Blog Stage Three: Substantial commentary

“How you can be heard by lawmakers without feeling like you’re tweeting into the void,” an editorial appeared in the Dallas News, wants their readers to know about the ways people can get their answers from the government. It is true that our country just got a new president last month and it has left many Americans into curiosities about his plans for the future. People have so many questions that need to hear and hence, they are trying to get the answers through any ways they can. The article argues about what should people do to increase the chances for their voices to be heard?

The article mentions that “we've been asking people in and out of government about how to increase the chances that their voices can be heard — from here in Texas all the way to the Capitol. Turns out, like most things worth doing, being heard takes time and effort — and usually, it takes a strategy.” We can understand that to do something it takes time and effort. But what if all the connections have been short-circuited by busy lines, full voice mail boxes, overflowing email accounts, and too few staff members to help in the lawmaker's office. In that case, the government should try to find some alternatives to keep their connection with people especially when there is so much to talk about.

The article also provides evidence about the lawmaker’s phone line jammed with complaints to support their arguments regarding the governmental activities. That is why the article suggests us some ways to apply to hear back from the government. Their suggestion includes - to show up at events and deliver your message directly to the lawmaker in question, to work through the phone, to make friends with social media, and use pen and paper to write your message to the concerned party.

I am sharing this article because I find this interesting and convincing. I agree with the article and I believe being heard in government is not an easy task. As a citizen, we have many questions to ask our government and it can be done when we have a strategy to help find our voices heard.

Blog Stage 2: An introduction to an article

“It’s a little embarrassing, it’s a little depressing, to be at this point in our life and we go to work and give it 110 percent and have to struggle,” said White, a state employee, in The Texas Tribune article. According to the article, state employees are hoping to get substantial increase in their salary to match the increasing cost of living and benefits contributions. But, for those seeking the increase in wages seems vacant when the governor Greg Abbott  announced a hiring freeze for state agencies and universities until the end of August to free up an estimated $200 million in the current budget. The Department of Family and Protective Services is among those exempted from it. Abbott also mentioned, “Texans know how to live within their means,” and “No less should be expected from their government,” which pretty much alarms everyone that this action gives Texans a wrench from the services they should get.

I found this article worth reading to know what is happening with the state workers like White who hopes to make her life better.