Democracy Now!

Joseph Abdul

3/4/2014

Democracy Now!: Week 6

Texas Frackling/ LGBT Rights in Arizona

            Last week’s democracy Now! Revealed the link between fracking and toxic air emissions. The Eagle Ford area of south Texas had a major toxic spill lately, but it was not emphasized like the east coast spill was. This is because of the strong economic boom associated with the freaking. Big oil corporations and the have bought out the politicians to minimize the issue. Ranchers in the area are leasing their lands for the oilrigs to allow them to pump the oil out. Ranchers who refuse fracking are still affected by the toxins and pollution emitted from nearby properties. Eventually all land owners will give in for the money.

            Also this week, Arizona republican governor Jan Brewer vetoed the LGBT limitation bill. The proposed bill had passed both houses and was waiting for governor approval. Had it passed, it would have given business owners the right to refuse service to LGBT individuals for religious reasons. However the governor was advised by many other governors not to pass the bill. Also, many corporations threatened to pull out of Arizona if the bill was to pass. Moreover, the NFL alleged that the next super bowl would not be held in Arizona as planned if the state would discriminate against human rights in such way. I believe that it would have been a disaster of violence and conflict had the vaguely worded bill passed. The frightening thing is that the bill did pass both houses, meaning those representatives are religion extremists who do not represent the people of Arizona, according to George Takei, actor and LGBT activist. However it is also scary how corporations can have great influence on lawmaking in my opinion.     

Link to videos:

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/2/27/big_oil_and_bad_air_report

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/2/27/george_takei_on_arizonas_anti_gay