Hi, all, and happy Thursday! I’m late with this newsletter today so I’ll keep it brief. We’re living in tumultuous times. The political “churn” that’s happening everywhere is tiring, frazzling, and at times overwhelming. The attacks on our basic freedoms grow more prevalent by the day.
Thanks as always, Jess. One thing I have really felt in my bones this past week is that we are making progress. Not only has legislation in the last two years been more progressive than the previous 50, many, many people do not want to live in the country that the GOP leaders want. And we keep winning elections because of ALL the work we are doing to ensure that people understand the issues and vote. We have much more to do, but I know we can do it with joy, love and resilience.
I agree. I think it will keep getting worse before it gets better, but I do feel sure we will prevail in the end. And in many ways are already prevailing.
Dear Jess - I wonder if what twitter did to NPR, and NPR’s withdrawal from twitter has made you think about leaving Elon. I feel it could be an important statement to have other users leave in solidarity with NPR. I’ve never used Twitter.
I am proud to say that I left twitter the week Musk took it over. Deleted my account. I don't miss it or feel like I need it at all. And I refuse to subsidize Nazis.
I'm not sure if this is appropriate, Jessica, and understand if you delete this post, but if there are folks out there who are aware of TX Gov. Greg Abbott's intent to pardon a man who was convicted last week of murdering a protestor, I am urging people to contact the TX Pardon Board members to ask that they SUPPORT the jury verdict. We have a governor who is trying to send a message that shooting protestors is okay. Time is of the essence.
UPDATE: I just called the pardon board chair and was told they do not take info over the phone--she referred me to the following phone number and email address to register objections to this potential pardon. I am hoping that just as we saw, in 2020, election officials from both parties doing their job, I hope these pardon board appointees, most of whom have lifelong criminal justice careers, will do so as well and stand up to Abbott. One number, one email.
I don’t believe so. He acts on their recommendation, and he has asked them for a recommendation to pardon. Though they are Abbott appointed, they are all experienced criminal justice professionals, current or retired. I hope just as LE here stood up to Abbott against open carry (he passed anyway), these folks will not want their life’s service to be tarnished by this absolute craziness. I hope many of your readers have time to contact at least one today.
Thanks as always, Jess. One thing I have really felt in my bones this past week is that we are making progress. Not only has legislation in the last two years been more progressive than the previous 50, many, many people do not want to live in the country that the GOP leaders want. And we keep winning elections because of ALL the work we are doing to ensure that people understand the issues and vote. We have much more to do, but I know we can do it with joy, love and resilience.
I agree. I think it will keep getting worse before it gets better, but I do feel sure we will prevail in the end. And in many ways are already prevailing.
100%. Plus the Republicans seem to just keep doubling-down on their double-downs, but it just draws more attention to how extreme they are.
Dear Jess - I wonder if what twitter did to NPR, and NPR’s withdrawal from twitter has made you think about leaving Elon. I feel it could be an important statement to have other users leave in solidarity with NPR. I’ve never used Twitter.
I am proud to say that I left twitter the week Musk took it over. Deleted my account. I don't miss it or feel like I need it at all. And I refuse to subsidize Nazis.
I'm not sure if this is appropriate, Jessica, and understand if you delete this post, but if there are folks out there who are aware of TX Gov. Greg Abbott's intent to pardon a man who was convicted last week of murdering a protestor, I am urging people to contact the TX Pardon Board members to ask that they SUPPORT the jury verdict. We have a governor who is trying to send a message that shooting protestors is okay. Time is of the essence.
Texas Board of Pardons and Parole (512) 406-5452 bpp_pio@tdcj.texas.gov
members:
David G. Gutiérrez, Chair
Gatesville Board Office, 254-865-8870
Elodia Brito
Amarillo Board Office, 806-359-7656
Carmella Jones
Huntsville Board Office, 936-291-2161
Brian Long
Palestine Board Office, 903-723-1068
Marsha Moberley
Angleton Board Office, 979-849-3031
Linda Molina
San Antonio Board Office, 512-671-2532
Ed Robertson
Austin Board Office, 512-671-2532
Not only will I not delete it, but I applaud it. Is the pardon board able to override Abbot on this?
UPDATE: I just called the pardon board chair and was told they do not take info over the phone--she referred me to the following phone number and email address to register objections to this potential pardon. I am hoping that just as we saw, in 2020, election officials from both parties doing their job, I hope these pardon board appointees, most of whom have lifelong criminal justice careers, will do so as well and stand up to Abbott. One number, one email.
Texas Board of Pardons and Parole
(512) 406-5853
bpp_pio@tdcj.texas.gov
Cathy if you can give me a proposed call script I'll put it in today's email. But I should be publishing within the next 45 mins.
I don’t believe so. He acts on their recommendation, and he has asked them for a recommendation to pardon. Though they are Abbott appointed, they are all experienced criminal justice professionals, current or retired. I hope just as LE here stood up to Abbott against open carry (he passed anyway), these folks will not want their life’s service to be tarnished by this absolute craziness. I hope many of your readers have time to contact at least one today.