Current Events 3.2

1. The measure adds new screenings for refugees from Syria. It is popular because of fear after the Paris attacks. The next step for the bill is the senate. Obama will veto the bill. They feel the bill would undermine American leadership in Syria. They feel the refugees don't pose much of a threat.

2. The decision will ease regulations for building garage apartments. The decision will make less expensive housing and a way to provide supplemental income. She said garage apartments could override neighborhood plans. They said it is the only way some people can afford t live in Austin. I think it is a good idea.

3. District 10

4. They approved modified salmon. They said safety studies were not adequate and wild salmon might be affected if the modified salmon escaped into oceans and rivers. The decision took long because it was the first approval of a modified animal. The chief executive said he was delighted and surprised. GMO's are gaining popularity.

5. Zimmerman proposed a resolution stopping Austin's government from spending money to help Syrian refugees stay in Austin or otherwise assisting them. They said we should support the refugees. 1,225 refuges came to Travis County in 2013. Sid Miller compared Syrian refugees to rattlesnakes in a post including a picture of snakes and a picture of a mass of refugees. Democrats accused him of fanning "the flames of fear and xenophobia."

6. Raphael Holiday was convicted of killing three kids. Texas has executed 13 convicted killers. The other 49 states have executed 13. He thought it should be appealed because Holiday's attorneys abandoned him. The conviction and some trial testimony were improper. The Texas attorney general's office overturned each appeal.

7-1. Campus carry laws - I don't think guns should be allowed at U.T. I just don't see any need to have one. It can only hurt to have them.
2. 86% of students who fail 2 exams graduate with new law - I think that number is to high. People need to step in and keep these kids from going downhill.
3. Do presidential debates matter - In the end, I don't think they affect who wins. But, I think it is important for the viewers to see what the candidates have to say, and it might change a few opinions. As long as people enjoy watching them, they can provide some entertainment.