Shell_Seas
Shell_Seas's JournalDeep In The Gutters Of The Republican Primaries
Money, Power, and Neo-Nazis: The battle within the Texas Republican primary elections.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/deep-in-the-gutters-of-the-republican
The Texas Republican Civil War has unsurprisingly significantly impacted the Republican primary elections this year. It’s messy, ugly, and highly entertaining for the rest of us. Republicans are out for blood and all seemingly unaware that Texas is rapidly turning blue. It’s great for us, though; the more Republicans attack each other, the more they hurt their own causes.
Representative Tony Tinderholt (R-Tarrant County) is out for blood.
Now that Bryan Slaton (R) is a stain on the GOP’s past, Tinderholt is fighting hard to become the biggest scum in the Texas House. The $100,000 he received from the neo-Nazi-aligned Defend Texas Liberty PAC has seemingly given him nerves of steel, and he’s taking it out on all of his Republican co-workers.
The first fight Tinderholt is having is with Fort Bend County Representative Jacey Jetton (R). From what I can tell, it started with some he-said/she-said stuff over an amendment (or multiple amendments) during the legislative session. And have spun out of control from there.
The Case For Expanding The Supreme Court
Why more Supreme Justices are needed to align the Court with 21st Century America.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/the-case-for-expanding-the-supreme
In recent years, the integrity and impartiality of the United States Supreme Court have come under intense scrutiny. Amidst allegations of corruption and accusations that some justices perjured themselves during confirmation hearings—particularly concerning their stances on Roe v. Wade—the Court’s’ composition has ignited debate.
The confirmation processes have been tarnished by political maneuvering, casting long shadows over the justices’’ legitimacy and the Court’s’ role as a neutral arbiter of justice. This controversy is further compounded by several contentious decisions that have emerged from the Court, impacting voting rights, environmental regulations, and workers’ rights, among others. These rulings have not only reshaped the legal landscape of America but also raised questions about the extent to which the Court is influenced by partisan considerations rather than the impartial application of the law.
The call to expand the Supreme Court is gaining momentum to restore balance and faith in an institution at the heart of American democracy. It’s time for America to explore the necessity of reform to ensure that the Court upholds its duty to the American people fairly and without political bias.
Roland Gutierrez vs. Colin Allred On The Policies
Two Paths Forward: Who will best represent the Lone Star State?
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/roland-gutierrez-vs-colin-allred
In November, I do not doubt that Texans will show up and vote Ted Cruz out of office. Let’s face it: a walnut in the Senate would be more useful than Cruz. Roland Gutierrez and Colin Allred have been polling nearly identical numbers in a hypothetical matchup against the Cancun Goblin. So, Texas Democrats must decide who of the two they would rather see in the Senate representing the Lone Star State.
Cruz is out, but which of the two will represent us better?
As both Roland Gutierrez and Colin Allred are Democrats, it should be no surprise that they share a few positions. First, let’s talk about what they have in common, then we’ll talk about their differences.
Why Should I Vote In The Primary Election?
Your vote in the primary election is a cornerstone for democracy and progress.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/why-should-i-vote-in-the-primary
As the primary season approaches, it's imperative to recognize the power and significance of your vote, not only in the general election in November but also in the March primaries.
The primaries are a foundational aspect of our democratic process. Each ballot cast in the primary election helps shape the future, not just of the Democratic Party, but of the nation.
Raising money and getting people's support.
The primary elections act as a crucial test for those running for office. They show how much support and enthusiasm candidates have from people who might donate money and from the general public. If a candidate does well in these early elections, they'll likely get the financial support they need to run a solid campaign for the final election.
This early success also builds momentum, making it easier for them to keep moving forward. However, if they don't do well, big donors might think twice, fearing the candidate doesn't have enough widespread support to win.
How people see the candidates and their willingness to vote.
A Democrat's Guide To Discussing The Border
Facts Over Fear: Educating ourselves and others on border issues.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/a-democrats-guide-to-discussing-the
Introduction:
The “border issue” is complex, and that complexity causes so much misinformation surrounding it. It’s also what causes so many Democrats to avoid discussions and debates regarding the border.
Another problem involving the border issue is there aren’t enough border voices. While some tireless souls spend their time in South Texas sharing what’s happening on the ground, they’re often drowned out by the louder and bigger platforms on the right.
Some of the most truthful and unbias reporting on the border comes from:
Texas Public Radio
CBS Texas
Regarding the border, we must be very diligent about knowing the facts. Multiple right-wing sources have been spreading mistruths, exaggerations, and outright lies about migration for years.
The most significant contributor to misinformation on the border is Republicans in Congress. In every Congressional committee hearing, you can see them spouting the same lies repeatedly, often debunked by witnesses and Democrats on the committees. The GOP in the 118th Congress has made it their number one issue because of the complexity and their ability to mislead millions of their uninformed base.
Will Texas Democrats Rebel Against The Democratic Establishment In March?
