In reply to Immigration Overload, I can see why the author would want to have more money dumped into Texas' border security, but wholeheartedly disagree with it. The idea of border security in this great country of ours, that was created on the very idea of immigration, is tainted. Yes, I believe that some of those people that are crossing the border are up to no good, but the majority is doing everything they can to preserve their family and to give their family a better life. Isn't that the idea of America? Pursuit of Happiness? To shell millions of dollars to contradict that very idea is absurd.

     The people who are against immigration have forgotten their roots, and they would probably would be living a lesser life than they are now if it weren't for the generations before us immigrating to this great land of ours. The DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) is a proposal that would grant immigrants who are in good moral standing and upon completing either college of military service, they would receive permanent residency. This is the route we should be taking towards the battle over immigration. Critics say that this Act would act like a magnet for more illegal aliens to come over our border just to use this country, but that is just closed minded.
   
     I believe that people like this author do not look at the whole picture across the board. More than half of the people that work on our roads, buildings and pretty much every labor intensive job in Texas, and to just kick them out would bring our whole infrastructure to the ground. Instead of lobbying to rid of these human beings, we should give support and residency, and eventually, citizenship. I believe that we should make this country safe, but we should also be fair.

      Last year in 2013, 71,761 arrests were made for marijuana offenders. It cost the state an estimated 746 million dollars just to prosecute and incarcerate users of a non-toxic plant that is completely legal in a few states already. This staggering figure should make citizens of Texas upset. Early in 2014, UT/Texas Tribune sent out a poll in which only 23% of registered Texas voters disapproved the legalization of marijuana. The people have spoken on this matter, and the 84^th Legislature that will convene soon ought to take serious consideration to the proposed bill, H.B. 414. If signed, this bill will provide Texas a step in the right direction. 

     A recent study provided information on how much a state could profit over the legalization of marijuana, which the figure was estimated at 166 million dollars. Being a big business state with economic growth that is unparalleled, why is it that the people running our government is so against the legalization? They are scared of change, which Texas government is ruthless in. Prohibiting the sale and legalization of marijuana is completely absurd. Another year is another waste of almost a billion dollars in revenue. Time to make a change Texas.