal situations.  Using firearms to respond to rock throwing and stepping in front of moving cars to justify firing shots at the occupants. They are not being held to a standard that is fitting to represent the Unites States or suited for protecting U.S and Mexican citizens alike. What’s more alarming is that this report is the result of an investigation commissioned by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency itself but yet they refuse to release the findings to the public or Congress.

Obviously, a few things stink here and I’m hoping that if lawmakers get their, way releasing the report, that it will only be the beginning. That by reviewing all the findings, safe guards and policies will be set so negligence will not run amok.