October 3, 2019
Your Weekly News from the CCDP and Political Clubs
Samantha Power doesn't mince words when she talks about Donald Trump. " That @realDonaldTrump thought it a good idea to release this transcript is a staggering testament to the endemic corruption of his administration. He and his close advisers have lost the ability to even see what’s incriminating."

In a recent interview with CNN host Ana Cabrera, Power stated, “Here is an example where the president is blatantly extorting a foreign leader, a foreign leader who is governing a country that has been invaded by Russia, a country that interfered in our election previously, and our president is trying to advance his own political welfare rather than look out for an ally.” 

Samantha Power will be the keynote speaker at the 2019 Ann Richards Dinner Friday, October 25th , 7:00 p.m. at the Delta Marriott Allen Hotel. This annual dinner brings together hundreds of Democrats from across the DFW Metroplex to support our work to transform and improve Collin County, elect Democratic candidates, and turn Texas blue.

As the impeachment proceedings unfold, Power's insight into the Trump administration becomes even more important. Don't miss this opportunity to meet and hear Samantha Power.

Leading the list of her many accomplishments, Power was the United States Ambassador to the United Nations under President Barack Obama from 2013 to 2017. Called by Forbes "a powerful crusader for U.S foreign policy as well as human rights and democracy" when it named her one of the "World's 100 Most Powerful Women," Ambassador Power has also been named one of TIME's "100 Most Influential People" and one of Foreign Policy's "Top 100 Global Thinkers." A Pulitzer Prize winning author, Power is the Anna Lindh Professor of the Practice of Global Leadership and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School and the William D. Zabel '61 Professor of Practice in Human Rights, Harvard Law School.

As a known fighter for LGBT and women's rights, atrocity prevention, and combating human trafficking, Ambassador Power is set to provide sharp and powerful insight and inspiration for Democrats across the Metroplex at this year's Ann Richards Dinner. Don't miss the 2019 Ann Richards Dinner.

Delta Marriott Allen is located at 777 Watters Creek Blvd., Allen, TX 75013 [ Map ]
Sponsorship and tickets for the Ann Richards Dinner are available here .
Who is Samantha Power?
The Biggest Issue
by Maury Marcus
This past August marked the 400th anniversary of the first arrival of enslaved persons in America. Some have claimed that this date is the true beginning of the real America, and that the official beginning of America on 4 July 1776, which will have its quarter-millennial in six years, is a fraud meant to disguise the reality that America is a bigoted, exclusionary, murderous society. Both stories --freedom in 1776, and slavery in 1619-- are false. Both are true.

The reality is that 1776 and 1619 have been in continual conflict for all of American history. We saw this in the abolition movement, the suffrage movement, the labor movement, the civil rights movement, the cultural conservative movement, and the current political debate. One side of this conflict defines America as a white, Anglo, Christian, property-owning state that, at most, tolerates other colors, cultures, creeds, and classes. The other side defines America as history's greatest citadel of human equality and personal liberty, embracing all colors, all cultures, all creeds, and all classes. The 1776 side includes all. The 1619 side excludes most.

Throughout our history, one sees leaders who join one side and then the other. John Jay was one of the co-founders of the Society for the Manumission of Slaves. He was also a virulent anti-Catholic who sought to ban "Papists" from holding public office. Charles Pinckney "owned" enslaved persons, but he defended the Moroccan Muslim community in Charleston. Woodrow Wilson spoke in favor of racial segregation, but he supported Amendment XIX, and he appointed the first religious minority to the U.S. Supreme Court. In these contradictions, one sees 1619 at war with 1776.

The excuse for a man currently posing as president is a living embodiment of 1619. His Democratic opponent must embody 1776. Every great conflict of American history has been settled, often belatedly, with a victory for freedom. The dark force of domination has always eventually lost.

If the advanced nations of the world unite to defeat global ecological catastrophe, life without freedom will still not be worth living. The battle for freedom in America is as important as the battle for species survival around the world. It is the biggest issue.

Texas Justice Tour - Collin County Edition Democratic Candidate Meet & Greet

It's time to bring real justice back to Texas and now is your opportunity to meet the Democratic candidate on the ballot. The Texas Justice Tour comes to Collin County on October 12 at 5:00 p.m. Join us at Nine Bands Brewery (9 Prestige Circle, Allen, 75002 Map )

Join Master of Ceremonies Mike Collier and meet the sponsoring Democratic candidates.
Hon. Gisela Triana for TX Supreme Court
Hon. Amy Clark Meachum for TX Supreme Court
Hon. Tina Clinton for Court of Criminal Appeals
Hon. Mike Snipes for TX Court of Criminal Appeals
Hon. Brandon Birmingham for TX Court of Criminal Appeals
Hon. Craig Smith for 5th District Court of Appeals
Hon. Bonnie Goldstein for 5th District Court of Appeals
Hon. Dennise Garcia for 5th District Court of Appeals
Sam Johnson for 366th District Court
Penny Robe for 380th District Court
Tonya J. Holt 401st District Court
Theresa Bui Creevy 416th District Court
Christy Albano for 468th District Court
Michael Payma for 471st District Court

Join us and RSVP for the Justice Tour event.
November 2019 - Texas Constitutional Amendments
In our continuing series, we highlight the ninth of ten amendments that Texas voters will see on the November 5, 2019 statewide ballot.

