Idly Occupying Austin

The Editorial Board from the Austin American Statesman published an article February 6, 2012, about Occupy Austin's eviction.  The authors' argument is that it was time for the Occupy Austin protesters to move on, as they felt their objectives for the movement were confusing.  Occupy Austin started its protest October 6, 2011, following the movement that originated in New York, Occupy Wall Street.  The movement began to try and bring attention to the ninety-nine percent of American citizens that are being taken advantage of by the richest of the rich, the one percent.  I feel the authors are writing to the public in Austin, not to criticize the movement, but to explain why Occupy Austin failed to express its prolonged purpose for camping out on the City Hall's plaza.  The protesters were no longer trying to help educate the citizens on their movement.  They were, however, costing the city quite a bit of money.  Apparently, it cost an estimated $800,000 to finance police patrolling at the plaza and to keep the area clean.  Also, most of the protesters that were camping out to support Occupy Austin were actually homeless, and they started making homelessness more of the issue as to why they were there.  The people of Austin, including City Manager Marc Ott, noticed this and decided to do something about it.  There is now a new city policy forbidding people from camping on City Hall's plaza overnight.  People supporting Occupy Austin, or any movement, can still protest at the City Hall, and I believe it does not violate their freedom of speech.  I feel the authors are sincere in their arguments against Occupy Austin in thinking it was time to evict the protesters.

Childhood Obesity

On February 6, 2012, the Austin American Statesman published a story by Lindsey Tanner, of the Associated Press, about how junk foods are widely available at elementary schools.  There has been a lot of media attention and campaigning to try and educate schools, parents, and children on the side effects unhealthy food is having on the youth but apparently to no avail.  The article states that a study was done between 2006 and 2010 with results showing 20% of elementary students as obese and about 45% of schools selling sugary and salty snacks.  This age group is far too young to be battling these issues, and the government needs to step in and implement policies and procedures to ensure our kids get healthier options.  It is our job as parents to get the government involved so that we may terminate the obesity epidemic.  For example, First Lady Michelle Obama has teamed up with a fantastic group, Let's Move, trying to help our children.  The schools could start by following the 5 simple steps to success they have recommended specifically for schools.  We need to help these kids, as they are not old enough to help themselves!