​Above you see a program I'm taking part in later this month about what we can do to fight back. I appreciate Diana & Michelle inviting me on. Here's the link to register. 

I recently wrote a list of things we can do tomorrow fight back. Here is that list:

1. Ask yourself what you want to accomplish. Win elections? Build community? Protest? All these things have value. None are exclusive of the others. You can divide your efforts between these and other efforts. You have solid judgement and there is no clearly correct course. Do your best according to your skills, goals and the demands of the moment. 

2. We must fully understand the stakes so we can fight as needed. Musk does want to tank the economy. The goal of Trump/Musk is to destroy democracy. They are white supremacists and eugenicists. They do support dictators abroad. They are a direct threat our freedom and safety. Everything is on the line. 

3.  When an opportunity comes to act in solidarity with someone in your community--Take it. We did this in Houston recently when many people e-mailed Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare calling for charges to be dropped against activist Sarah Terrell after her wrongful arrest by the unelected HISD Board. In part thanks to these e-mails, charges were dropped. Let's have the backs of people here at home who stand up for us. Even if they are strangers or from a community you are not part of. 

4.  When an opportunity comes to act in solidarity with others across the country--Take it. This is why so many took part in the recent economic blackout. It did have some financial impact. Even more important than that, we saw we can work together across racial, class and geographical barriers. 

All our actions are a test run for the weeks and months ahead. 

5. Organize a protest or event yourself. Use a social media. Tell friends. Get other people to share word. Make a sign. Show up. 

The First Amendment is your permit to protest. Any number of people you get at a protest is the right attendance. Anybody passing by and seeing what you are doing is a win. Telling others that you are acting makes a difference. It's essential people see others like themselves willing to act no matter the aggression of the right. 

If you don't want to protest out on the street for whatever reason, organize something else. Organize calls to elected officials or a postcard writing party or a group of people signing up to speak a city council meeting or at the school board. ​

6. Ask more of Democratic Party elected officials. They are our elected employees. Contact both local and national elected officials. Politicians from across the county send us fundraising e-mails. So we can contact them as well no matter where they are.

Here are some things you can ask/demand:

* Aggressively push back against attacks on our freedom.
* Work year-round to improve turnout in safe gerrymandered Democratic districts. Hold your fellow elected officials who don't  do this accountable. 
* Address the fact that even when we win elections, Republicans want a Viktor Orban-authoritarian state. What is a way forward other than lifetime of conflict?
* Given that we may be in for a lifetime of conflict, have our backs for strategies such as economic boycotts, general strikes and large-scale protest or whatever is a path forward. 

7. Support independent media or media you feel works to tell the truth. The Associated Press is a good general news service that has not allowed Trump to bully them to use the term "Gulf of America." It merits support. Here in Houston, the Egberto Willies' Politics Done Right program is fully independent and also merits support.

8. Municipal and local politics matter. Authoritarianism will require a local infrastructure to implement Trump/Musk policies.  Follow & become involved in local politics.  Public comment time at Houston City Council is each Tuesday at 2 PM. Here is how you can speak at Council and here is how to contact your councilmember.  The earlier before the session you sign up, the higher up on the speaker's list you'll be. The agenda session to conduct Council business is each Wednesday at 9 AM. The agenda is posted in advance. Council can be watched live on HTV Houston Television and is available at any time on the HTV feed on Facebook.

9. I'm not aware of any centralized place for information about protest in Houston. There is a protest at Senator John Cornyn's office each Tuesday, 11:30-1, 5300 Memorial Dr. The 50501 movement has been organizing well-attended protests in Houston, across the state and nationally. We'll see how the movement grows & proceeds. Keep an active eye out for actions you can take part in. 

​Protest is essential. People must see others like themselves willing to stand up no matter the aggression of the right. Voting is critical but it is not enough. We saw this recently in South Korea where protest was vital in fighting off martial law. 

10. Think about what self-defense looks like for you and the people in your life. You have a right to be as safe as you can be. 

11. Accept that this is a mental health crisis for millions of people. This includes you. Take time for yourself and the people in your life. 

