It's easy to feel overwhelmed with a Republican-majority Congress, a Republican-majority Texas Legislature, and Donald J. Trump in the White House. However, despite being in the minority, Democrats have overcome the odds on numerous occasions through public pressure, persistence, and perseverance.
Here are some examples:
Obamacare: Though the President argued that health care was a privilege, Democrats maintained that it was a right. The logic is easily understood when you look at the numbers of how many people die without health care. For the first time in 8 years, Republicans had the majority to finally repeal Obamacare once and for all. However, Democrats and like-minded groups organized protests throughout the nation. They lobbied with their Congressional representatives, and they made their voices known. When it came time for the multiple votes, these Congressional members knew how the folks back home felt about their health care. The Democratic congressional leaders were united in opposing any repeal of Obamacare, and a sufficient number of Republican representatives voted agains repeal to save Obamacare. The people have spoken!
The Bathroom Bill: Just when you thought the Bathroom Bill had died at the conclusion of the regular session of the 2017 Texas State Legislature, Governor Greg Abbott added it to a long list of items to be covered during the Special Session. Reasonable people argued that there was no way to enforce a bill that specified that one could only go to the bathroom corresponding to the gender indicated on their birth certificate. That didn't seem to bother Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who was prepared to charge, full speed ahead, to satisfy his Tea Party base. However, during the Special Session, the business community came to the rescue. The Dallas Morning News reports that more than 3,000 individuals and entities voiced their opposition to the bill. This list includes more than 720 businesses, CEOs from 46 Fortune 500 companies, LGBT rights organizations, the Episcopal Church, the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, Toyota, the NFL, the NBA, and the Dallas Stars. Their opposition to the bill is based on their belief that the bill is discriminatory, bad for the Texas economy, and a detriment to recruitment. It's not too late to register your opposition to the bill. There's still one more week left of the Special Session. Call your State Senator and State Representative. If you need numbers, go to: http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/Address.aspx
Environmental Issues: It was a long time coming, but the Dallas City Council finally voted to kill the plan to install a toll road between the levees of the banks of the Trinity River. The citizen opposition, initiated by former City Councilwoman Angela Hunt, gained momentum until 12 of the 14 Council members voted against the plan this week.
Equal Rights:
This month, we celebrate the 97th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, granting American women the right to vote. As you all know, the 19th Amendment was the result of a persistent grassroots effort that lasted nearly 100 years. The Dallas "Equality Day" celebration is organized by Women's Issues Network and co-sponsored by many community organizations, including the Dallas County Democratic Party. This year's celebration will take place at noon on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 in the Flag Room, on the 6th floor of City Hall at 1500 Marilla Street, across from the Dallas Public Library. In honor of the suffragists, participants wear white. Join Mayor Mike Rawlings, the Dallas City Council members, the DCDP, and citizens of Dallas County on August 23rd!
Together we can make a difference. We already have and, with your help, we will continue to do so. Let your representative know where you stand. And here's some additional ways you can help:
Yours Democratically,
Carol Donovan, DCDP Chair
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