Explain to me the value of a college degree.

Hey guys! I'm over ten followers, and it has only been about a week and a half. Thanks so much for your support. Keep spreading the word. If there's a story that you want me to cover, or someone you'd like for me to interview, let me know.

I have a few things to cover today. Make sure you read them all. I've saved the best for last.

Talking with the "conservative voice" of District 105, Linda Harper Brown, I was bemused as to her involvement throughout the years. Analyzing her background, she grew up in Dallas, attended Kimball High School, and considers herself a "four generation Texan". In high school, she had the intent of being a linguist; therefore, she chose to take Latin.
After establishing a family, she moved to Duncanville in which she became involved in her children's lives through PTA, being the Red Cross Coordinator, and electing officials to the school board. With all of her involvement, she was selected to be a member of the City Council. Still committed to her involvements, she started a campaign for DART. While I may not be a big supporter of public transportation, she fights for what she believes in. Nearly every time she attends official meetings in Austin, Rick Perry fights against her work ethics against TX DOT (Texas Department of Transportation). "I'm not a fan of his attitude," Brown stated, "He's very disappointing."
I'm not sure if this is just me, but I have found one thing in sync among Republicans and Liberals. None of us seem to like Rick Perry. Having been elected during George W. Bush's first term, he needs to get out.
Now, this is my main concern regarding all of my research thus far: Why are all of our elected officials lacking a college degree? My mentor, Herbert Gears, has no degree. A representative of the Texas House, Linda Harper Brown, has no college degree. This is baffling. I personally do not want my city to be ran by someone who has the equivalence or less than that of myself. I know that my classes are rigorous. I know that growing up thirty-five years ago did not ensure advanced classes. Thus, I have a higher education than the people representing our community, our state, and our nation. This is absurd. So, all of the preaching that goes on in school about the importance of a college degree is apparently insipid and bogus. They aren't needed. Does this change my mind set? No. I hope that my generation will lead by example and not simply follow in the footsteps of our elders. The process in leadership and official representation needs to be a difficult process. A "weeding-out" type process needs to occur to ensure dedication once one is elected. These officials are not setting an example for my peers.

If you could all leave me a comment telling me your profession and degree, this would help my study tremendously.
Thanks.

Updates

Just so you guys don't think I've forgotten about you, I will be interviewing Linda Harper Brown next Monday. Of course I will post how all of that goes. Hopefully I'll get some inside information on what is to come for Texas and how her election process for governor will go down. If there is anything that you would like for me to find out, let me know.

Also, I will be touching base on the hypocrisy of Senator Olympia Snowe following Max Baucus on his health-care reform statement. I feel that this is a great story to go along with my Kirk England post. By the way, let me explain why I shunned Mr. England for following in his father's footsteps. I know some of you took offense to that. Mr. England assumed that all of my opinions came from my parents. He told me that I should believe what I believe and not the thoughts of my parentals. With that statement, he told me that he followed his father as a mentor, teacher, and a role model. That's a bit hypocritical, don't you think?

Thanks guys,
Taeler

A Visit with Kirk England

Sorry that this response is late. Please forgive me. As you all were informed, I held an interview with our State Legislature, Kirk England. He is the representative of district 106 which is entitled to South Irving and Grand Prairie. His job consists of "being the voice of [his] constituents". Alongside this, he is a State Farm insurance agent located in the heart of Grand Prairie, Texas where he provides health, life, boat, car..etc. insurance to those in the community.

Talking with Mr. England, I've discovered that he is a man of good intentions, but has he always implemented what he believes to be true? Does he himself practice his own preached principles? When speaking of my conservative beliefs I was told that I should "grow out of them"; although, he told me that "[I] should always respect and have tolerance towards those of the opposite belief'". It seemed a bit hypocritical to me. Telling him that I follow Ann Coulter as a role model, he fired back in saying that she "is the Devil". How is that respectful?
Something else that seemed off to me is the fact that his father was a congressman and a State Farm Agent as well. Mr. England followed in the footsteps of his father as if he himself could not and would not, march to the beat of his own drum as I do. This brings me into my next question: Is age associated with how seriously adults take you? I do believe so. This is ridiculous. If one like myself is taking the time to read articles from those such as Ann Coulter and Sean Hannity, then why on earth should I not be taken seriously? Mr. England did not take me seriously. With his biggest concern being the funding of Public Education, he should be taking kids like me extremely seriously.
Talking about his political party, he has recently labeled himself as a Democrat. Spending over forty-five years of his life as a Republican, why would he change so suddenly? Apparently, the Republican leadership in Austin did not understand and would not support issues that were important to his district, primarily public education. “My focus will always be community before my party”. Going back to my earlier statements, I do believe that I am a part of his community. Is he taking the time to represent myself? While Mr. England asked that I not discuss his party change, I will give you all a link. Please come up with your own conclusion. I find it as an easy way out. It appears as if he gave up on his party. Who's to say that this won't continue?
http://www.burntorangereport.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4098
Bringing up his opinions on President Obama, he states that he is a follower. When he asked if I believed in universal health care, I stated that I do not. "That's such a shame, that only shows ignorance," England stated. Following this statement, he told me that he is socially conservative. How can these two go together? While I believe that universal health care is a wonderful thought, Obama already has our country in debt. We cannot afford this. I'll save my explanations for another blog. England also stated that we had an excessive amount of minority votes in this past election. Were their votes for the right reasons? I told him conclusions were made through celebrity influences, race, and age. All he responded with was, "At least they voted." I thought that was pretty low to his standards. Once again, he isn't holding up to his personal standards, nor is he properly representing his community.
In conclusion, Mr. England appears to not be so in touch with his community. Talking with students like myself, I hope that he realizes this. Mr. England, you're a good man, but I do not believe that you are a man of your word. Thanks for your time.

Welcome to the "No Spin Zone".

Hey guys. Thanks so much for checking out this blog. I appreciate all of you that are following. First of all, let me explain myself. My name is Taeler De Haes. I'm a senior at MacArthur High School. My passion lies within the realm of Political Science and Journalism. Combining those two, I will pursue my dreams of becoming a Political Analyst in hopes of having a column in a major conservative newspaper.
I am currently enrolled in the Independent Studies Program where I work vigorously all year focusing on what my intended college majors will be. Throughout the course of this, I will be interviewing major political figures, attending college classes at the University of Dallas, and constructing presentations for students around the metroplex at various schools. All of this will help me receive the information that I need for the end result will be presented to a pannel of judges. I will use this blog as my presentation. This blog will not only give me practice, but it will give me a chance to inspire my peers and community to keep up to date with what is occuring locally, nationally, and globally.
Using this blog, I will analyze, preach, and reflect. While I am on the extreme conservative side of the political spectrum, I will not be bias. I promise to always give both sides of the story; although, I will type what I believe in. I will leave the conclusion up to you. I will be covering interviews that I encounter, news stories that I find of importance, and updates on my projects.

I am interviewing State Representative of District 106, Kirk England, today at 1:30pm. Check out the discussion soon.

Taeler