Houston Democracy Project In Chronicle About Democracy March & HPD

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I spoke at the conclusion of the democracy march yesterday that was very heavily policed. Others spoke as well. I was also quoted in the Houston Chronicle. The picture is of me speaking. This is all part of my work on the Houston Democracy Project. 

From the Chronicle: 

Neil Aquino, founder of Houston Democracy Project, said he was struck by the heightened police presence..."There are more (officers) than usual. In my view, protests are frequently overpoliced," Aquino said. "These folks just want democracy.....

The Houston Police Department sent dozens of squad cars, ATVs and a full unit of mounted horse patrols along with vans and unmarked cars. The units were stationed near protesters gathered at the beginning and end of the march route; some officers followed the crowd the entire way.....

Aquino was similarly frustrated with what he called authoritarian actions, such as the use of National Guard troops to patrol Washington, D.C., or the treatment of migrants who he says have been denied due-process rights.

"All my life, I've been told (to) trust the system, trust the process, and now I live in an authoritarian society," Aquino said.

During his speech, he encouraged protesters to attend City Council meetings and speak out about their concerns. He reminded the crowd that city council members have a duty to uphold the Constitution as much as any state or federal elected official.

Aquino's sign carried a message that echoed what he said:"Voting is not enough."

​The next action is when you organize it. The First Amendment is your permit. Your existence is the only credential you need. You don't have to feel self-confident to move forward. Just proceed. 

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. ​​​​​​​​​​​​

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