Things just keep getting better...!
Monday night, I heard that Vice President Harris would be choosing between two people to be her running mate and would announce Tuesday morning. I had hoped that it would be Mark Kelly, but when he didn't make it to the short list, I assumed that it would be Gov. Shapiro, since I'd barely heard of Gov. Walz. What I had heard was only in the last week, something about a kind of goofy old guy that started the trend of calling out the GOP nominees as "WEIRD" (which I am HERE for - THANK YOU!). Boy, was I wrong and I'm so glad I was! Tuesday morning I started getting joyful messages that she was choosing Tim Walz and figured I'd better get to know him! By Tuesday evening, after that amazing rally in Philadelphia, I was ALL IN, as I know most of us now are! What a Perfect Pick! They have expanded the JOY and excitement that Kamala stepped into the nomination with. I heard someone yesterday say, "This Santa Claus knock-off has warmed the cockles of my cold, dead heart!" Others are comparing him to a real life Ted Lasso! But honestly, doesn't it just feel so GOOD to have a REAL American, from the heartland, with a smile that is so contagious, who is plain-spoken and enthusiastically for democracy and freedom?! (Big SIGH...)
One of the things I learned this week is that under Walz's leadership, Minnesota has become a Democrat's dream state ~ they've protected a woman's right to choose, provided free lunches to all students, and legalized marijuana, among a slew of other "wish list" policies. But what's so beautiful is that in that same time, not only has Minnesota knocked Texas out of the top five states for business, but they've also been named one of the top three happiest state in the Union! Back in June, former Sherriff Lupe Valdez told us at our Happy Hour that "Democrats are good for business and people!" Now we know that Happiness is Good for Business! (And people!) Can you imagine how wonderful it will be to have the Harris / Walz team in the White House?! LET'S GET TO WORK!!
POSTCARD HAVE ARRIVED!! We've been teasing that we have postcards coming and now we are happy to announce that they have arrived! We have raised $900 of the $4300 we need to get them mailed out. We'll also need help with making packets, writing the message on the back, and managing distribution/collection! First, though, let's get this project paid for! We are asking for donations to pay for postage. We will have them available at the next postcard party at Brass Tap on Arapaho, where this past Wednesday, they wrote 300 cards for Averie! We'll add our cards to the party on Sept 21, so sign up! It was a lot of fun and starting Sept 4, they'll be there every week! Sign up for details!
Have you considered signing up to work the election? We need Democrats at the polls, both as workers and as watchers! It is crucial it to have educated Democratic poll workers who believe in the right to vote to make sure that everyone who is qualified can vote. The Texas Democratic Party has publicized many ways we can get involved in Voter Protection! You can find out about the training opportunities here and sign up to actually volunteer here!
And our local candidates still need our support! Representative Mihaela Plesa is in one of the most competitive races in the state in HD70. Averie Bishop for HD112, Sam Eppler for CD24 and George King for the State Board of Education District 12 all need your monetary and boots-on-ground support! (Lots of links! Click around to find the place that works for you!!)
We'll be hosting State Senator Roland Gutierrez at our August Happy Hour!! We have been encouraged with the news out of Governor Walz's state of Minnesota that they've enacted commonsense gun laws and we want to push for this in Texas! So this month we're focusing on our right to live free from gun violence and are honored to welcome one of the most vocal gun safety advocates in the state. Please RSVP for August 15th at Four Bullets - 6:30-8:30! If it's too hot to be outside, we'll be inside at Four Bullets Brewery. Please plan to join us!
In September, Rep James Talarico, former teacher and current social media phenom, will headline our meeting about the Right to Public Education! This event is going to be a shared event with several other area clubs. We're scheduled for Saturday, Sept 21, from 3-5 pm and we plan to fill a 450-seat auditorium at Richland College! Mark your calendars - details and invite to follow soon!
