Texas on the Brink

So, just how well are we doing in the Great State of Texas as compared to other states? State Senator Eliot Shapleigh's report Texas on the Brink Jan 07 is a quick reference to the public policy challenges facing Texans today. Check it out and answer the question for yourself. Let me know your reactions to what you learned.

At Texas Christian University, our mission is "To educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community." I believe that responsible citizens in Texas need to know that we must do a much better job of providing basic and humane support for education, health care, mental health, and women's issues, just to name a few.

Put Texas on the Brink next to the fact that the economy of Texas has an economy that is second largest in the United States and is the 15th largest economy in the world (based on GDP). In 2006, Texas had a gross state product of $1.09 trillion, and per capita as of 2005 was $42,975. Texas is responsible for 7.9% of the United States' gross domestic product. According to the Texas Economy Online, the economic future of Texas is bright

• Economic growth that exceeds the U.S. average.
• Stronger business ties to the far corners of the world.
• An older and more ethnically diverse population.

How do ethical leaders and responsible citizens reconcile this bright economic future with Senator Shapleigh's report that Texans are not doing as well as the rest of the country????