Where is the love for the children of convicted drug users?

We all know from Nancy Reagen's infamous anti-drug campaign "Just Say No To Drugs" that we should just say NO, however, today oftentimes, this is not the case. Drugs are so common that, you or someone you know is either somehow involved with, has tried, or is using drugs (even as we speak). This drug epidemic effects us all in some way, especially the children of drug addicts. That is the main idea behind the 2005 HB 946 bill passed by the Texas Legislature by Rep Miller. This law was designed to protect children by removing them from their care giver found using drugs.
The commentary claims the HB 946 law has not been researched before it was signed into law, and even now, 5 yrs later. He brings up the question of how many children have been effected by this law, and what are we doing to help them. Are we simply removing them or are we helping them. After reading about the law, I totally agree. The HB 946 bill a good idea? I would say "YES." A really good idea, children should never be exposed to drugs, especially from their parents. However, just writing a good bill without detailed research could possibly lead to more problems down the line for us all. More so, how we are helping these kids. In all reality, foster homes are a wonderful blessing, and a great idea, but, if that's all we are doing is placing them them in a 'temporary' home, we are not really fixing the issue. I'm not trying to down the whole foster care system, but, truth be told, there are some foster homes out there who are only out there for the extra money it brings in their household. Loving, nurturing, and caring for these traumatized kids may not be an option, therefore, society ends up paying a BIG price down the line when these ill-forgotten kids turn out like their parents.
I feel like our legislatures need to spend more time researching the ends and outs of all laws they pass, especially laws which effect our children. Someone needs to be the advocate for these forgotten children and try to stand up for a reliable solution. Taking them out of the home without a plan to actually fix the issue is only a train wreck waiting to happen.

Doing what we can to win

Today our great state is buzzing with the Texas Primary elections. A lot of folks have their theories on how things will end up, the scenarios are endless. This Houston Chronicle commenter spoke to a Houston couple who were playing the political block out game to try to vote Kay Bailey Hutchinson out the race. They were pretty confident Bill White would win the Democratic Party nomination, so, to vote for what they felt was a lesser evil, the wife switched parties in the primary race to abliviate Kay Bailey and get her off the ballot. In order to win, the writer is claiming Democrats are even getting in on the action and playing the numbers game, attempting to have a positive affect in November. The logic behind this strategy is brilliant, if enough Democrats show up in the primary to vote for the 'better' Republican, it could actually work.
I personally think this is a great idea, however, I would be voting for Kay Bailey in hopes of blocking out Rick Perry. He's had a free reign for 14 years! When will Texans finally wake up and say enough is enough. We can complain all day, but this is the year we can finally do something about it. Sure Kay Bailey may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but look at he opponent Rick Perry! Standing next to him, she doesn't look too bad. All politicians have a spotted past, but when we lay them all out, we know what Governor Perry is capable of, why not take a chance on someone else.
We will know the outcome of the Primary tonight. I can't wait to see if the Democratic stragegist who played the game today had any impact.