12. If a Trump supporter wants to change his or her mind--Welcome them even if it is difficult. We need all the numbers we can get. 

13 Please support the Houston Democracy Project. The Houston Democracy Project is an independent source of action and information. This is just what is required as traditional institutions struggle to respond to current realities. Please read the Houston Democracy Project Blog often. 

14. Every act of opposition matters.

I'm on the Egberto Willies Politics Done Right Show every Thursday from 6 AM to 7 AM for the Houston Democracy Project segment. You can hear the show on the radio, stream it on KPFT or watch later Egberto's YouTube channel.​​

Here is a fundraising pitch for the Houston Democracy Project. I'm doing the work and showing up in many different ways.  Please help the effort. ​​​​​​​

​








​Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee was the featured speaker at the Harris County Tejano Democrats March meeting on March 13th. Above you see a picture from the meeting. 

Here is the website of the County Attorney if you want to see what the office involves. Attorney Menefee is doing a good job. 

Mr. Menefee talked about his office, his views of the Democratic Party at the moment & attacks on democracy. He took questions. 

He said Republicans wield power better than do Democrats and that Democrats should have a stronger coordinated media strategy to combat Republican messaging. He said it was important to him to fight for democracy and that elected officials in all offices should be part of the fight. He was very clear that he sees democracy at risk. 

Regular readers of the Houston Democracy Project Blog will know that what Mr. Menefee was saying is just the program. 

I made a comment to Attorney Menefee during the question and answer session. 

I said that we can't keep having low turnout elections in Harris County where long-term elected Democrats sit on big campaign treasures, but offer no or little help. I said we need to start backing up our judges, that Democratic elected officials need to start holding each other accountable for turnout and assisting the rank and file as they volunteer for the part. I said elected officials may well have to decide what side of a police line they will stand on as we confront the trouble ahead. 

Attorney Menefee listened and thanked me for the comment which was all I needed. I wasn't looking to put him on the spot. We are all managing this day-by-day. I believe he is operating in good faith. 

With the big debate over the continuing resolution vote in the U.S. Senate, we are having an energetic discussion about Democrats needing to forcefully push back. I've been saying this discussion must also involve Harris County Local Elected Democrats.---Including the ten Houston City Council Democrats. (And please don't let anyone tell you Houston City Council is "non-partisan.") 

I'm going to keep hitting this theme hard with the Houston Democracy Project Blog over the weeks ahead. Please keep reading the blog & let's get local elected Democrats fully on board for this fight of our lives.

Here is the Houston Democracy Project list of things each of us can do to fight Trump/Musk. Here is a fundraising pitch for the Houston Democracy Project. I'm doing the work and showing up in many different ways.  Please help the effort. ​​

I'm on the Egberto Willies Politics Done Right Show every Thursday from 6 AM to 7 AM for the Houston Democracy Project segment. You can hear the show on the radio, stream it on KPFT or watch later Egberto's YouTube channel.​​​

​



​There was a protest today outside the Tesla dealership located at 9633 Westheimer. Above you see a picture of the protest. I'm glad to report that I'm in the picture. 

The protest was organized by the Indivisible Katy Huddle.

Sometimes I hear people ask when the next protest will happen. 

The answer is that the next protest will happen when you organize it! 

Today's protest was organized by someone just like you. She used a social media platform. Told friends. Got other people to share word. Made a sign. Then she showed up and so did a number of like-minded Houstonians. 

The First Amendment is your permit to protest. Any number of people you get at a protest is the right attendance. Anybody passing by and seeing what you are doing is a win. Telling others that you are acting makes a difference. It's essential people see others like themselves willing to act no matter the aggression of the right. 

If you don't want to protest out on the street for whatever reason, then organize something else. Organize calls to elected officials for whatever cause or a postcard writing party or a group of people signing up to speak a city council meeting or at the school board. 

Please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] if you'd like some positive feedback and encouragement for something you'd like to organize. 

We all have power. There is no certain clear path forward. Do your best. But please do something. 

