Shell_Seas
Shell_Seas's JournalA Democrat's Guide To Discussing The Border
Facts Over Fear: Educating ourselves and others on border issues.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/a-democrats-guide-to-discussing-the
Introduction:
The border issue is complex, and that complexity causes so much misinformation surrounding it. Its also what causes so many Democrats to avoid discussions and debates regarding the border.
Another problem involving the border issue is there arent enough border voices. While some tireless souls spend their time in South Texas sharing whats happening on the ground, theyre often drowned out by the louder and bigger platforms on the right.
Some of the most truthful and unbias reporting on the border comes from:
Texas Public Radio
CBS Texas
Regarding the border, we must be very diligent about knowing the facts. Multiple right-wing sources have been spreading mistruths, exaggerations, and outright lies about migration for years.
The most significant contributor to misinformation on the border is Republicans in Congress. In every Congressional committee hearing, you can see them spouting the same lies repeatedly, often debunked by witnesses and Democrats on the committees. The GOP in the 118th Congress has made it their number one issue because of the complexity and their ability to mislead millions of their uninformed base.
Will Texas Democrats Rebel Against The Democratic Establishment In March?
Choosing Sides: The battle between Texas Progressives and the DC Establishment.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/will-texas-democrats-rebel-against
Over the last decade, Ive closely observed Texas politics, where the Democratic Partys strategy has often been the topic of conversation. Historically, the partys leaning towards moderates, or what some might call Republican-lite, hindered its efforts in voter mobilization. Thats just your echo chamber talking, I would tell myself whenever I thought a candidate was too moderate.
However, what was once confined to my echo chamber is gaining broader relevance amid the current intensity of the US Senate Democratic primary race. Then, theres the recent resolution from the Texas Democratic Party calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. It shows a shift to the left, suggesting a reevaluation of the partys strategy, aligning them with the grassroots growing demand for progressive leadership and policies.
The evolving landscape of Texas politics and growing appetite for progressive change set the stage for a potential shift in the Democratic Partys direction in 2024. Factors contributing to this shift include the states rapidly diversifying population, the rising influence of younger, more progressive voters, and a growing awareness of systemic issues that require policy responses.
These elements suggest that Texas Democrats, as a voting bloc, may reject establishment figures in favor of candidates who embrace more progressive platforms and approaches.
Troy Nehls Goes On Racist Tirade Against Black Congresswoman
A Texas congressman who represents a minority-majority district proudly used racist tropes when talking about his Black colleague.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/troy-nehls-goes-on-racist-tirade
Wisconsin-native Congressman Troy Nehls has stuck his foot in his mouth yet again.
It was announced yesterday that the Progressive Democrat from Saint Louis, Cori Bush, was under the Department of Justices investigation for alleged misuse of funds. Specifically, the allegations surround her campaigns spending on security services.
Bush says she retained her now-husband as part of her security team and claims he can provide services at or below market rate. Congressional ethics rules for members of the House of Representatives permit family members to be paid from campaign funds for bona fide services so long as payments do not exceed fair market value. Bush says she is fully cooperating.
With this news breaking, it allowed loudmouth Congressman Nehls to bark racist stereotypes and tropes about Cori Bush to CNN. Check it out:
Texas Border Crisis: Rhetoric, Revolution, and Russia
The Texas border saga continues as rhetoric heats up and Russia throws its hat in the ring.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/texas-border-crisis-rhetoric-revolution
Last week, President Biden told Texas that they had until Friday to stand down from their stupid border stunt. Although, Biden never told Abbott the consequences of not standing down.
On Friday, Biden temporarily paused all Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) Export Terminals until the climate threat of methane gas is thoroughly evaluated.
Republicans (including Abbott) are saying that this move by Biden is retribution for the GOPs border stunt. Here is what Biden had to say:
Climate and environmental justice activists celebrate a huge win that could affect Novembers presidential election.
According to the Sierra Club, the surprise move puts the brakes on 12 proposed LNG facilities, including Calcasieu Pass LNG, an enormous, 1000-acre project proposed for the Calcasieu Ship Channel in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. The CP2 project has been vehemently opposed by climate activists and residents of the frontline community, who are already suffering the effects of several other terminals and refineries in the heavily industrialized area.
Has Greg Abbott Gone Mad With Power?
Greg Abbott's fact-challenged statement echoes cries of the past as his political theater has overstepped the law and the Supreme Court.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/has-greg-abbott-gone-mad-with-power
Yesterday, Greg Abbott issued an alarming statement. It was full of mistruths, and the language used came directly from South Carolinas 1860 declaration of secession.
Lets fact-check this.
The broken the compact between the United States and the States is similar to the words in South Carolinas 1860 declaration of secession.
There are no immigration laws in the book that Biden refuses to follow. In fact, hes following the same laws weve had in place for 44 years under the Refugee Act of 1980 and the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965.
