Shell_Seas
Shell_Seas's Journal2023: The Year Of Accountability
The wheels of justice may be slow, but they never cease moving forward.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/2023-the-year-of-accountability
The Trump years were incredibly frustrating for millions of people across the country. Witnessing the lawlessness and sheer corruption that permeated the highest levels of government was disheartening and disillusioning. It felt as though the fundamental principles of accountability and justice were being eroded before our eyes.
The culmination of this aggravation came with the shocking insurrection at the US Capitol, where the fragility of our democracy was laid bare. What intensified the anger was the perception that Republicans seemed immune to consequences for their actions. It appeared that they could defy laws, norms, and ethical standards without facing any meaningful repercussions. This glaring disparity in accountability deepened the sense of injustice and further eroded faith in our political system.
But you have to remember the wheels of justice turn slowly, and there are many reasons for that. First, complex legal processes and procedures require meticulous examination of evidence, analysis of arguments, and adherence to due process. Additionally, court systems often face heavy caseloads, leading to backlogs and delays. Moreover, pursuing justice involves multiple parties, including investigators, prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, and juries, all requiring time to prepare and present their cases. Furthermore, legal challenges, appeals, and the need to ensure fairness and accuracy contribute to the gradual pace of justice. Overall, the intricate nature of the legal system and the commitment to upholding principles of fairness and thoroughness contribute to the slow progression of justice.
If 2020 and 2021 were the year of fucking around, 2023 is the year of finding out.
Revisiting the Anchor Holding Texas Down: Texas Democratic Party's Ineffectiveness
The stagnant leadership of the Texas Democratic Party is hindering us from progress.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/revisiting-the-anchor-holding-texas
We’ve hit our second Sine Die for the year, an impeachment looming, and the State Party has remained primarily absent/quiet for the year. Recently, my good friend Olivia Julianna posted a Twitter thread I’d like to share with you.
She makes a lot of good points, and it’s time we revisit the biggest anchor holding Texas down and preventing us from flipping the state.
A few months ago, I was invited to an online event to hear Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa discuss the 2024 Strategy. So naturally, I accepted, optimistic that perhaps there would be something he would say to give me hope to show that he recognizes this state’s challenges and plans to do something different than in our previous election losses.
It’s taken me a while to tell you what I learned because there is no way to paint a pretty picture. I’ve written and scrapped this article twice already.
Lina Hidalgo's Vision: Anti-Poverty In An Automated Future
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo's pilot UBI program will help build a resilient society in a rapidly changing world.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/lina-hidalgos-vision-anti-poverty
As our world hurtles toward an era defined by the explosion of automation and robotics, there is a growing realization that many people in our society are ill-prepared to face the transformative challenges ahead. The rapid advancement of technology has the potential to revolutionize industries, redefine job markets, and fundamentally alter the way we live and work. Yet, some are either unaware or cannot grasp this impending reality.
Progressive champion Lina Hidalgo announced a pilot Universal Basic Income (UBI) program for 1,600 families in Harris County yesterday.
This will make the second UBI pilot program to launch in Texas. Austin’s UBI pilot program sends monthly checks of $1,000 to 85 needy households at risk of losing their homes to insulate low-income residents from Austin’s increasingly expensive housing market and prevent more people from becoming homeless.
Nueces County Extremist Group Is Imminent Threat To Democracy
District Attorney Mark Gonzalez made headlines for believing in fairness, now one GOP group is attacking him for it.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/nueces-county-extremist-group-is
Mark Gonzalez made national news after being elected District Attorney in Nueces County in 2017 for his unique ideals. Gonzalez is a self-proclaimed “Mexican Biker lawyer with tattoos” who ran on restoring fairness in the legal system. He recognized the inequities in the justice system when he was arrested for a DUI at 19. Gonzalez didn’t have a lawyer and was sentenced fairly, but the white guy next to him in court, who could afford a private lawyer, got the same charge dismissed by the same judge. He vowed to become an attorney after that.
After becoming the District Attorney, he didn’t go after low-level theft or drug charges. Before Roe v. Wade was overturned, he proclaimed he wouldn’t go after abortion cases. And he made news again when he tried to withdraw a death warrant after he announced that the death penalty was unethical. Gonzalez is a man of principle. When I spoke with him this morning, he talked of fairness.
“Not everyone starts from the same point in life,” he told me. “Prosecuting low-level thefts and low-level drug cases isn’t fair and equitable. Sometimes one night in jail is enough to change a person’s life.”
The people in Nueces County loved him. So in 2020, when the county voted +3 points for Trump, they also voted to re-elect their Democratic DA.