Choosing Sides: The battle between Texas Progressives and the DC Establishment.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/will-texas-democrats-rebel-against
Over the last decade, I’ve closely observed Texas politics, where the Democratic Party’s strategy has often been the topic of conversation. Historically, the party’s leaning towards moderates, or what some might call “Republican-lite,” hindered its efforts in voter mobilization. “That’s just your echo chamber talking,” I would tell myself whenever I thought a candidate was too moderate.
However, what was once confined to my echo chamber is gaining broader relevance amid the current intensity of the US Senate Democratic primary race. Then, there’s the recent resolution from the Texas Democratic Party calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. It shows a shift to the left, suggesting a reevaluation of the party’s strategy, aligning them with the grassroots’ growing demand for progressive leadership and policies.
The evolving landscape of Texas politics and growing appetite for progressive change set the stage for a potential shift in the Democratic Party’s direction in 2024. Factors contributing to this shift include the state’s rapidly diversifying population, the rising influence of younger, more progressive voters, and a growing awareness of systemic issues that require policy responses.
These elements suggest that Texas Democrats, as a voting bloc, may reject establishment figures in favor of candidates who embrace more progressive platforms and approaches.
Troy Nehls Goes On Racist Tirade Against Black Congresswoman
A Texas congressman who represents a minority-majority district proudly used racist tropes when talking about his Black colleague.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/troy-nehls-goes-on-racist-tirade
Wisconsin-native Congressman Troy Nehls has stuck his foot in his mouth yet again.
It was announced yesterday that the Progressive Democrat from Saint Louis, Cori Bush, was under the Department of Justice’s investigation for alleged misuse of funds. Specifically, the allegations surround her campaign’s spending on security services.
Bush says she retained her now-husband as part of her security team and claims he can provide services at or below market rate. Congressional ethics rules for members of the House of Representatives permit family members to be paid from campaign funds for “bona fide services” so long as payments do not exceed “fair market value.” Bush says she is fully cooperating.
With this news breaking, it allowed loudmouth Congressman Nehls to bark racist stereotypes and tropes about Cori Bush to CNN. Check it out:
Texas Border Crisis: Rhetoric, Revolution, and Russia
The Texas border saga continues as rhetoric heats up and Russia throws its hat in the ring.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/texas-border-crisis-rhetoric-revolution
Last week, President Biden told Texas that they had until Friday to stand down from their stupid border stunt. Although, Biden never told Abbott the consequences of not standing down.
On Friday, Biden temporarily paused all “Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) Export Terminals” until the climate threat of methane gas is thoroughly evaluated.
Republicans (including Abbott) are saying that this move by Biden is “retribution” for the GOP’s border stunt. Here is what Biden had to say:
Climate and environmental justice activists celebrate a huge win that could affect November’s presidential election.
According to the Sierra Club, the surprise move puts the brakes on 12 proposed LNG facilities, including Calcasieu Pass LNG, an enormous, 1000-acre project proposed for the Calcasieu Ship Channel in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. The CP2 project has been vehemently opposed by climate activists and residents of the frontline community, who are already suffering the effects of several other terminals and refineries in the heavily industrialized area.
Has Greg Abbott Gone Mad With Power?
Greg Abbott's fact-challenged statement echoes cries of the past as his political theater has overstepped the law and the Supreme Court.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/has-greg-abbott-gone-mad-with-power
Yesterday, Greg Abbott issued an alarming statement. It was full of mistruths, and the language used came directly from South Carolina’s 1860 declaration of secession.
Let’s fact-check this.
The “broken the compact between the United States and the States” is similar to the words in South Carolina’s 1860 declaration of secession.
There are no immigration laws in the book that Biden refuses to follow. In fact, he’s following the same laws we’ve had in place for 44 years under the Refugee Act of 1980 and the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965.
If an asylum seeker wants to ask for asylum, they have to do it on American soil. So, crossing the Rio Grande and asking border patrol for asylum is perfectly legal.
In November, the Cato Institute published a study which found that migrants were more likely to be released by Trump than Biden.
Is Greg Abbott Intentionally Trying To Trigger Right-Wing Violence In Texas?
Abbott has now defied the Supreme Court decision, as politicians and Maga-nuts call for violence and a Civil War.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/is-greg-abbott-intentionally-trying
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that allows migrants to request asylum once physically present on US soil originated from the Refugee Act of 1980. It was signed into law by President Jimmy Carter on March 17th, 1980, and it amended the INA to establish the US asylum system as it exists today.
The Refugee Act of 1980 incorporated into US law many of the principles outlined in the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and provided the legal framework for the admission of refugees and the granting of asylum. This law clarified the criteria for granting asylum. It established the right of individuals to seek asylum if they are physically present in the United States, regardless of their immigration status or method of entry.
This has been the law for 44 years.
But according to Republicans, asylum seekers are now “illegal.” In fact, because of their dehumanizing language, they don’t even refer to migrants as asylum seekers or refugees. Instead, they call them “illegals.”
Last week, Governor Abbott ordered the Texas National Guard to block Federal Border Patrol Agents from doing their jobs.
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Member since: Thu Aug 11, 2016, 03:03 PMNumber of posts: 3,338