In her introduction to her segment on MSNBC on Monday, Rachel Maddow said, "Authoritarianism does not fix itself." She also reminded us, "We are in a place we did not want to be, but we are there." Later she poses the question, "What can you do for your country?" She warns, "An authoritarian leader just seeks more and more power throughout, not just politics, but throughout all of society - systematically trying to eliminate any effective means of opposing him. This is a one-way ratchet if we leave it up to him."
Rachel suggests that "opposition politicians" can help fight this regime, citing the example of Democratic politicians who have visited black site camps, demanding to be let inside. I suggest that these brave Texans who fled the state are also "opposition politicians"- taking a stand at risk to their own lives.
Governor Kathy Hochul said on Monday, " If we refuse to fight for our Democracy, we are doomed to lose it." She also stated in regards to these Texans, "These are the 2025 versions of profiles in courage."
Heroism is not to be taken lightly in this moment. These men and women do, I agree, give us much-needed hope and inspiration to fight for our Democracy. I cheer them on wholeheartedly, and I pray for their safety.
Do we really have to affirm the courage of one set of our team by denigrating others on our own side. Can we just keep our verbal ammo focused on the MAGA perpetrators of the mess we’re in? That would be a lot more productive.
I know Trump, who has an appalling grasp of numbers, actually knows he’s not doing well with the American people. We know he will call anyone to ask them to cheat.
However I can’t help but wonder if at least part of the R goal is to quash Jasmine CROCKETT?
I think so! It’s just like Houston’s TX-18 district that for years was Sheila Jackson Lee’s district. After her death, Sylvester Turner had it until his death in March. Then Abbott refused to call a special election so those folks have been unrepresented in Congress and it gave the GOP one less Democratic vote which helped pass the Big Ugly Bill.
Exactly! That's got to be illegal on the part of Abbott in some way or other. And yet he has the audacity to throw stones at the representatives that have broken quorum. He needs to go!
I absolutely think so. She is one of the most vocal and prominent resistors out there, and she has a true gift for making her point and winning the crowd. The GOP would love nothing better than to shut her up and force her out of Congress. They can't beat her with the voters but in true corrupt Republican fashion, they can try to eliminate her seat through redistricting.
Exactly. They are not on vacation. They are in exile - not the same thing. I have seen SO much hate piled on against these brave men and women. Accusations of cowardice, abandoning their jobs, betraying their voters, etc. Just.... horrible to read.
If my memory serves, Democrat legislators leaving the state to prevent a quorum and therefore a vote on a controversial issue is a time-honored tradition in Texas politics. This is not the first time this has happened and most likely won't be the last. If my memory isn't failing me, I believe in one of those instances they were nicknamed 'killer bees,' which I'm surprised hasn't gotten more use.
The practice began with the "Rump Senate incident" in June 1870, when "13 Texas senators walked out of the Capitol to block a bill giving the governor wartime powers, depriving the upper chamber of the two-thirds quorum required for voting". Though the fleeing members were arrested and the bill eventually passed, this incident "established quorum-breaking as a minority party tactic that has persisted in Texas politics ever since".
In 2021, the GOP tried similar redistricting shenanigans, and were slightly thwarted when Democrats left the state. I wish there was a national law to set districts independently. For Houston, we get a big red area outside Houston with a little string inside, which makes our maps look sort of like spikes on a wheel. Or in some cases intestines!
Texan here. $7200 a year is correct. Texas legislators are supposed to be selfless public servants, and many are. They sure aren't in it for the money. Also, the Legislature only meets in regular session every other year for six months. So even with committee work etc in between, it's not a full time job.
No, $7200 a year. It’s considered a part time job. I live in Texas. State politics here seems so oddly implemented other states are always “why do they do it this way?”.
When TN republicans voted to remove two Democratic state legislators, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson were immediately and overwhelmingly reelected to their seats. But it seems TX republicans didn't learn a thing from that fiasco. Also, these republicans are giving Irony a migraine with their hypocrisy after MAGA Mike Johnson recessed the House to avoid voting on releasing the Epstein files. Who fled town to avoid doing their jobs again?
