Houston, TX

Houston - you know how you kind of hate whenever someone says, “Houston. We have a problem,” and get all dramatic? Well, I have a problem.

I’m just not sure what do write on this blog.

Sure, I could put my spin on various local news stories, events, or happenings, but I think that means that I have to be aware of something going on beyond my office door or apartment building. I’ll be honest, I don’t have a window in my office and my apartment faces some trees and a neighboring complex. Most days, I’m lucky if I can remember where I parked my car, let alone what is going on around town.

Then I read Jeff Davis’ post over on the Omaha, Nebraska site about the Governor vetoing a law that would make it illegal for teens to drive and use cell phones at the same time and it reminded me about a little tidbit of news that I heard on the radio this morning while stuck in traffic.

The Houston Chronicle reported today that there is a bill pending in Houston City Council right now to move the curfew for teenagers under the age of 18, up one hour. The existing curfew, which has been in place since 1991, requires teenagers to be off the streets before midnight and during school hours, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekdays.

According to the Chronicle, violators will face $173 fines or community service, which most teens choose rather than forking over their hard-earned money. More than 4,500 citations were issued in 2006, according to police data. More than two-thirds of those were daytime violations.

So my question is, what is the point of moving the curfew up to 11pm on weeknights if only 1/3 of the violations of the curfew occured at night?

Proponents of the new curfew, which would renew the curfew bill that is set to expire on May 11th, cite the rising juvenile crime statistics as a compelling reason for the more strict curfew. Although, the crime rate has increased steadily over the past three years, while the curfew has remained constant.

Only one council member, Councilman Michael Berry, went on the record to say that he would vote against any curfew ordinance.

“It should never be illegal to be outside your house,” Berry said.

I, for one, completely agree with him. The City Council, County, State or Federal government should only use curfews and lock-down policies during declared states of emergency where martial law is in effect. Regardless of a citizen’s age, no authority figures other than the ones feeding and housing a child, should dictate where someone can (or can’t) be at a certain time.

Read the full Houston Chronicle article here to form your own opinions and get the facts.

As for me and this blog, if anyone has any ideas about what I could write, please drop me a line of leave me a comment. I’ll love you forever. Promise.