Ultrasound Bill

Abortion has always been a controversial topic throughout United States. Part of the reason is that it deals with the right of a mother and the right of the unborn; which right is supreme? Not too long ago a Texas state Senator Dan Patrick introduced bill 182 also known as the ultra sound bill. This bill would amend the current Texas Women Right to Know act, which was passed in 2003. This bill will give women the opportunity to see their ultra sound before making the critical decision of abortion. The woman may choose to decline viewing the ultrasound but will be required to sign a form stating she was given the opportunity. Many might view the bill as a tactic to persuade women from abortion; well that is sole the purpose of this bill. Although I am neither pro life nor pro choice I have full support for this bill. I see nothing wrong with providing a potential mother with as much information she will need to make one of the most important decision of her life. Yes it’s true a woman that has thought rigorously about her decision and has her mind made up may go through with the abortion and that is okay. What about the young vulnerable teenager who isn’t aware and is clouded with pressure, fear and uncertainty. This could be their moment of clarity. Then the woman who is not so sure, would have liked to have the baby but needs something extraordinary to confirm her faith. An ultrasound might do it for her. I might be wrong but I just don’t buy into the idea that everyone who walks into an abortion clinic are hundred percent ready and has considered all alternatives. I am in favor of giving women choice but also give them all the tools and resources they may need to make the right choice. This bill would place women in better position to make such a life changing decision. There about 74,000 abortions done in Texas annually. Keep in mind I have never heard or seen a mother say “ oh I wish I had done abortion instead of having him or her.” One thing I am sure this bill would do is save live that wasn’t meant for abortion.

Warehouse District

Being that I visit the Austin downtown area at least six times a month as some sort of ritual, I was glad when I stumbled upon an Austin Contrarian blog article that was about the downtown area; The Warehouse District to be precise. The article was written by Chris Bradford on behalf of the forum he attended in which they discussed the topic: What to do with the Warehouse District? The dilemma is should the Warehouse District be preserved from development on the grounds of it being an historic district and if not what are the alternatives? Bradford made it clear that he is against preserving the upscale warehouse district as an historic district. Instead he favors redevelopment. Bradford offers four possible options of what the city of Austin will do: They can preserve it as an historic district, allow redevelopment but reuse of façades, allow redevelopment but impose special design and standards or allow unfettered redevelopment. The author expresses that he loves the idea of a redeveloped Warehouse District that is subjected to special design standards. Although this would take much time, money and require intense planning opposed to the idea of unfettered redevelopment he believes it will be worthwhile in the end.

I have always found it intriguing how Austin merges college life, night life, entertainment, business and politics into downtown without conflicting. I guess it could be part of the “keep Austin weird” factor. I believe this article targets Austinites who are concerned deeply about their city and take great interest in the downtown area. True to its name, the restaurants and clubs in Warehouse District have been renovated from former warehouses to upscale, trendy restaurants, concert halls and clubs. I wonder if that is a strong reason to name it an historic district. The Warehouse District is an important element of Austin’s culture, entertainment and nightlife. Besides that it caters to a young but more mature professional unlike the wild six street that is dominated by college students. The Warehouse District projects an elegant and upscale side of Austin night life. This district is not a museum and serves no historic purpose besides the fact that it was once occupied by dusty old warehouses that were renovated to luxurious bars and clubs that everybody liked. The redevelopment will make use of dead space and enhance the district. I agree with Bradford, if redevelopment will add value to Austin, bring in tax revenue and employ Austin citizens then why not. I don’t understand why people are so afraid of change even when it is good. I say keep Austin weird but Warehouse district elegant.