Beto O'Rourke has already donated $600K to assist TX Dems with their expenses while they remain out of state. JB Pritzker is letting TX Dems in his state stay at his Hyatt Hotels free of charge. It's GREAT to see fellow Democrats rallying around these brave people who are standing up for voting rights on this the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. Bravo!! 👏👏
In the eyes of Abbot it’s ok for Mike Johnson to send The House home to prevent a vote on releasing the Epstein files but it’s ‘criminal’ for Texas Democrats to leave the state to prevent a quorum. Typical maga double standard.
Johnson is another new hero of mine. “…when [trump] called Texas Republicans and said, ‘I need you to steal me five seats,’ they said, ‘Does July work for you?’ Well it doesn’t work for us as Texas Democrats.”
Thank you for highlighting our Texas Democratic representatives. Many Texans are in total despair. We are actually a purple state but gerrymandering keeps our unpopular elected officials in power. Often Abbott and crew, Cruz, Cornyn, Chip Roy, only win 51 or so % of the votes, but we get stuck with them.
The intensity of a few Republican officials' anger about a temporary procedural delay stands in stark contrast to the scale of public concern about broader democratic institutions.
Abbott put the redistricting issue ahead of the Kerr County flood emergency and future safety issue. So that says: trump = important, kids safety = meh!
Um, explain to me how, if they didn't have a quorum, it was possible for the Texas House to vote to track down and arrest the Democrats?
Of course this fiasco is driven by Abbott's--and the Republican delegation's--fealty to trump. But there are a few interesting things happening. The first is that Marc Elias points out that there is no basis in Texas law for the actions Abbott is taking to "hold the Democrats accountable"--it was a gambit by Abbott who expected the Ds to roll over and he could push it through the legislature; he got caught and now he's trying to salvage what he can to save face. Another thing: the calendar does not work in Texas' favor; if the Ds can hold out until the end of the year, California may already be down the path of its gerrymander--regardless of whether Texas is successful with theirs. The clock runs out for Texas at the end of the year; it doesn't for California. And then, Texas Republicans are protesting against the actions! Texas Democrats are standing firm with their officials; Texas Republicans are not happy with theirs. A good recipe for chaos now--and a hopeful sign for the ability to stop this travesty in its tracks. There will be bluster along the way, as there always is with Republicans, but the situation may not be as dire as they are attempting to make it out to be.
"While the Texas Constitution 'enables "quorum-breaking" by a minority faction of the legislature, it likewise authorizes "quorum-forcing" by the remaining members,' the court ruled.
Rep. Charlie Geren, a Republican from Fort Worth, laid the groundwork for the warrants by motioning for a 'call of the House,' which requires all members to stay within the chamber unless excused. Any members not present can be 'sent for and arrested, wherever they may be found,' by the sergeant-at-arms, according to House rules."
The Texas Constitution — yea, I know, one more silly law — says we should have redistricting once every ten years. Why doesn’t anyone ask Abbott et al about that?
Actually it says that it has to be done after each census. It does not say it cannot be done more often… so it is legal but it stinks. both sides have done that in the past.
In my memory breaking quorum has never worked in Texas. It's too hard on the legislators. I don't have much hope that this will change. But I am donating to the cause.
The "Killer Bees" (1979): Twelve Democratic state senators fled the Capitol for four days to block a measure that would have shifted the timing of presidential primaries. This was "the last such effort that achieved its immediate aims".
Paxton the pedo needs to go sit down and shut up. Abbott has always been and will always be a POS. Jasmine Crockett and Ann Johnson should be in charge of everything.
Jay
I commend the democrats who are “on vacation” in Illinois, NY etc.
they are giving up much more than people realize.
Teresa: While also giving us hope, which is priceless.
In her introduction to her segment on MSNBC on Monday, Rachel Maddow said, "Authoritarianism does not fix itself." She also reminded us, "We are in a place we did not want to be, but we are there." Later she poses the question, "What can you do for your country?" She warns, "An authoritarian leader just seeks more and more power throughout, not just politics, but throughout all of society - systematically trying to eliminate any effective means of opposing him. This is a one-way ratchet if we leave it up to him."
Rachel suggests that "opposition politicians" can help fight this regime, citing the example of Democratic politicians who have visited black site camps, demanding to be let inside. I suggest that these brave Texans who fled the state are also "opposition politicians"- taking a stand at risk to their own lives.
