Houston Democracy Project Observations Before 6/14 Protests-We Must Show Up

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Here are some Houston Democracy Project thoughts & observations the day before the June 14 protests:

* We simply must show up. There is nothing complicated about it. Show up tomorrow and then again and again. People who don’t normally show up need to show up.

Tomorrow’s protests must lead to even larger protests and to further actions to protect our freedom and our futures. Tomorrow will be successful and our political situation will become more tense. And then again the same next time.

* These protests are volunteer-organized. There is some money from outside helping a few of protests in larger cities with needed infrastructure, but very few are paid to put these actions together.

In places like Katy, Conroe, Jersey Village, League City, Sugar Land, Huntsville, Kingwood and so on, it is about people who step up. There is more likely more risk involved for people away from center cities. Thank you to these citizen-organizers.

The next protest is when you organize it. The First Amendment is your permit. Each of us are the leaders. People must see others like themselves willing to stand clearly for freedom no matter the aggression of the right.

* More elected officials appear to be attending tomorrow’s 50501 Houston City Hall Protest than before. This is a good first step. As it becomes more apparent each day elected officials are no safer than the rest of us, they will have to be fully engaged in the challenge ahead even as it deepens in unpredictable ways.

* Mayor Whitmire has been directing HPD to keep what they see as a light hand dealing with protest. He does not want Trump on him, even more HPD overtime than already & he wants a smooth World Cup next year. I’m not saying trust HPD. I’m saying they are not looking for a hassle if they feel by their standards they can avoid it.

* When at the weekly John Cornyn Houston Office Protest, I try to be aware of where the app to take a picture & record video is on my phone. The Protest last year got a conviction in municipal court of a man who threw eggs at us. The only reason we got him was that we had it on video. It took a bunch of effort to get the police and a Houston city attorney to take up the matter. But we did it.

The guy who tossed eggs at us is a scary guy. We know who he is. We stayed the course. Use your judgement of course, but don't be afraid. We can't be bullied off the streets.

​* Normalize talking to police. Even if just to look them in the eye and say good morning or good afternoon. If you feel officers are not acting in a way that keeps us safe--politely say something.

Sometimes at the Cornyn Protest, we don't feel the officers assigned to us are parked in a way where they can clearly see us if attacked. We have many times gone up to an officer & asked they move to where they can see us. Sometimes they do it. Every cop is in individual we don't presume anything.

Soon we may be asking police directly if they will be following orders that suspend our civil liberties. Get used to speaking to them now as preparation for what is on the way.

* Thank elected officials who are there tomorrow. But realize much more difficult expressions of solidarity may be called for soon. Thank them for coming & tell them you expect to keep seeing them.
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* We are up against a violent, white supremacist, authoritarian opponent. They see Trump as the chance they’ve been waiting for. They’ll do anything to maintain that chance.

* Find A June 14th Protest near you.

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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