We all know that there have been smoking bans becoming increasingly widespread throughout Texas, and the U.S. Well, yesterday in Austin there was a bill tentatively passed to ban smoking in public places across our state but so many exceptions have been included that it’s basically not going to make a dent at all.

The most severe exemption is an amendment to the smoking ban bill by Rep. Burt Solomons, (R-Carrollton) that would leave the choice up to property owners of a business, not the bar or restaurant operators, to decide whether or not they will allow smoking on the premises.

As you would probably guess, this issue spans part lines and has support from both parties, but is also equally as opposed by both Republicans and Democrats alike.

Oh and to those of us who enjoy cigar bars, bingo, etc. - don’t worry because those have been exempted as well. The day the government takes away my right to enjoy a fine cigar in the company of other cigar aficionados, I move to another country!

In conclusion, the smoking ban bill will most likely have a final vote in the House today. If the votes goes as it has previously thus far, it’ll move on into Senate.

Smoker, non-smokers, how would you feel about the government telling us we can’t light up at a bar, restaurant, club, etc.? How much control is too much?

Texas House lawmakers have voted overwhelmingly 124-5 last a few days ago to bring more religion into public schools by adding the words “under God” to the state pledge which students recite each morning before classes commence. This means that the issue is going to be pushed up to consideration by the state Senate.

The bill (House Bill 1034) authored by State Rep. Debbie Riddle, R-150 could change the pledge to “Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, on state under God and indivisible.”

This really wouldn’t be that big of a shake-up as most Texans consider themselves active Christians, and being that the American pledge of allegiance has included “under God” since 1954.

I’ve heard that the ACLU in Texas has received some complaints about this bill, but amazingly they haven’t released their own official statement yet. Funny, because it seems they ALWAYS have something to say.

For those of you who feel concerned about this whole church-in-schools issue, there’s a provision in the bill that allows children exemption from having to recite the newly edited pledge if the parent provides a written request.

What are your thoughts on this?

Last year you’ll remember that there were protests of over 10,000 people expressing their request for illegal immigration to not be punished. Well, this year has drawn measly hundreds.

My take on the issue - it’s called illegal immigration for a reason. When it’s legal, let everyone in. Until then, abide by the rules and come through legally. The U.S. is not discriminatory to immigrants; the country was founded on such principles to promote the opportunity of diversity in nationalities. We can’t let everybody in though, because that would cause problems - and it IS. Imagine if millions of Americans began illegally entering Mexico to live there. The sentiment would be different from these protesters, eh?

Approximately 100 immigrant advocates were somewhat organized in downtown today, protesting raids of local Houston workplaces. They’re angry that they are getting caught breaking immigration laws. Be smarter about it or don’t do it at all and there won’t be as many problems, right? Maybe I’m just crazy…

Anyways, on the downtown street corners today, the crime advocates could be heard chanting “Vamos a ganar.” “We are going to win.” I have a strong feeling, they will not.