The GOP’s ugly, dirty redistricting process keeps getting uglier and dirtier.
👉🏾 👉🏾 👉🏾 HERE’S WHAT WE CAN DO RIGHT NOW: Support a potential Senate filibuster tomorrow (THURSDAY, 8/21), by sending Senator Eckhardt’s office your thoughts and comments about redistricting and the Democrats’ fight against it. (“Send loooooooong letters,” they said.)
We’re sending our weekly email out a little early in the hopes that we can generate some material for Senator Eckhardt. Debate is scheduled to begin in the Senate on Thursday, so we’ll need to do this by 10 am if possible to have an impact.
Meanwhile, we’ve got some questions for Dustin Burrows (512-463-0542) and Dan Patrick (512-463-5342):
How much is Dustin Burrows’ stunt costing Texas taxpayers?
What were the DPS officers doing before they were assigned to guard Texas Democrats? What crimes and emergencies are being ignored as a result?
Isn’t misusing the state’s public safety resources against political opponents the textbook definition of “weaponization of government”?
WHAT THE ACTUAL F%@K?! (To all of it. But this in particular.)
BAD LOOK: It’s giving plantation vibes, Dustin
It’s all more evidence that the GOP’s mask is slipping. They’re no longer paying lip service to lofty ideals like limited government or free markets. Not bothering to hide the fact that they’re redistricting for Trump, not for Texas.
Will the voters notice? Will the optics of imprisoning a Black woman for her refusal to accept an overseer break through?
The book’s subtitle: “How Enslaved People Expanded American Ideals” 🇺🇸
Throughout this tumultuous week, FORWRD members have been (wo)manning the barricades and coming up with new ways to protest that don’t run afoul of DPS’ ever-expanding list of rules (humming? buzzing? whispering? synchronized phone alarms?).
What’s clear in all this activity is that email is WAY too slow to keep everyone updated. Signal is the place for the up-to-the-minute updates on protests and actions. If you’ve lost your invite, let us know and we’ll send you one.
Thank you to everyone who has been heading to the Capitol to protest when you can!
Resistance Choir is a GO
OK, divas, we’ve had enough takers on the idea of launching a resistance choir that we’re gonna DO IT.
If you’d like to join, have any choral directing experience, or ideas for rehearsal space, please let us know. We’ll share rehearsal details as soon as we’ve got ‘em!
Reminder: Follow us on Instagram!
We’re new to this social media thing, but thanks to all of you, we’ve got plenty of content! You can follow us here.
🗓️ Calendar Highlights
For Thursday, August 21st: Hot Resistance Summer Continues!
Items marked with a 💜are from FORWRD members
Local Austin events (in person):
💜Friday, August 22nd 8-9:30 AM 12th Street Banner Drop with the Rosedale Huddle - Peaceful, energetic and FUN! We will be holding banners and signs over the interstate at peak traffic /visibility times - we wave flags, support our banners and thumbs up to the many honks and waves from cars and trucks below, At 12th St and I-35.
Saturday, August 23rd 9-11 AM Tesla Takedown NORTH The Tesla Takedowns continue and they are working! Join a friendly crowd to educate onlookers, passersby, and potential buyers about the damage that Elon Musk has done to our democracy.
Saturday, August 23rd 7-9 PM Film Night with Austin Sanctuary Network The Austin Sanctuary Network will be hosting a screening of "Harvest of Loneliness" about the Bracero Program from 1942-1964.
💜Monday, August 25th 3:30-5:00 PM Democratic Study Group: Taxes, Redistricting & the 2025 Political Landscape The Democratic Study Group - an affiliate of the Rosedale Huddle - will host Steven Weintraub for this timely and engaging presentation.
💜Tuesday, August 26th 8-9:30 AM Far West Banner Drop - with the Rosedale Huddle. Focusing on Redistricting this week! Peaceful, energetic and FUN! We will be holding banners and signs over the interstate at peak traffic /visibility times - we wave flags, support our banners and thumbs up to the many honks and waves from cars and trucks below. At Far West and MoPac
Wednesday, August 27th 10 AM- 12 PM Log Cabin Scribes - join members of the Rosedale Huddle to write postcards for a variety of causes!
💜Friday, August 29th 8-9:30 AM 12th Street Banner Drop with the Rosedale Huddle - Peaceful, energetic and FUN! We will be holding banners and signs over the interstate at peak traffic /visibility times - we wave flags, support our banners and thumbs up to the many honks and waves from cars and trucks below, At 12th St and I-35.
Saturday, August 30th 10 AM - 12 PM Stop the Cruelty: Put ICE on Ice Rally to build awareness of federal mistreatment of residents, with actionable items. The event will focus on the horrors being unleashed on Central Texas communities and families in the roundup of peaceful, law-abiding neighbors, and the solutions available to the rest of us.
Online Events:
Tuesday, August 26th 7-8 PM Fight Back with Friends This national program designed to help you activate your community! Using the Empower app, we’ll equip you with the tools to connect with friends, family, and neighbors who need YOUR voice to get civically engaged. Hosted by the national Indivisible chapter.
Thursday, August 28th 2-3 PM What’s the Plan? Join Indivisible co-founders Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin each week, as we carve out an hour to discuss what’s happening and – more importantly – what’s the plan.
