BLOG 4

The article I am writing comes from The Empower Texans blog, which is a conservative leaning blog. The article, which involves voter fraud in a Texas county can be found here. The author is Ross Kecseg and his bio is listed at the bottom of the page. The article is honestly written much better than I anticipated, with almost no detectable partisan wording or agenda. It seems to just be reporting on an issue in the community. I immedieatly expected a slanted viewpoint and left wing hate, but refreshingly all I found was an informative article with no bias or prejudice being presented, a rarity for an online blog.  In Tarrant county, apparently a voting scheme involving more than 20,000 votes has been discovered. “The investigation was the result of a complaint filed by Aaron Harris, of Direct Action Texas. Today, Harris confirmed that AG investigators have been spotted on the ground in Tarrant County interviewing witnesses. In a statement released online, Harris claimed the investigation is into a vote harvesting scheme involving as many as 20,000 ballots.” The author covers the material in a professional manner and offers little opinion, even those this is a blog designed for just that. If this is indeed going on, it brings up many questions regarding mail in ballots, which are a much less secure form of voting. I feel like the author relies too heavily on other information, and we get no idea of the sources motivations. This could just be a group of people looking to make the system work, but I highly doubt it.

Assignment 3

In the opinion based article entitled "Austin Voters Can do Something about congestion by Voting Yes on Prop 1" by the Austin Statesman, the writer expresses his belief in the necessity of the need to pass Prop 1. The article can be found here. "Proposition 1 aims to address Austin’s dreadful traffic congestion by upgrading major corridors, adding technological and engineering features to signals and roadways, and expanding public transit and pedestrian options so people have a variety of ways to reach their destinations." It calls for a 720 million dollar plan, where the money is raised through an average of 5 to 9 dollars a month for homeowners. I don't think many would disagree that the traffic is a major issue, and it does need to be addressed. They also mention the need to make sure people are not displaced and land is taken. The author (editor) does a very thorough job of explaining the issue, and presenting a logical, well-reasoned argument. He informs the reader about the details of the plan, and the need for it. He uses facts and logic to appeal to the audience, which mainly would consist of those unfamiliar with the Proposition or maybe undecided on how to vote. He makes no attempt to hide his view that this is a must win proposal, as he believes it will alleviate traffic issues at a minimum cost to taxpayers. I have to say, after reading his argument, I am inclined to take his side due to the well reasoned and convincing presentation. I find this interesting, as in North Carolina they pay state taxes and the roads are very well maintained and there has never been a need for a vote like this. As an Austinite, if this will fix traffic I hope it passes.