Houston Democrats

Representative Thompson grabbed the audience's attention immediately with her description of how the antics of that other party often motivate a desire to "open a can of whup-ass." With several colorful anecdotes, she painted a picture of the culture of greed that pervades the Texas Legislature under Republican rule. As a cautionary tale, she gave real-world examples of the Texas Republican Party's cynical attempts to use wedge issues like abortion and gay marriage to make inroads in the African American community, especially through appeals to African American ministers. She outlined Karl Rove's strategy to steal the Democratic base: African Americans, Latinos, suburban women, and even labor.

Not surprisingly, she marveled at the Republicans' penchant for ignoring essential issues like health care and school finance while spending inordinate amounts of time in posturing on wedge issues. Thus, instead of an effective and equitable school finance plan, the people of Texas got HJR6, a quest to take gay marriage, something that is already illegal, and make it into something "super-duper illegal." Yet Representative Thompson believes in the ability of the Democratic Party to stand firm against this cynicism and corruption. She advises Texas Democrats to:

• Solidify our base first. During presidential elections, we talk about attracting swing voters, yet we have not secured our base.
• Say what we believe. Messaging and framing are very important, and we should continue our efforts in that regard, but the core values must be there.
• Soften our stance on abortion. This does not mean compromising our principles, but it does mean not allowing the Republicans to paint us as extremists.
• Make sure that we support the troops, even when we criticize the Republicans' handling of the Iraq War.
• Highlight our religious values the way the Republicans do, but be sincere.

After a standing ovation for Representative Thompson and some brief remarks by City Council candidate Peter Brown, the DFH membership went into a special meeting to consider an official endorsement of the No Nonsense in November campaign to defeat HJR6. With the words of Representative Thompson fresh in their minds, DFH members voted unanimously to endorse No Nonsense.

From holding events like the "Save America Without DeLay Family Fun Festival" to hosting speakers like Representative Senfronia Thompson and Dr. Richard Murray, Democracy for Houston is always doing something interesting. Check out the DFH website, and join the DFH-ers at HCDP Headquarters for their monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month, with a social hour at 6:00 PM, and a regular meeting at 7:00 PM.