It's Time to Down Shift into WORK Gear
A Different Spin on Labor Day...
Dear Fellow Democrat,
Americans are hard workers, and maybe because of our great work ethic and focus on getting the job done, we tend to think that if it's not our job, someone else is taking care of their job. Most of us reading this letter will do our job of voting but then often step away from the fray of politics and governing as if those who are elected will automatically know AND DO what we want. The truth is that our representative form of government only works in as much as we stay aware and involved. I believe that we find ourselves in this precarious moment in history because we ceded our power, and the only way we will keep our country from falling into fascism is to reclaim that power.
This Labor Day, we have to commit ourselves to working harder than we ever had to elect true representatives and hold those in power to account. That means showing up to listen to the candidates who are starting to announce where they're running, choosing those that most align with our values and working to get them elected. We'll need to knock on doors and support them financially. It also means showing up in the streets at rallies and protests, it means writing and calling the people who are currently in office - in other words, LETTING OUR VOICES BE HEARD!!
Every day and seemingly every hour we get breaking news of another pillar of our republic being dismantled. We know it's intentional, but that doesn't make it any less shocking to witness. Just yesterday, the Texas legislature rammed through their fever dream of the last 10 years - the "bathroom bill", which is designed to cause suffering for the trans community. The dystopian bill further outlawing and criminalizing the abortion pill and anyone anywhere who might be in any way associated with it, to the tune of a minimum penalty of $100,000, was voted on along party lines. MAGA Republicans are power crazed and it seems the flood gates have opened to their most regressive, extremist wish list. Nationally, the dictator in the gold house is throwing out edicts like a mad king, causing chaos and setting the stage for his fantasy of ruling the universe. WE WILL NOT LET OUR STATE OR COUNTRY FALL ON OUR WATCH.
We are protesting! Saturday, 8/23, we will be showing up to speak out to our neighbors and community and let them know that we are here and we're not standing down. At 9:00, there's a bridge protest on the Collins overpass. You can park at Cafe Max on the east side of 75 on Collins, and march up the bridge. Then come over and we'll be protesting at the SE corner of 75 & Campbell each Saturday morning from 10-11 - register for details! We've had a huge crowd and great public response the last few weeks - JOIN US!
The Lake Ray Hubbard Democrats are hosting Bobby Cole, running for governor, in Rowlett on September 4th at 7:00 p.m. They're inviting us to join them in welcoming him with a good crowd at the First Christian Church, 7301 Miller Rd, Rowlett, TX.
OUR MONTHLY HAPPY HOUR is always the Third Thursday! In September we are going to have an AMAZING lineup! Please make plans to join us to welcome: Joe Jaworski for Texas AG! Kendall Scudder, Texas Democratic Chairman! And DCDP Chair, Kardal Coleman! And to speak with us and answer your questions about the lawsuit he is leading against the newly racially gerrymandered map just signed into law in Texas, Attorney Sean McCaffity! Sean ran for CD3 back in 2020 before the last gerrymandering in '21. This will be a special evening and we want to really show up, so please register for details!
Have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend, and figure out how you will downshift into low gear to move our democracy forward, against the odds and against the tide... we can do this ~ TOGETHER.
~ See You Soon ~
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Once again, if you haven't done so yet, we invite you to join or renew your membership in Richardson Area Democrats. Your suggested donation of $10/month will help us continue to build this inclusive community! Thanks for all you do.