If an asylum seeker wants to ask for asylum, they have to do it on American soil. So, crossing the Rio Grande and asking border patrol for asylum is perfectly legal.
In November, the Cato Institute published a study which found that migrants were more likely to be released by Trump than Biden.
Is Greg Abbott Intentionally Trying To Trigger Right-Wing Violence In Texas?
Abbott has now defied the Supreme Court decision, as politicians and Maga-nuts call for violence and a Civil War.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/is-greg-abbott-intentionally-trying
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that allows migrants to request asylum once physically present on US soil originated from the Refugee Act of 1980. It was signed into law by President Jimmy Carter on March 17th, 1980, and it amended the INA to establish the US asylum system as it exists today.
The Refugee Act of 1980 incorporated into US law many of the principles outlined in the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and provided the legal framework for the admission of refugees and the granting of asylum. This law clarified the criteria for granting asylum. It established the right of individuals to seek asylum if they are physically present in the United States, regardless of their immigration status or method of entry.
This has been the law for 44 years.
But according to Republicans, asylum seekers are now illegal. In fact, because of their dehumanizing language, they dont even refer to migrants as asylum seekers or refugees. Instead, they call them illegals.
Last week, Governor Abbott ordered the Texas National Guard to block Federal Border Patrol Agents from doing their jobs.
An Honorable Duel: Rep. Glenn Rogers (R) vs. Ag Commissioner Sid Miller (R)
It's Republican Primary season, folks. That means we all get a front seat to the biggest clown show on Earth.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/an-honorable-duel-rep-glenn-rogers
Few will disagree; Sid Miller is one of the most ridiculous politicians Texas has ever seen. When Sid Miller isnt spreading racism and conspiracy theories on social media, hes out there threatening his rivals with Wild West showdowns.
Greg Abbott fantasizes about shooting asylum seekers at the border, and Sid Miller fantasizes about shooting people he disagrees with ideologically. Surely, Miller meant it more in a tongue-in-cheek way, but implied violence should never be a part of any political campaign.
But you cant get more pro-life than shooting those who disagree with you.
Political Standoff: The Tug-of-War Over Border Policy
It's time for Democrats to counter the GOP's rhetoric and pivot the narrative toward constructive policy change.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/political-standoff-the-tug-of-war
Last weekend, the Department of Homeland Security sent a cease-and-desist letter to the state of Texas regarding Republicans latest border stunt. And Ken Paxton responded in true Ken Paxton fashion:
As I predicted earlier this week, Greg Abbott is not backing down and has no plans to. In fact, Abbott has stepped it up a notch.
Chris Olivarez, a lieutenant with the Department of Public Safety, posted on social media Wednesday evening that Texas DPS troopers are arresting refugees at the border and charging them with criminal trespassing.
This act is essentially Greg Abbott giving the middle finger to Joe Biden.
Two Texas Democratic Debates Are Being Livestreamed Tonight
Make sure to tune-in tonight to the US Senate and the TX32 debate! 🍿
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/two-texas-democratic-debates-are
Last night was a forum hosted by Bayou Blue Democrats for the Democratic primary race for Senate District 15 in Harris County. The forum included Karthik Soora, Jarvis Johnson, Beto Cardenas, Todd Litton, and Molly Cook. You can see the playback here. I plan on giving a full breakdown of this forum and the two debates tonight this weekend.
Two more Democratic Primary debates are being livestreamed tonight.
The 134 PAC US Senate Debate on Rural Issues.
Joaquin Castro Calls On President Biden To Federalize The Texas National Guard
The unfolding legal battle over border control looms as Governor Abbott raises the stakes in the standoff.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/joaquin-castro-calls-on-president
Thaw yet? As most of Texas attention has been on the weather and electric grid, the situation at the border between Greg Abbott and Joe Biden continues to unfold. In an unprecedented step, Abbott has instructed the Texas National Guard to block Federal Border Patrol agents from the border. The purpose is to stop Border Patrol from processing migrants seeking asylum. Over the weekend, a woman and two children drowned as the Texas National Guard allegedly blocked Border Patrol from saving them.
Right-wing media has latched on to the story, spinning it, claiming it didnt happen or the migrants drowned on the Mexican side of the border. One outlet claimed the Border Patrol didnt show up until after the migrants were already drowned. Surprising no one, Governor Abbott embraced these narratives because he can deflect blame again.
Its a lie. Personnel on the ground confirmed Abbott was lying. The reporting from Texas Public Radio on the border, particularly from Pablo De La Rosa, has been accurate and verified by multiple major national networks. Some have already accused Abbott of brewing up another Uvalde-like coverup.
On Sunday, the Department of Homeland Security sent Ken Paxton and the State of Texas a cease-and-desist
Profile Information
Member since: Thu Aug 11, 2016, 03:03 PMNumber of posts: 3,333