"Our Precious Democracy is NOT Self-Executing...
What a TIME to be a Democrat!
Dear Fellow Democrat,
Believe it or not, there have been other times in the 249 year history of this country that have been as perilous or more as the time we find ourselves in now. We look back on the great patriots that stood up to a king across the ocean, we honor the Unionists that refused to accept the split of the nation and fought to free enslaved people, we cheer the selfless Americans that fought fascism in Europe. Throughout our history, there have been forces again and again that would tear this country apart, and somehow, battered and tattered, we stand.
My friend, Fellow Democrat, WE are made of that same stuff. And these days, we are being called on to stand in the way, in our own nation, of a corrupt, morally bankrupt, authoritarian regime and keep this democratic republic intact. If that sounds hyperbolic, if it seems too much, I believe it is only because decent people cannot conceive of the evil that these power mongers are laser focused on. And if it seems bigger than you or I alone can stand up to, please know that none of us is being called on to do it alone. For better and worse, we are in this together. I believe history will look back on this time and say that WE were the heroes of the day.
As I write this, our Texas House Democrats are still out of the state, breaking quorum. They have brought national attention to the crisis of Donald Trump's extreme power-grab gerrymandering, which intends to silence the voices of Black and Brown Texans, removing their ability to choose their own representatives. But let's be real - this is a partisan gerrymandering, the likes of which we've never seen. They are emboldened to grab the power while they believe they can. Our representatives have done the job of igniting California to "fight fire with fire," and as of today, the governor ended the first special session and called the next one. It's not realistic to believe that the Democrats can stay gone indefinitely, because the governor can call session after session and has said that he would do just that. The expense, the danger to their families, the threats to their lives and their offices, make this an enormous sacrifice - one that has so many levels of strategy and consideration, especially when you consider there are over 50 members with so many various life circumstances. So we wait and watch - things are evolving moment by moment. But to say that we are proud of what they've done is an understatement.
What can we do? Tomorrow morning, Saturday, 8/16, 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. Last Saturday, 75 of us showed up and waved signs and let Richardson know that Angie Chen Button (R- HD112) supports the authoritarian regime. By far, most of the response we got was enthusiastic support! It was also great to be with each other and feel like we were a part of the resistance! We'll be meeting at the SE corner of 75 & Campbell tomorrow and each Saturday morning from 10-11 - register for details and JOIN US!
RAD is co-hosting the Summer of Justice Big Blue BBQ in Richardson tomorrow afternoon, August 16th from 2-4. Please join us to enjoy free BBQ and beer at Oak Highlands Brewery and meet lots of judiciary candidates, but be sure to register yourself and your guests so they have enough food! They're expecting a HUGE crowd, so get there early!
OUR MONTHLY HAPPY HOUR is always the Third Thursday! In August we'll be hearing from Mark Wingfield, pastor and author, who will speak to us about the urgency to uphold separation of church and state, as we send our kids back to school to be greeted by THE TEN COMMANDMENTS on the walls of some of their classrooms. Register here and get all the details!
This is IT. This is OUR time to shine. Find your place and do your part. Stay connected to the community and we will find a way through 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.
