Positions - Sense or Nonsense?

Tim Pawlenty recently made a switch is his position regarding ethanol subsidies.

Political pundits are arguing about Pawlenty's reason for changing his position. Regardless of his reasons, what seems like sense may not be!

Part of the problem is that we take positions without examining all the pros and cons. What does this position do to reduce our problems? In the case of dependence on foreign oil, Ethanol, at first glance, appeared a likely answer. We could turn renewable crops into energy to fuel our automobiles and other vehicles.

On second glance, what would be the impact on our society if we faced higher food prices based on less land available to raise produce and the conflict of higher prices of corn products.

This treatise is not really about "ethanol". Positions are about how we process information. Most positions have two sides to them. They are like two edged swords that cut going in and going out. One side is a benefit while the other carries a price.

We need to be able to understand the benefit to cost ratio before espousing a position.

Have we done our homework or have we coped someones opinion?

We all have made foolish decisions based on faulty assessments. Sometimes new evidence will change our positions.

When it comes to crucial positions lets apply a modicum of positive and honest research before taking a position. Let's do our homework!

Our School Systems Not Immune From Waste!

Our Texas Legislators are trying to get the costs of education in control.

Now Texas Pundits are proliferating the media with 1/2 truths telling the Mom's and Dad's that the Legislature is trying to short change our school children by taking teachers our of the classroom.

We should all be outraged if that were the whole issue. It is not! Today we find that there is nearly a 1 to 1 ratio of school administrators to teachers in Texas. How many administrators are necessary? In addition schools spend money without considering the cost/benefit ratio.

Some school districts understand the cost/benefit ratio and act accordingly. They are in the minority. Other districts might consider ways to cut costs without cutting classroom teachers.

We can cut school spending without taking effective programs from our children.

Application of a cost/benefit ration to every aspect of schooling our children should be our first priority.