![]() As you see above, Democratic Houston-area Texas State Senator Carol Alvarado is observing Pledge of Allegiance Day. Very good. We should all make note of the Pledge of Allegiance. Here is a history of the Pledge from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Senator Alvarado says we should note the day by reflecting on what we have in common & reaffirming our commitment to liberty and justice for all. Excellent. What are additional ways Senator Alvarado and Houston/Harris County elected Democrats could mark Pledge of Allegiance Day? What would be patriotic actions to promote democracy and the general welfare? Here are three ideas: *Speak frankly about the threat to civil liberties and democracy from the political right and the Republican Party. Bipartisanship is fine with an opposing party that supports democracy. But what if no such opposing political party is available? How is Senator Alvarado preparing her constituents for the authoritarian challenge of Trump-led 2024 elections? *Prepare a detailed written plan of increasing November voter turnout in Senator Alavardo's District 6. The plan could discuss the hiring of canvassing teams, how these teams will trained and what they will be paid, what groups and organizations Senator Alvarado will work with, how the Senator will team up with other local elected Democrats to boost turnout, what permanent structure to boost turnout the Senator's effort will leave for the next election cycle & whatever else I'm missing here. This high turnout is needed to hold Harris County for Democrats, defeat Ted Cruz and strongly oppose Donald Trump. What could be a higher priority for Harris County elected Democrats? All elected Democrats should prepare such a plan. *Speak to law enforcement unions supporting election-deniers such as Ken Paxton, Donald Trump and any Republican who has not publicly distanced themselves from these anti-democratic figures, about the dangers of strong law enforcement support of politicians at odds with our rights. There is no public safety without democracy. We must expand our commonly-held conceptions of public safety to include our freedom. Senator Alvarado and other local elected Democrats could well-observe Pledge of Allegiance Day with the simple patriotism and smart politics of preparing for a clear and growing authoritarian threat that puts our most basic freedoms and values at great risk. 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. Please share word of the Houston Democracy Project and support the effort with your contribution. If you have a question about the Project or a suggestion, please send an e-mail to [email protected].
1 Comment
Selina Valdez
1/1/2024 08:32:33 am
Thank you for your observation, Neil. I live in State Sen Alvarado's district. I hope she reads your message and reaches out to the folks in her district that are ready to work to elect Democrats and protect our democracy. But I also know that I won't wait for my elected officials to reach out to me. I'll be doing the work on my own and hope other like-minded individuals will join me.
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