03.24.24 Navigating Collaboration with Cooperation

Both Democrats and the GOP (Republicans) occasionally find common ground on certain issues, despite their often divergent stances. Here are some key areas where they share goals or face similar challenges:

1. Government Funding and Budget: Both parties must grapple with funding the government, ensuring essential services, and avoiding shutdowns. While they may differ on specific allocations, the overall goal is to maintain stable governance and meet citizens’ needs.

2. National Defense: Democrats and Republicans generally agree on the importance of a strong national defense. They both aim to protect the country’s security and maintain its status as a military superpower.

3. Race Relations: Surprisingly, both parties recognize the need to address racial inequities. While they may differ on the approach, there’s a shared goal of promoting fairness and equality.

4. Economic Prosperity: Both Democrats and Republicans want a thriving economy. Their strategies may vary, but the ultimate objective is to create jobs, boost growth, and enhance prosperity for all Americans.

5. Infrastructure Investment: The recent passage of a $1 trillion infrastructure bill demonstrates bipartisan support for improving the nation’s roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure.

6. Climate Change: Although they may differ in their approaches, both parties recognize the urgency of addressing climate change. Finding common ground on effective policies remains a challeng4.

7. Healthcare: While Democrats and Republicans have contrasting views on healthcare, they both aim to improve access, affordability, and quality of care. The challenge lies in finding a balanced solution.

8. Education: Both parties value education and seek to enhance educational opportunities for all Americans. However, debates arise over funding, curriculum, and school choice.

How do we navigate these central issues to all humans, all residents of the United States, while we sit each in our own glass houses? There are so many nuances, so many individuals, the renewal of the social contract of respect and dignity for all will be paramount.

03.19.24 Crime Rates in Immigrants or US Citizens

Oy! Now is the time we will start hearing SO MUCH RHETORIC on immigration! I sincerely wish that people would stop getting their news off FB or Fox, and start seeing the information and facts.

Several studies have examined the criminality rates of immigrants compared to native-born individuals in the United States. Here are some key findings from reputable research:

1. Texas Department of Public Safety Study (2020):

   • This study analyzed comprehensive arrest data from Texas between 2012 and 2018.

   • Undocumented immigrants had substantially lower crime rates than both native-born citizens and legal immigrants.

   • Relative to undocumented immigrants:

     • U.S.-born citizens were over 2 times more likely to be arrested for violent crimes.

     • U.S.-born citizens were 2.5 times more likely to be arrested for drug crimes.

     • U.S.-born citizens were over 4 times more likely to be arrested for property crimes.

2. The Sentencing Project Study (2017):

   • This research found that foreign-born residents of the United States commit crime less often than native-born citizens.

   • Immigrants, including both documented and undocumented, have lower crime rates compared to their native-born counterparts.

3. American Immigration Council Report:

   • Various studies using different methodologies consistently show that immigrants are less likely than native-born individuals to engage in violent or nonviolent criminal behaviors.

   • Immigrant youth who attended U.S. middle and high schools in the mid-1990s and are now young adults have among the lowest delinquency rates.

In summary, the evidence suggests that immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, generally have lower crime rates than native-born U.S. citizens. It’s essential to base our understanding on empirical research rather than stereotypes or misinformation.