Proposition 9 (HJR 95)

“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation precious metal held in a precious metal depository located in this state.” Texas opened a precious metals depository in 2018. It is run by a private company but overseen by the state government. Unless exempted, the Constitution requires all real and tangible personal property to be taxed on its value. These ad valorem (property) taxes are imposed at the time of purchase or exchange of precious metals. Proposition 9 would exempt from taxation precious metals held in a precious metal depository in the state. This exemption would: 1) allow Texas depositories to be more competitive with other states who do not tax precious metals, and 2) increase chances that the Texas depository could join COMEX, the leading marketplace for precious metals exchange.

How our Democratic Legislators Voted

Of the Democratic legislators voting on this amendment in the 86th Legislative Session,
  • 90% of the Texas House Democrats voted “yes/for”;
  • 100% of the Texas Senate Democrats voted “yes/for”. 

Sources:

Rally that contained Amendment 1:  https://conta.cc/ 2yWHpNr
Rally that contained Amendment 2: https://conta.cc/31KLXTn
Rally that contained Amendment 3: https://conta.cc/31SHmOY
Rally that contained Amendment 4: https://conta.cc/2zrJIYK
Rally that contained Amendment 5: https://conta.cc/32sshE3  
Rally that contained Amendment 6: https://conta.cc/30dfEuU  
Rally that contained Amendment 7: https://conta.cc/2AsC5C0
Rally that contained Amendment 8:  https://conta.cc/2nghH3B
How to Run and Win - Candidate Training Series
An interactive workshop series to prepare candidates and campaign teams to win races, this campaign training series is designed to build the skills to elect Democrats in Collin County and across Texas. The six sessions cover the critical components of running a winning campaign. Each session will be presented by experienced activists and staff. This is for any Democrat in the area who is interested in either running for office or working on a candidate’s campaign team. Attendees will be asked to sign an Oath of Affiliation with the Democratic Party.

When:
No Class in Observance of Yom Kippur, Wednesday, October 9th

Session 5 – Wednesday, October 16th   7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – It Takes Money to Win
Objectives: budgeting, donor prospecting, fundraising, compliance and reporting, ethics, how to “make the ask”

Session 6 – Wednesday, October 23rd   7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Creating the Winning Plan
Objectives: putting it all together, define goals, areas of responsibility, develop timeline, doing opposition research

Where: Collin County Democratic Party Office, 1915 N Central Expressway, Suite 150, Plano, TX 75075 [ Map]
Looking for Communication Volunteers
Collin County Democratic Party (CCDP) is ramping our volunteer communications teams to increase messaging during the 2020 election cycle. Get involved and help turn Collin County blue! 

We need 1-2 more volunteers to work on social media on our main Communications team. Experience with social posting tools like Social Pilot/Hootsuite or graphics editing is preferred but not required. We will train. We also need 1 volunteer who has audio editing experience to help with our podcasts.

Finally, we need 3-4 people to work on our Coordinated Campaign team to develop CCDP core messaging and messaging calendar. Experience with messaging, writing and/or Adobe Illustrator are preferred but not required. We will train. 

An Evening of Magic - TONIGHT!
Join Team Sharon and the amazing James Munton on Thursday, October 3rd , for an evening of magic and merriment as we raise money for our campaign. James has performed at the White House and has the amazing and peculiar talent of making elephants disappear. With your help and his, we may just be able to turn a red state blue!

Appetizers, desserts, and beverages are included in your ticket or sponsorship. Sponsors will receive special recognition for their contribution.

Location: North Texas Performing Arts in The Shops at Willow Bend (Chapel Hill Entrance, 2nd floor near Dillard's) 6121 West Park Blvd. B216, Plano, TX 75093 [ Map ]
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Reserve your tickets here.
Sam Johnson
for 366th District Court
Collin County Campaign Reception - TONIGHT!

When: Thursday, October 3rd at 6:00 p.m.
Where: SNUG on the Square, 109 N. Kentucky Street, McKinney [ Map]
Meet & Greet with Rocio!
Get to know Rocio! Please join us for refreshments, camaraderie, and to meet your next State Representative. We look forward to meeting you!! The meet and greet is October 6 at 2:00 p.m. Vickie Parker is graciously hosting us at her home for this Meet & Greet. Please RSVP to receive the address.
DONATE:Donate at the event or Donate online.
Town Hall with Colin Allred
Join the Park Cities Democratic Women's Association and Flip Texas Blue for a Neighborhood Meeting with US Representative Colin Allred. If you have a question you would like to ask Rep. Allred, please feel free to email it to info@pcdwa.org in advance.

