Bravery Of Colorado Court Good Lesson For Harris County Elected Democrats

The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled Donald Trump cannot be on the Colorado Republican Primary Presidential ballot.

This is relevant to the Houston Democracy Project and locally because it points the way to the brave and correct conduct needed for the fight for democracy in Houston and Harris County.

Those Colorado Justices did a courageous thing. You know they are getting many physical threats from Colorado and across the nation. They have opened themselves to possible retribution from Trump if he  returns to the White House. And they have taken a a needed and assertive step that other state courts have shied away from.  

Local elected officials could take notes. The Republican authoritarian threat grows daily. Greg Abbott is Governor and Ken Paxton is Texas Attorney General. Governor Abbott recently signed SB 4 which in the name of addressing border issues has the effect of greatly extending police powers. Republican frontrunner Trump is openly discussing suspending civil liberties and using anti-immigrant language right out of Hitler.
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So far we've not seen a sense of urgency from local elected Democrats. Most were missing in action from recent Houston city elections that saw Republicans gain an At-Large Council seat. The social media feeds of Democratic officials show them at the usual run of holiday parties, sporting events and fundraisers. There is far less mention of SB 4 or Trump's talk of immigrants polluting the blood of the nation then there is of the holiday social calendar.

We are being told out loud what is on the way. We already live in a state controlled by right-wing extremists. Our elected officials need to get with the program. They will only do so if we demand it of them. People in power are unlikely to act until they see their self-interest at risk. By then we will be out of luck.  
     
The Houston Democracy Project works daily to inspire, organize and strengthen pro-democracy coalitions in Houston and Harris County. The Project will continue through 2024 at the least. 

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