The government shutting down is no excuse for anyone to sit on their hands. Quite the opposite, we need to be louder, organize more, and call out our representatives, particularly, especially, if they’re Republicans.
I’ve been off my pins, after a manner of speaking, for a couple of weeks. I was pretty exhausted physically - enough that I really had no oomph - but I’m back and ready to retain to the fray.
There’s lots of stuff coming up here in Texas and across the country and while this is typically a Texas-centric column, I do try to include as much as possible of events (usually, online) for the whole country.
I also want to shift attention to the more positive aspects of engagement. It really is less about being reactive to whatever madness the authoritarian government is doing than simply in turning up for your neighbors. It really is less about freaking out about the latest stupidity issued by the Occupier or his spokespeople in the regime than speaking up for yourself and others who may not have a voice or are too fearful.
I’ve been saying for months that things are going to get worse before they get better, but believe it or not, I don’t see that as a reason for throwing in the towel and fretting; it is much more a call to arms. It is a call for everyone who opposes the fascism, authoritarianism, and tyranny playing out around us. It is a call to do what you can where you can.
Keeping a scorecard might work for some people, but I don’t think this is very useful for me. As long as those in power remain, this republic is not safe; as long as there is still this sense of an aggressive ruling class robbing from the rest of us, telling us what to think, to watch what we say, and to tow the(ir) party line, democracy is very much in danger. All of that said, we continue to rally and spread the word.
I just found out that a family member - a younger one, at that - is a Trump supporter. He is a huge Charlie Kirk fan, as are his cohort, young, white, well-to-do, young men. That said, his espousal of supporting the regime might well be superficial (he doesn’t vote, so there’s that), but the mere espousal coming from someone whose parents hold diametrically opposed views, tells me more about the headset of young people than I care to think about.
He comes from privilege, has a attended a fine school, and is accomplished in his field already. His field? Finance. I don’t have a problem with him pursuing his desires, but the stereotypical aspect of all this is disappointing. I don’t really have much to do with that side of the family, but I do love them very much and I’m saddened that this is the case. This is one more reason to not give up: if young people are so swayed by demagoguery and lured into the studied jadedness of not voting, this is concerning for a lot of reasons. Why save a country for future generations if future generations are just going to toss it away or keep their heads down and follow the herd?
For one thing, I don’t believe that he’s indicative of all his generation; but it’s one more aspect of all this to be aware of. As wealth continues to flow upward, younger wealthy people may well being to feel that it is their due to facilitate that flow and continue the lineage of oligarchs ruling over us. When we find people dear to us who fall for the nonsense, that doesn’t mean we cease to love them, but that we can redouble our resolve and efforts to counter the nonsense.
All of this is to say that what’s offered here are ideas and places to turn to for anyone who is at a loss for ideas or looking for ways to engage.
Before I get to posting specifics, something for Texans particularly.
Texas folks, in November’s upcoming election, we are voting on amendments to the state’s constitution. For the majority of people, this is not sexy, not exciting, but it should be fundament-quaking. The Texas Tribune has a good reprise of
those amendments and I suggest studying them in great detail. October 6 is the deadline for registering to vote on November 4. Consequently, there’s a lot about volunteering to register new voters.
Okay, let’s go!
NO KINGS!
Yep, gotta lead with this. This is a reminder to ourselves, each other, and most of all, our would-be rulers that the American experiment isn’t over. We were founded on the premise of a government by and for the people. We enshrined it in a constitution and refined it with amendments.
To find what’s going on, do a search, register and prep for an October 18 like no other!
https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/map/
In Houston, I hope to see you at noon on Discovery Green!
https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/844192/
And then, stroll over to City Hall at 2!
https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/842538/
Want to attend a No Kings in your own community? Of course!
Kingwood: https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/839453/
The Woodlands: https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/846882/
Conroe: https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/841256/
Pasadena: https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/844672/
Cypress: https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/851507/
Katy: https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/841758/
Fort Bend: https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/840109/
Register new voters!
These are all upcoming at local high school football games.
VDVR's Needed -Voter Registration at Bellaire vs. Westside @ Butler Stadium
Community Event · Hosted by Harris County Democratic Party
Friday, October 3
6:30 – 9pm CDT
Butler Stadium
13755 S Main St
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/840606/
VDVR's Needed -Voter Registration at Westbury vs Waltrip @ Butler Stadium
Community Event · Hosted by Harris County Democratic Party
Friday, October 17
6:30 – 9pm CDT
Butler Stadium
13755 S Main St
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/840607/
VDVR's Needed -Voter Registration at Westbury vs Waltrip @ Butler Stadium
Community Event · Hosted by Harris County Democratic Party
Friday, October 17
6:30 – 9pm CDT
Butler Stadium
13755 S Main St
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/840612/
This is super cool: the Houston League of Women Voters has a bunch of events to get involved with!
Take action with League of Women Voters of Houston
https://www.mobilize.us/?org_ids=36323&followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_orgs_active_near_you
I can’t tout ROADwomen enough (I’m a member); but for Harris County and the greater Houston area, please register for this. Our judges have faced daily threats, attacks from Republicans, and more. This is a critical meeting and I really hope turnout is huge.
ROADwomen's 10/21 Meeting - The Judges Speak!
Tuesday, October 21
6:30 – 8pm CDT
St Stephen's Episcopal Church, Pecore Hall
1800 Sul Ross St.
Houston, TX 77098
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/813195/
Recurring rallies!
Protest at John Cornyn’s Houston Office
Tuesdays
11:30am – 1pm
5300 Memorial Dr
Hands of Everything!
Stand outside the SSA office on Westheimer @Eldridge from noon to one each Friday holding signs about the issue of the week. Just pick one - there are so many!
We'll go back to Social Security after 2026 when it becomes a hot button again. Now we need to concentrate on more timely issues and this is a great location for that.
Hope to see you there!
Rally · Hosted by Indivisible Katy Huddle
Fridays
12 – 1pm CDT
13302 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77077
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