When: Saturday, October 12th at noon
Where: University Park Public Library, 8383 Preston Center Plaza, #Suite 200, Dallas [ Map]
RSVP: Click Here
Jenna Royal for HD 67 Meet and Greet
You’re invited to meet with Jenna Royal and get a campaign update.
Join us on Saturday, October 19 from 2-4 p.m. at the home of Vickie Parker.
Address provided upon registration .
(This event is free to attend, but registration required so as not to exceed capacity.)
Minnie's Food Pantry Holiday Food Drive!
Minnie’s Food Pantry has an ambitious goal to feed 10,000 people in this year’s Thanksgiving Giveaway. The Collin County Democratic Party (CCDP) is leading an effort to support the Food Drive by collecting food and donations.
 
Choose what is right for your giving level!
  • $15 donation for Minnie’s Food Pantry to purchase a Turkey
  • $50 donation to Minnie’s Food Pantry to purchase a complete Thanksgiving meal for a family
Please make checks payable to “Minnie’s Food Pantry” & put “Thanksgiving” in the memo line.

While you are shopping, please consider adding the following items to your food cart (some families may want to involve children in the joy of giving to others by having them help shop):
  • 1 box of Instant Potatoes
  • 1 Box of Stuffing or Bagged Rice
  • 1 Can of Sweet Potatoes
  • 2 Cans of Vegetables (Corn, Green Beans, Mixed Vegetables)
  • 1 Can of Gravy
  • 1 Can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • 1 Can of Cranberry Sauce
  • 1 Can of Canned/Cocktail Fruit
  • 1 Box of Cake Mix and Icing

CCDP will collect items and donations through Friday, November 8 th at the CCDP office during normal office hours. Drop off locations have also been established in Frisco (9818 Bell Rock Rd.), Plano (7209 Harvey Lane), and Richardson (2501 Honeysuckle Dr). 

This is a great way to give back to our local community, help those who may not have the means to provide a holiday sit-down dinner for their family and show our neighbors that Democrats care. Let's help Minnie's meet their 10,000 people goal. Let's do this!
CCDWD Monthly Meeting, October 21st 5:30 pm
COME ONE, COME ALL!
You don't have to live in Collin County to participate...
Click on this link to view the Meeting Materials

Light refreshments available.
We meet at the fully accessible office of REACH of Plano (720 E park Blvd, Suite 104
Plano 75074 Map )

307-314-ABLE (2253)
The Un-Knocked Blue Door — Getting Your Base Out
North Texas Asian Democrats
Learn how to reach the traditionally unreached blue voter, analyze the 2018 blue wave in North Texas, get a 2020 Election preview and understand the political strategy of the 2020 census. Any democrat or candidate interested in turning out the base that you didn’t know you had in the 2020 election should attend.

When: October 26th at 9:30 AM
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas - Richardson, 1981 N Central Expy, Richardson [ Map]
Facebook: Link
RSVP Required: Click Here
Yes, We Can Talk Politics
Drinking Liberally and Living Liberally are informal, inclusive progressive social groups. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics.

Allen - Cafe Del Rio
When: Friday, October 4, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: 401 Central Expy S, Allen [ map]

Frisco/Little Elm - The British Lion Pub
When: Friday, October 4, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: 5454 Main St #123, Frisco [ map]

Plano - Rugby House Pub
When: Friday, October 11, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: 8604 Preston Rd #100, Plano [ map]

When: Friday, October 11, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: 2600 W, FM 544, Wylie [ map]

McKinney -  Mellow Mushroom
When: Friday, October 18, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: 218 E Louisiana St, McKinney [ map]

While drinking liberally, always remember to drink responsibly, and make liberal use of designated drivers. Drinking and driving is reckless and irresponsible, like a neocon war or corporatist tax cut. Liberals, don't do it!
A New Way to Vote
Collin County voters will be using a new voting system beginning with the November, 2019 election. This new system features touch-screen technology and produces a marked paper ballot for voter review and tabulation.

The new voting machine made its debut at BITHOC where many of the attendees where able to “test vote” the system. If you didn’t get to try the voting machines at BITHOC, you still have an opportunity to do so at the Collin County Democratic Party office (1915 N. Central Expy, Ste 150, Plano) during regular office hours.

Watch for our fall and winter hours soon. After Labor Day, the office will have occasional evening and weekend hours to try out the new voting machine.

The new voting machine will be in the CCDP office through the November 2020 election.