Here is the Houston Democracy Project list of things each of us can do to fight Trump/Musk. Here is a fundraising pitch for the Houston Democracy Project. I'm doing the work and showing up in many different ways.  Please help the effort. ​​

I'm on the Egberto Willies Politics Done Right Show every Thursday from 6 AM to 7 AM for the Houston Democracy Project segment. You can hear the show on the radio, stream it on KPFT or watch later Egberto's YouTube channel.​​

​Week 422 of the John Cornyn Houston Office Protest had a solid crew of 58 today.  You see today's protest in the picture above. The Cornyn Protest is each Tuesday, 11:30-1, 5300 Memorial Drive. It's essential that people see others like themselves willing to stand openly and confidently for democracy no matter the aggression of the right. 

There are all sorts of actions you can go to in Houston. 

The good folks at the Indivisible Katy Huddle posted this today for a protest tomorrow, 3/12, at a Tesla dealership--

"If you missed the first anti-Musk protest, we're having another one tomorrow! Come join us Westheimer @ Gessner in front of the Tesla dealership from noon to 1pm. We're carpooling at 11:30 from the Target at I-10 @ Fry (the back row of the parking lot against the feeder road). Hope to see you there!" 

The first Katy Huddle Tesla protest got national attention.

Trump says he'll treat people who commit violence at Tesla dealerships as domestic terrorists. 

From Axios. 

"I will do that, I'll do it. I'm going to stop them," Trump told reporters when asked about the calls to label those who commit violence at Tesla dealerships as domestic terrorists. "They're harming a great American company," Trump said, adding that "those people" are the "same guys that screw around with our schools and universities, the same garbage, and we're going to catch them."

Yeah.....But we need to be mindful that they are looking for the excuse to take all our freedoms. Don't be afraid. But do be aware of who is around you and what they are doing. Be wary of police no matter how peaceful and innocent you are & despite the fact it is Trump who let out all the January 6 cop-beating traitors. We are peaceful and just want to be free. Trump/Musk are not peaceful and do not care if we are free. 

The Houston 50501 movement continues forward. They are marching in Houston's St. Patrick's Day Parade and then headed over to Houston City Hall for an afternoon rally. This is on Saturday, March 15. Here is the agenda.

​50501 is off to good start in Houston. Here is the national 50501 website.

Our freedom is very much up to us. Here is the Houston Democracy Project list of things each of us can do to fight Trump/Musk.

Here is a fundraising pitch for the Houston Democracy Project. I'm doing the work and showing up in many different ways.  Please help the effort. ​​

I'm on the Egberto Willies Politics Done Right Show every Thursday from 6 AM to 7 AM for the Houston Democracy Project segment. You can hear the show on the radio, stream it on KPFT or watch later Egberto's YouTube channel.​​

Here is my monthly pitch for contributions to the Houston Democracy Project. I'm an independent source of information, an effective organizer and a tireless advocate for democracy in Houston and Harris County. My sole source of funding is your generous donations. In these difficult times, independence has never been more important. I show up and speak up. 

​Here is some of what the Houston Democracy Project involves: 

*The Houston Democracy Project Blog you are reading right now.

* The Houston Democracy Project Hour on the Egberto Willies' Politics Done Right Show every Thursday on KPFT-FM at 6 AM. You can watch it on Egberto's YouTube page at any time. 

* Co-Organizer of the John Cornyn Houston Office Protest, which is now at over 8 years on Houston streets. It's essential people see others like themselves willing to stand confidently for democracy no matter the aggression of the right. We set the example. 

* A number of appearances as featured speaker at local Democratic Party club meetings. I've spoken at Baytown, Spring, Humble, Oak Forest and at the quarterly Clubs & Organizations meeting of all Democratic club presidents. I'm happy to speak at your club or organization meeting. 

* A consistent and active social media presence with a wide audience. Find me on Bluesky, where I have over 7600 followers so far @neilaquino.bsky.social 

* Active participation in the Texas Grassroots Alliance, which works to support autonomous Texas grassroots organizers. I recently took part in panel discussions about the future of Texas progressive activism at the TGA Progressive Summit in Fort Worth. 

