Want to save money? Stop killing

If the state was doing something that cost on average $1.5- 3 million each and every time, and the state could do something different and only spend $750,000, would you want to change? I would. That is the difference between a death sentence and a life sentence. Seven states are considering abolishing capital punishment because of the economy. States could save millions of dollars if we no longer sentenced people to death. I believe this is a great to save money when the states are so stretched for cash, not to mention the moral issues that surround capital punishment. The money we save on capital punishment could be used to help higher education which is in desperate need of funds. I hope that Tennessee will look into this subject as we look at ways to cut cost.

Military Suicide

In the month of January, more soldiers committed suicide then were killed in combat. The army said that 128 soldiers committed suicide in 2008. That is 128 too many! I hope that the armed forces will look into new procedures to help care for these soldiers. These men and women have fought for our country and we need to give them as much support as we can. I hope this problem will come to the attention of President Obama and Congress and they will be able to work together to fix this problem. I believe if people are having serious psychological disorders, they should be held back from being deployed. After these soldiers have been helped, they should be allowed to be deployed. I hope that our government and armed forces can work together to save lives.

What a great week

What a great week this has been. On Tuesday, Barack Obama became the first Black president. Two days later, Nashvillians defeated the English only bill. It is great to see two things that I voted on go my way. It is also great to get on CNN.com and see Nashville made CNN headlines about defeating the bill. I believe that Nashville made the right choice on Thursday. I am also very happy that a good number of people turned out and voted for and against this measure. I am very glad to be a part of these elections and can’t wait to vote again!

What does nashville want?

The English Only ordeal is almost over. We will all find out on the 22th what Nashville wants. From what I have been seeing, Nashville doesn't want English Only. One way I can tell what Nashville wants, is by what Nashville is doing. The opponents of English only have raised almost $300,000 to fight against the measure. The major contributors have been local business and businessmen that include HCA, Gaylord Entertainment and The Nashville Convention center. Also, Mayor Dean and Governor Bredeson have voted against the measure. I hope that Nashville stands up against this measure and votes NO!

Titan economy

The Titans are helping the economy! Because the Titans made it to the playoffs, it means that there will be another weekend of 60,000 people in downtown Nashville. This means more people coming from out of town and staying in hotels and eating downtown. I hope the Titans win and make it to the AFC championship and bring more people into our great city. I just hope for that game I will actually have tickets!

Can i get tap water please

I just want to give thanks to Metro Councilman Mike Jameson for making the legislation to stop metro from buying bottled water. By moving to tap water, metro will be saving $30,000 – $40,000 each year. In a time where this country is in a recession, it is great to see our local government trying to save money wherever it can. I hope that metro will try and find other ways to save money so that more money will be available for better things.

Don't ask, Don' tell

What has “Don’t Ask, Don’ Tell” cost you:

- Over 12,000 military personal have been discharged because of this policy

- $79.3 million was spent to recruit replacements during 1994- 2003

- $256.4 million was spent to train the replacements during 1994- 2003

- $17.8 million for training officers

- $14.3 million for "separation travel" once a service member is discharged

Over $ 300 million was spent just because of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. In a time where recruiting numbers are low, the military is discharging too many people. I hope that when Barack Obama takes office, he will help repeal this discriminatory law.