We've Got 99 Problems, But Essentially ONE ...
Was this ever the United States of America?
Dear Fellow Democrat,
There was a time that seemed more divided because countrymen actually took up arms against each other and declared it a civil war, but these days the divisions are amplified by social media and scores of other media sources and feel more menacing. The Divider in Chief throws fuel on the fire every chance he gets. As Representative (and new Senate candidate!) James Talarico says, our differences are not left vs right, but top vs bottom, and the top needs us to be looking left and right to keep us from uniting against the real threat to our liberty, true justice, and the pursuit of happiness. Division is weaponized by those who want power to keep us from exercising our collective power - the power of the people. Finding our way towards unity, focusing on our shared humanity, and holding forth the founders premise that all of us are created equal, that's where the real power to live out our nation's aspirations and potentials lies.
In times like these, I find it hard to find words. Two days ago, I wanted to say to you all, to the world, that Richardson Area Democrats reject violence and encourage actions that reflect the just and compassionate country we are fighting for. Yesterday, I wanted to reflect on the unity & bravery that the passengers on Flight 93 expressed by downing the fourth plane meant to be used as further destruction. Like you, I've worried that the shooter would be someone from our side of the divide, and that it might be the match that lights the tinder box we exist in, and today I'm slightly relieved that it was - once again - a young white man who was apparently radicalized by white supremacists and used terminology from violent videogames. We can live differently than this! We can come together.
For tomorrow, our Saturday morning protest is cancelled. We plan to be back on the bridge and at the corner of Campbell & 75 next Saturday morning, Sept 20th. We want to let things settle down (hopefully) a bit before we go back out. We'll send out the Mobilize event in the next few days.
Next Thursday's RAD Happy Hour is going to be HUGE! 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 Chair, and DCDP Chair, Kardal Coleman! And to speak with us and answer your questions about the lawsuit he is co-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 expect a very large crowd, so please register so that check-in goes as smooth as possible!
Mark your calendars for the next No Kings Protest on October 18th. We'll be gathering and going as a group on the Dart rail like we did last time! The protest is from noon to 3:00, so we'll meet around 11 to ride together. We'll be wearing our RAD patriotic t-shirts that say "Democrats Defending Democracy" on back! If you don't have one, you can purchase it here and pick it up at the next Happy Hour!
~ 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.