* I'm the 2024 Barbara Cigainero Volunteer of the Year award winner for the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus. 

* I led a successful campaign to contact Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare to ask him to drop charges in the wrongful arrest of activist Sarah Terrell at a meeting of the unelected HISD Board. 

* A special focus on Houston City Council and democracy issues. I sometimes speak at Council. I often post here about Council and Mayor Whitmire. 

I've closely followed and made an impact on Council's discussion of issues such as the right to protest on sidewalks & Houston's Sidewalk Ordinance. How we use public space is an essential aspect of democracy.

​I'm a resource for information about Houston City Council in general. Please e-mail me at [email protected] with any questions about what is going on at Council. I'll do my best to answer or work to find an answer. 

​* I'm also a resource for information about how to protest in Houston. In the weeks since Trump's return to office, I've had a number of conversations with Houstonians looking for ideas and strategies to make an impact.   
 
* Numerous, ongoing one-on-one conversations with rank and file democracy advocates and with candidates/elected officials about support and protection of our freedom.  

* I was chosen by a television news program in Estonia as a Texas activist to talk to, for a show about Election '24 broadcast across the three Baltic nations. I also did a CW 39 news interview for a report that aired about local support for the February 28 economic blackout. 
​
​* Always showing up for others & not yielding an inch to the right. I'm willing to challenge elected officials. I'm fully autonomous with no entangling connection to any interest group or politician. 

Please help me continue the work with your contribution. 

What can I do to help fight back is a consistent question in these difficult times. Here are suggestions from the Houston Democracy Project about what we can do in the current crisis: 

1. Ask yourself what you want to accomplish. Win elections? Build community? Protest? All these things have value. None are exclusive of the others. You can divide your efforts between these and other efforts. You have solid judgement and there is no clearly correct course. Do your best according to your skills, goals and the demands of the moment. 

2. We must fully understand the stakes so we can fight as needed. Musk does want to tank the economy. The goal of Trump/Musk is to destroy democracy. They are white supremacists and eugenicists. They do support dictators abroad. They are a direct threat our freedom and safety. Everything is on the line. 

3.  When an opportunity comes to act in solidarity with someone in your community--Take it. We did this in Houston recently when many people e-mailed Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare calling for charges to be dropped against activist Sarah Terrell after her wrongful arrest by the unelected HISD Board. In part thanks to these e-mails, charges were dropped. Let's have the backs of people here at home who stand up for us. Even if they are strangers or from a community you are not part of. 

4.  When an opportunity comes to act in solidarity with others across the country--Take it. This is why so many took part in the recent economic blackout. It did have some financial impact. Even more important than that, we saw we can work together across racial, class and geographical barriers. 

All our actions are a test run for the weeks and months ahead. 

5. Ask more of Democratic Party elected officials. They are our elected employees. Contact both local and national elected officials. Politicians from across the county send us fundraising e-mails. So we can contact them as well no matter where they are.

Here are some things you can ask/demand:

* Aggressively push back against attacks on our freedom.
* Work year-round to improve turnout in safe gerrymandered Democratic districts. Hold your fellow elected officials who don't  do this accountable. 
* Address the fact that even when we win elections, Republicans want a Viktor Orban-authoritarian state. What is a way forward other than lifetime of conflict?
* Given that we may be in for a lifetime of conflict, have our backs for strategies such as economic boycotts, general strikes and large-scale protest or whatever is a path forward. 

6. Support independent media or media you feel works to tell the truth. The Associated Press is a good general news service that has not allowed Trump to bully them to use the term "Gulf of America." It merits support. Here in Houston, the Egberto Willies' Politics Done Right program is fully independent and also merits support.

7. Municipal and local politics matter. Authoritarianism will require a local infrastructure to implement Trump/Musk policies.  Follow & become involved in local politics.  Public comment time at Houston City Council is each Tuesday at 2 PM. Here is how you can speak at Council and here is how to contact your councilmember.  The earlier before the session you sign up, the higher up on the speaker's list you'll be. The agenda session to conduct Council business is each Wednesday at 9 AM. The agenda is posted in advance. Council can be watched live on HTV Houston Television and is available at any time on the HTV feed on Facebook.

