Tag Archives: #standwithTXwomen

The #SWTW Rally: We Need More of These

Standing among over 1100 women’s rights activists, I’m sure I wasn’t the only one cheering on Wendy Davis and some of my favorite State Senators while also thinking about what the hell the Republicans were doing in Austin at the same time. 

Whether it is Laubenberg, et al’s downright lies about caring about women and what they now term the “pre-born” or what else is to come from Dewhurst and the Republicans in the Senate later this week, boottom line, as much as we were fighting for women’s rights, yesterday’s rally at Discovery Green was also about gassing up our campaign bus for a real statewide campaign in 2014.

Whether Democrats reach that campaign potential is still to be seen, but there is no doubt that the Senators on stage last night, as well as those in the House who have stood up against the Republicans on behalf of women, have shown us that we have a strong bench of prospects–that’s if they want to take on what would be an enormous feat in 2014. Yes, I’m a realist, but I’m one of those dangerous realists who would take a chance, anyway, rather than simply sit back and wait. Nothing gives energy to dormant voters than candidates willing to stand up and fight.

Anyway, if you weren’t at Discovery Green last night you missed an energetic rally. And as someone who got to play the part of “media” last night, the energy was definitely there–from the people and the politicians. I hadn’t felt anything like it in a long time, and, it is safe to say that, these kind of events need to happen for multiple issues during the next year-and-a-half.

 

Thanks to PDiddie and Kuff for some great posts, to which I have linked above.

The SWTW Bus Tour stops in Dallas and Fort Worth today. For all my friends up in the Metroplex, be there!

Stand With TX Women Bus Tour – Houston

I’m sure there is a lot of excitement, now that Rick Perry has announced he is done as Governor at the end of what seems like another endless term. But the fight in Austin against Rick Perry’s attack on women is not over; in fact, the Stand With TX Women Bus Tour is happening and is coming to Houston on Tuesday, July 9, at 6PM at Discovery Green.

I hear there will be many great speakers, including Texas Senator Wendy Davis. Of course, I’m hoping my favorite State Senator, Sylvia Garcia, will also be there. If you haven’t read her latest op-ed on Rick Perry’s War on Women, you need to catch up. Here’s a snippet from the Chronicle:

The Republican leadership has made it clear it does not support access to safe reproductive services, access to health care or even equal pay for women. But, at the very least, they could respect the female senators fighting for constituents.

It became obvious on June 25 that the Republicans would not allow Sen. Davis to complete her filibuster. They dishonored the traditions of the Senate as frivolous points of order were sustained against Sen. Davis for the whole world to see. This culminated in Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, rightfully asking, “At what point must a female senator raise her hand or her voice to be recognized over her male colleagues?”

The war on women had been declared and hundreds of Texas citizens in the Senate gallery that night rose in support of their constitutional rights, thus killing the abortion bill.

I plan on being there, so, I hope to see you all at Discovery Green on Tuesday!

RALLY SPEAKER UPDATE:  Planned Parenthood confirms that Cecile Richards will be among the speakers.

The Speakers Line-Up:

* Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund
* Melaney Linton, president of Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast
* Sen. Wendy Davis
* Sen. Kirk Watson
* Sen. Sylvia R. Garcia
* Sen. Jose Rodriguez
* Sen. Rodney Ellis
* Rep. Jessica Farrar
* Jonee Longoria, single mom who relied on Planned Parenthood for basic health care
* Dr. Damla Dryden, Ob-Gyn
* Januari Leo, Activist and former Planned Parenthood patient

Houston’s Meet Up to Stand Up

Senator Sylvia Garcia Speaks to Meet Up Crowd.

After over 5,000 rallied in support of women’s rights in Austin yesterday, a couple to few hundred more gathered at Houston’s Hughes Hanger on Washington to continue the day’s activities and stay focused on the cause.

Along with getting to see some of my favorite Democratic and pro-choice friends, it seemed every corner of the place was filled with discussion centered on what was next–with the bills, with 2014, and the future. And I also got lucky and heard a first-hand account of the Austin rally from an activist who made both events. No doubt, there was a lot of energy in the crowd.

State Senator Sylvia Garcia headlined, along with Planned Parenthood CEO Melaney Linton. Garcia reminded us that while the fight is currently in Austin, that it will not stop there. Whether it goes to the courts or, ultimately, to the ballot box, it must continue.

That said, thanks to the Senator and the Harris Democrats for sponsoring and organizing a bus to today’s House State Affairs Committee hearing in Austin. If you’re in Austin, do attend. It begins at 3:30pm. 

Sidenote:  And while I did see a good contingent of Latinas at the event, I was disappointed that more Latinos didn’t show. No tengan miedo!  Also, it was great to see Mayor Annise Parker showing her support, as well as At-Large 3 candidates Jenifer Rene Pool and Rogene Gee Calvert.

Can’t Make It To Austin on Monday? [EVENT]

Yeah, I can’t make it on Monday. But there will be a Meet Up to Stand Up compliments of Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast right here in Houston.

Can’t make it to Austin? Meet Up to Stand Up with fellow supporters in Houston at Hughes Hangar, 2811 Washington Ave,  Houston, TX 77007. We invite you to come out to find out more about what we’re expecting in the 2nd Special Session and how you can take ACTION.  Stand with Texas Women t-shirts will be available for purchase.  Cash bar.  (RSVP Here).  Free Stand with TX Women t-shirts for the first 25 attendees!

And, also…

The special session could last for 30 days and we will need you every step of the way — take action from home. Join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get frequent updates. We need to reach as many strong women and men across this state, please take a minute to forward this to your friends.