Ideas Matter Because They Translate Into Action

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​​​The Houston Democracy Project is traveling for a few days. Below are themes and ideas written about on the Houston Democracy Project Blog. Ideas matter. They translate into action. I won't be able to update the blog while on the road. But I've got plenty of material to share in the brief absence.     

The Houston Democracy Project works everyday to make democracy an important issue in '23 Houston city elections & to help inspire, organize and strengthen pro-democracy coalitions in Houston and Harris County. After city elections are over, the Project will focus on '24 elections in Harris County and Texas. I'm in it for the long haul.

​Four candidates so far have added pro-democracy language to their website after talking to the Houston Democracy Project. They are Conchita Reyes in At-Large #1, Obes Nwabara for At-Large #2, Donnell Cooper for At-Large #3 and Ivan Sanchez in District J. Ethan Michelle Ganz for At-Large #3 and Travis McGee in District D also has strong pro-democracy language on their campaign website. I'm proud of the impact the Project is having.   

In about two weeks from now I'll have my 2023 Houston municipal election recommendations.  ​

(Above is a picture of I took of Houston. Pictures I Have Taken is a section of the Project.) 

The Houston Democracy Project Blog posts linked to the italics below well-convey the ideas the Project is discussing online, in numerous one-on-one meetings and calls with candidates, opinion leaders and rank & file Houstonians, at Democratic club and allied meetings & on the Project's weekly segment on KPFT's Politics Done Right.           

​Rank & file Houstonians have leverage with municipal candidates and elected officials. They want your vote. Make use of that leverage.   

Houston city elections are not in reality non-partisan.  Party identification of candidates matters and should be discussed. Even a reasonable-sounding Republican is still tied to Trump. This is important because the Republican Party is anti-democratic and a threat to our freedom and safety. It is also so that Houston voters could be a little more kind to themselves. 

Houston municipal candidates put us at risk when they ignore threats to democracy. It is like ignoring a hurricane warning in the hope the storm will dissipate. 

Houston municipal candidates saying we should reach out to Republicans must make the case it is safe and pragmatic to do so. Shouldn't we at the least ask that people we are talking to will respect election results? Even elected officials with strong establishment connections are not safe from Republican intimidation. 

Sometimes there is no common ground between opposing viewpoints and we must prepare for those type situations. One way to be ready is to not give up our rights in advance. 

We can't allow the threat of violence and acts of violence from the right force us to stop our political activity. The people of Houston deserve protection from the right. There is no public safety without democracy.

Law Enforcement unions calling for the removal of elected judges are an attack on democracy. It is one thing to call for defeat at the polls or for a judge to resign. It is another thing to appeal to a far right state government for removal. 

Our elected Democrats must be more energetic and brave in protecting democracy.  

We must be willing to name names. For example--The Houston Democracy Project believes U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia and Texas State Senator Carol Alvarado are damaging the electoral prospects of down-ballot Democrats in  '23 Houston elections by supporting John Whitmire for Mayor. Though Sen. Whitmire is a Democrat, his prospects depend on strong Republican turnout.      

​It is good and helpful to read books.  

The Houston Democracy Project works daily to make democracy a top issue in 2023 Houston politics and to inspire, organize and strengthen pro-democracy coalitions in Houston and Harris County. 

Please share word of the 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].   

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