How to Visit a Jail

http://gritsforbreakfast.blogspot.com/


About Scott Henson
A former journalist turned opposition researcher/political consultant, public policy researcher and blogger.

•   Henson talks about how prisons in Texas are eliminating face-to-face visits. Texas jails are replacing the normal face-to-face visits with video camera voice chats instead. According to Henson, the reason for this switch is because of a contract with Dallas-based Securus Technologies to only allow video-based visitation. There are many who stand against these decisions in the state. One being Dallas County Commissioner Elba Garcia, stating, “It is very important that we do not profit on the backs of inmates in the jail”. Garcia, along with Judge Clay Jenkins, and other local leaders and activists helped to end a contract with Securus. 10 counties in Texas have already eliminated face-to-face visits, with many more considering the option, despite the effect it would have on the inmates.

•   I believe Henson did a great job on commuting the problems and issues that our local state prisons are facing. The only real complaint that I would have about his approach is if he was truly doing an informative blog, to back off the bias statements. He states the information clearly and from what i can deter, honestly, but he is attacking the video-based system too much. Where as he supports the face-to-face argument a bit too strongly. A truly informative blog would not be biased to fit the opinions of one side or the other. It should state it's facts clear and steady so as to present the most information possible. I feel that I am not getting enough information from this blog to form my own opinions on the matter. Therefor creating distant between the reader and the author.     

Denying Medicaid

http://www.dogcanyon.org/2012/07/09/perry-texans-will-pay-to-deny-health-care-to-millions-of-texans/

About Glenn W. Smith

Glenn W. Smith has spent the past 30 years in journalism and politics, where he’s made a name for himself as a writer, campaign manager, activist, think tank analyst and, as Daily Kos founder Markos Moulitsas says, a “legendary political consultant and all-around good guy.” 

   




     In this article Glenn W. Smith attacks governor Rick Perry's decision to not participate in the federal Medicaid expansion. Smith talks about how Perry's choice will harm millions of American's lives in both short term and long term effects. Smith attempts to persuade his audience by stating that Perry does not care about the people, that he only cares about his political success against Obama.

     While I agree that it is not right to deny so many Americans the financial help they need. A country cannot survive by supporting its people, the people must support their country. I do not support most of Rick Perry's political choices, but i do believe that Medicaid is draining the country more than it is helping.

     I feel that Smith does a poor job of putting his point across. He spends too much time attacking Rick Perry instead of strengthening his initial argument. This leads to weak arguments such as accusing Rick Perry of being inhumane by not helping others. Shortly afterwards Smith talks about how bad it is for Texas to help other people just because they are in another state, despite living in the same country. Smith's article attacks the points that most Texans already acknowledge, instead of giving us insight on more important matters that are left in the dark.