8. I'm not aware of any centralized place for information about protest in Houston. There is a protest at Senator John Cornyn's office each Tuesday, 11:30-1, 5300 Memorial Dr. The 50501 movement has been organizing well-attended protests in Houston, across the state and nationally. We'll see how the movement grows & proceeds. Keep an active eye out for actions you can take part in. 

​Protest is essential. People must see others like themselves willing to stand up no matter the aggression of the right. Voting is critical but it is not enough. We saw this recently in South Korea where protest was vital in fighting off martial law. 

9.  Think about what self-defense looks like for you and the people in your life. You have a right to be as safe as you can be. 

10. Accept that this is a mental health crisis for millions of people. This includes you. Take time for yourself and the people in your life. 

11. If a Trump supporter wants to change his or her mind--Welcome them even if it is difficult. We need all the numbers we can get. 

12. Please support the Houston Democracy Project. The Houston Democracy Project is an independent source of action and information. This is just what is required as traditional institutions struggle to respond to current realities. Please read the Houston Democracy Project Blog often. 

13. Every act of opposition matters.

I'm on the Egberto Willies Politics Done Right Show every Thursday from 6 AM to 7 AM for the Houston Democracy Project segment. You can hear the show on the radio, stream it on KPFT or watch later Egberto's YouTube channel.​​

Here is a fundraising pitch for the Houston Democracy Project. I'm doing the work and showing up in many different ways.  Please help the effort. ​​​​​​​

I took part in a pro-Ukraine protest today at the intersection of Post Oak & Westheimer today right near the Galleria. Above you see a picture from the end of the protest which ran from 5 to 7. I'd say they had 125 people. There were far more positive reactions than negative from motorists. 

There is sure a lot of red light running and aggressive driving at the intersection of Post Oak & Westheimer. 

It's important that we show up for each other. There is a lot of trouble ahead and we are going to need each other. 

​


​








​This past Saturday, Congressman Al Green took part in a protest at Houston City Hall regarding Trump/Musk. 

Congressman Green was a featured speaker and other elected officials were there as well. Above you see State Rep. Gene Wu speaking at the rally with Rep. Green to his left & State Senator Molly Cook next to Green. Other elected officials I saw were Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, State Rep. Ron Reynolds and Harris County Treasurer Carla Wyatt. They should all be commended for being there.

It's important to understand what Congressman Green is saying. Here is Rep. Green on the floor of Congress after he was censured. His remarks start at the hour & 21 minute point of the clip. At the hour & 34 minute mark, Rep. Green very specifically calls for peaceful protest in the fashion of Martin Luther King.

Green says "We are going to have to resort to the same tactics we used in the 1960's" He reported that he had marched in the 1960's and said: "And I'm prepared to do it again."  At the City Hall rally he said: "Don't wait for Congress to act. They are too weak-kneed." I heard him say that with my very own ears. 

Rep. Green also called for protest at his recent town hall meeting.

Do the elected officials who appear with Rep. Green support his views on protest? Do they know exactly what he is saying? Would they have our backs as rank & file democracy advocates if/when we march or engage in large scale protest?  I generally don't place strong bets on elected officials. I believe Rep. Green would march for freedom. I don't know about anybody else. I know that in the end winning this fight is going to be up to each of us. 

Congressman Green is telling us that this fight is ours to lead. He's right. 

I'm on the Egberto Willies Politics Done Right Show every Thursday from 6 AM to 7 AM for the Houston Democracy Project segment. You can hear the show on the radio, stream it on KPFT or watch later Egberto's YouTube channel.​​

Here is a fundraising pitch for the Houston Democracy Project. I'm doing the work and showing up in many different ways.  Please help the effort. ​​​​​​​

​



​Thank you to Congressman Al Green for speaking up and getting tossed out at Trump's speech last night. The substance of Rep. Green's comments to Trump were about clear Republican plans to slash Medicaid. 
​
Rep. Green is taking actual physical risks as he actively opposes Trump. He showing both physical and. moral courage.