A Feast of Political Absurdity: Texas Republicans Take the Stage
The Republican Civil War heats up as Dade Phelan and Dan Patrick battle for the title of "Top Dog."
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/a-feast-of-political-absurdity-texas
Yesterday marked the grand kickoff of the 88th (1) special session, and it was quite the spectacle. Imagine Lt. Governor Dan Patrick strutting onto the stage of a Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) forum, accompanied by Sherry Sylvester, Abbott’s chosen champion of the “whitewash brush” technique for the 1836 Project. Sylvester, notorious for her disdain towards diversity, must have been thrilled. But the real show began when Dan Patrick unleashed his wrath upon poor Dade Phelan, tearing him apart like a piñata at a hyperactive kid’s birthday party.
Oh boy, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick had a moment to vent, and it was quite the spectacle. He kicked off his complaints by proclaiming, “I’m just so tired of all this dysfunction in the House! Those pesky ‘points of order’ that crush our beloved ‘good’ legislation.” He continued his tirade, grumbling about the House’s snail-like pace and their knack for killing bills. It’s like he was the conductor of the whine train, choo-chooing away.
But here’s the funny part: Patrick seems to have forgotten the delightful concept called the legislative process. You know, that thing that prevents the one-party rule from turning Texas into an authoritarian circus?
Ah, sweet irony. So, let’s raise a toast to checks and balances and hope Dan Patrick finds a way to appreciate the wonders of democracy and a well-functioning legislature—cheers to legislative chaos, or as some may call it, democracy in action.
King Abbott Calls A Special Session
Greg Abbott's motto: If I don't get my way, I'll force the legislators to work until I do.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/king-abbott-calls-a-special-session
Just as we were all ready to breathe a sigh of relief that the legislature had concluded this year. The King of Texas, Greg Abbott, said, “Not so fast.” Last night he called a special session for 30 days, effective immediately. Both chambers will gavel in today and begin their work on more oppressive legislation to hurt hard-working Texans.
Slaton, Paxton, And The Republican Civil War
Money, Power, and Ideology: Understanding the Texas GOP's clash of factions.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/slaton-paxton-and-the-republican
Over the last several days, as the political heads and national news discuss Paxton’s impeachment, there are questions (mostly from Democrats) that keep popping up.
Why now?
Did Republicans suddenly get a conscience?
Did the GOP now find out about Paxton’s crimes?
None of that. It’s all about the Republican Civil War currently happening in Texas.
A Breakdown Of Ken Paxton's Alleged Crimes
Misconduct, misuse of office, bribery, and unethical conduct were all terms used during the House Investigation Committee meeting.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/a-breakdown-of-ken-paxtons-alleged
This week, it’s possible articles of impeachment will be filed against Attorney General Ken Paxton. Whether the House will vote to impeach and the Senate votes to convict remains to be seen. However, after yesterday’s House General Investigating Committee’s (GIC) public hearing, we should expect to see the articles filed as soon as today. So let’s get into it.
The GIC has been investigating Paxton over the last two months and the settlement of $3.3 million related to a lawsuit involving General Paxton and terminated employees. The settlement was made before approval from the Texas legislature and obligated taxpayers to pay the amount; however, it has not been paid out yet.
When the allegations occurred, the House Committee inquired into the settlement, focusing on the evidence and policies of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in 2020. The investigation was carried out by six highly experienced lawyers and investigators with backgrounds in criminal law and public integrity, Erin Epley, Therese Boose, Mark Donnelly, Donna Cameron, Dan McAnulty, and Brian Benken.
The investigation was opened after Paxton asked the legislature to pay his $3.3 million settlement on his whistle-blower case.
Do Republicans In The Texas House Have A Drinking Problem?
Several caught-on-video moments seeming show multiple Republicans completely hammered.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/do-republicans-in-the-texas-house
During the last session, Republican Dan Huberty was arrested for a DWI after a car accident. Early in this session, Republican Charles Schwertner was arrested for drunk driving. Republicans have been arrested during the last few legislative sessions for driving under the influence.
The legislature only meets for 140 days every two years. During that time, they often work long and stressful days. So no one would blame them for throwing back a few cold ones after a 15-hour day in the Capitol. However, driving under the influence should never be okay. Moreso, legislating while inebriated should, at the very least, be frowned upon.
Over the last month, as I’ve been watching our elected officials, I’ve noticed interesting behavior.
Beyond Political Games: Understanding the Profound Impact of the Assault on DEI in Texas
Texas House Republicans' attack on DEI unveils a racist agenda threatening decades of progress.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/beyond-political-games-understanding
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