DACA on the Campaign Trail
I’m glad to see candidates taking a stab at saying something about DACA or DREAM Act or against anything anti-immigrant that the Republicans have thrown at entire groups of people. With El Cheeto (or republicans in Texas) in office, it is hard to pass any legislation that would include anything positive without some big negatives, so the fight must continue–all the way to the ballot box.
That said, I was watching the CD7 Forum put on by Meyerland Democrats, et al, and the question was posed to the candidates that if they would be willing to vote for a government shutdown if DACA/DREAM wasn’t included in any budget vote. The result was interesting (my reaction in bold) and they all support DACA/DREAM/CIR:
- Fletcher: Work across the aisle, no shut down. (Because that has worked so well, huh?)
- Alex T – No Shutdown, we need reform. (Y los DREAMers, que?)
- Laura Moser: Yes! Fight! (I liked her ánimo)
- Sanchez: Yes on shutdown. (Good)
- Joshua Butler: Tough decision because of gov’t employees affected, but yes! (Good way to preface it)
- Cargas: No Shutdown, “we are better than Republicans” (The fight makes you better than Republicans)
- Westin: Yes. (Good)
Today is the day we find out if there is a shutdown.
For me, it’s a no-brainer. Anything that has the Trumps fending for themselves at the White House is a good thing. Possibly good SNL material. But in the political sense, this is all about the fight. How hard Dems in Congress fight for this, instead of feigning bipartisanship for the cameras (and the campaign trail), will reap rewards at the ballot box. The problem is, some are usually too chicken-shit to take a real stand. I’m sick of it. Shut it down!
Who Else Is Willing To Get Arrested?
Trump and his ilk are threatening arrests of elected officials who stand in the way of deportation forces. Oakland Mayor Libby Shaaf has come out stating that she is willing to be arrested if she is forced to defend “sanctuary” policies of her city. Good! That’s leadership!
The other day, San Antonio PD Chief William McManus released some undocumented folks who were being smuggled into the US to a humanitarian group, and not to ICE. This has right-wing-nuts, like Dan Patrick, calling for his arrest. You did the right thing, Chief! Don’t let the assholes in the police union bring you down!
It’s all about the fight, folks. And if you’re an elected or appointed official, you better be ready to fight.
The Stace Slate
I’ve made public my support of a few Dem candidates, but I’m not sure if I’m making a slate this year. Perhaps a short list. I can’t say I agree much with the slates that have come out, thus far. And if I do one, it won’t require big membership buys (snark!). So, stay tuned.
Los Cenzontles & Los Texmaniacs: Traicionera (Video)
doscentavos.net 