Last month I attended a public meeting held by Rep. Green. He spoke about the need to impeach Trump for his defiance of the courts and anti-democratic actions. He said that we should protest on our own and not wait for Congress to take action. (Here is the Houston Democracy Project account of the meeting.)

Above you see Congressman Green with walking stick held high just as he had it on the floor of Congress last night. Rep. Green "joked" at the February meeting that he kept the walking stick in part to whack anybody who came at him. 

There was heavy security at this meeting. You were wanded as you entered the session, there had to be at least 15 HPD & on top of that there was security from the Nation of Islam. 

Congressman Green acknowledged the heavy police presence and thanked an officer assigned to his office. Below you see some of the officers assigned to the meeting. ( This was 30 minutes before things got started. There was a good crowd for Rep. Green's remarks.)

Far-right Houston-area Congressman Troy Nehls has offered a motion to censure Rep. Green for his right conduct. Below is contact information for Rep. Nehls if you'd like to share your feeling with his office about his motion. It is hard to imagine being okay with the pardon of the January 6th cop-beating traitors, and then wanting to censure Al Green. Though it is no surprise from someone of Rep Nehls' dubious character.
​
​Washington DC Office
1104 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC  20515
Phone: (202) 225-5951

Fulshear District Office
6510 FM 359 S
Suite 200
Fulshear, TX  77441
Phone: (346) 762-6600

Rep. Green told Washington TV station WFAA he would accept any punishment from the House. You see a screenshot from that interview at the bottom of this post.

Rep. Green is setting an example of leadership that should be followed by other elected officials. All Democratic elected officials at every level of government need to take every possible step to protect our freedom. Each of us as democracy-loving Americans can learn and be guided by Rep. Green.  There is a lot of trouble ahead and we must show physical and moral courage. 

I'm on the Egberto Willies Politics Done Right Show every Thursday from 6 AM to 7 AM for the Houston Democracy Project segment. You can hear the show on the radio, stream it on KPFT or watch later Egberto's YouTube channel.​​

Here is a fundraising pitch for the Houston Democracy Project. I'm doing the work and showing up in many different ways.  Please help the effort. ​​​​​​​

​





There were simultaneous pro-democracy protests in Houston today. Both protests had a strong Tuesday midday crowd.

Above you see Week 421 of the John Cornyn Houston Office Protest. There was a team of 50 today. I had a professor tell me once that all round numbers are lies. But the count we got was 50. 

Below you see today's 50501 Houston protest at Houston City Hall. A reliable report I got said they had a good crowd of approximately 200. 50501 is a national effort to oppose Trump/Musk that has staged well-attended protests in Texas and in Houston. The President's Day 50501 rally at Houston City Hall had at least 500 people.  

A few days ago, I wrote in advance about a protest at Houston City Hall organized by some elected officials and their allies. I attended that event. I'd say they had about 200 on a Saturday afternoon.

Congressman Al Green said Saturday said the protest to not wait on Congress to take action. He said Congress was "too weak-kneed." Congressman Green has been saying that people should protest. We should thank him for that leadership. 

With our swing to authoritarianism more and more evident, the need for actions beyond voting is apparent. The economic blackout on February 28th was a step toward more forceful responses to Trump/Musk. Here is a story that shows some impact from the blackout. More important than the direct impact, the practice of acting in solidarity with many others across the nation is hopeful progress. 

It was good to see two strong demonstrations in Houston today. They were at the same time, but not in competition. We must show up for ourselves in the challenging days ahead. More and more people in Houston/Harris County are doing just that. 

I'm on the Egberto Willies Politics Done Right Show every Thursday from 6 AM to 7 AM for the Houston Democracy Project segment. You can hear the show on the radio, stream it on KPFT or watch later Egberto's YouTube channel.​​

Here is a fundraising pitch for the Houston Democracy Project. I'm doing the work and showing up in many different ways.  Please help the effort. ​​​​​​​