Governor Kathy Hochul said on Monday, " If we refuse to fight for our Democracy, we are doomed to lose it." She also stated in regards to these Texans, "These are the 2025 versions of profiles in courage."
Heroism is not to be taken lightly in this moment. These men and women do, I agree, give us much-needed hope and inspiration to fight for our Democracy. I cheer them on wholeheartedly, and I pray for their safety.
I believe there are women in this group of brave Democrat leaders.
https://www.texastribune.org/2025/08/03/texas-democrats-quorum-break-redistricting-map/
Thank you for that info. I will change to men and women!!
And big props to Ann Johnson. What a powerful statement she made.
Those TX State Dems are displaying far more courage by "walking the walk" rather than the
Schumer/Jeffreys "talking the talk"...who would YOU prefer to fight for your values?
Do we really have to affirm the courage of one set of our team by denigrating others on our own side. Can we just keep our verbal ammo focused on the MAGA perpetrators of the mess we’re in? That would be a lot more productive.
Good reminder. Thnx
I know Trump, who has an appalling grasp of numbers, actually knows he’s not doing well with the American people. We know he will call anyone to ask them to cheat.
However I can’t help but wonder if at least part of the R goal is to quash Jasmine CROCKETT?
She's not a Texas state legislator. She's a U.S. Congress Critter. She will not be quashed by anyone. Aslo, she wears a cape.
Her district is part of the gerrymandering plan? She may still win, but her district will not be safe Democratic.
I think that was taken into account when redrawing districts.
I’m from Ohio. We have a district affectionately called “the duck”. Looks like a duck&keeps sending Jim Jordan to Congress.
Ah, I was being dense. I was focusing on the state reps.
So, it also thinks like a duck?
Crockett is not a legislator, but her congressional district is disappeared on the new maps. So, it seems Suki’s question is legit.
I believe Crockett has said that no matter what happens to her district, she is not going to stop fighting, in one way or another. I believe her.
Yes, I replied to another comment from Suki that I was suffering brain fog
Beautiful image 😉
I think so! It’s just like Houston’s TX-18 district that for years was Sheila Jackson Lee’s district. After her death, Sylvester Turner had it until his death in March. Then Abbott refused to call a special election so those folks have been unrepresented in Congress and it gave the GOP one less Democratic vote which helped pass the Big Ugly Bill.
Exactly! That's got to be illegal on the part of Abbott in some way or other. And yet he has the audacity to throw stones at the representatives that have broken quorum. He needs to go!
I absolutely think so. She is one of the most vocal and prominent resistors out there, and she has a true gift for making her point and winning the crowd. The GOP would love nothing better than to shut her up and force her out of Congress. They can't beat her with the voters but in true corrupt Republican fashion, they can try to eliminate her seat through redistricting.
God, Abbott is such a crook.
Exactly. They are not on vacation. They are in exile - not the same thing. I have seen SO much hate piled on against these brave men and women. Accusations of cowardice, abandoning their jobs, betraying their voters, etc. Just.... horrible to read.
I thought ths was a good explanation of what's actually happening:
https://substack.com/home/post/p-170049177
Show them some love! https://riggedredistricting.com/
Pritzker does have an in with some hotels in Illinois anyway.
If my memory serves, Democrat legislators leaving the state to prevent a quorum and therefore a vote on a controversial issue is a time-honored tradition in Texas politics. This is not the first time this has happened and most likely won't be the last. If my memory isn't failing me, I believe in one of those instances they were nicknamed 'killer bees,' which I'm surprised hasn't gotten more use.
The practice began with the "Rump Senate incident" in June 1870, when "13 Texas senators walked out of the Capitol to block a bill giving the governor wartime powers, depriving the upper chamber of the two-thirds quorum required for voting". Though the fleeing members were arrested and the bill eventually passed, this incident "established quorum-breaking as a minority party tactic that has persisted in Texas politics ever since".
In 2021, the GOP tried similar redistricting shenanigans, and were slightly thwarted when Democrats left the state. I wish there was a national law to set districts independently. For Houston, we get a big red area outside Houston with a little string inside, which makes our maps look sort of like spikes on a wheel. Or in some cases intestines!
These men and women are paid only $7,200 per year? Don’t you mean $72,000 per year?
Texan here. $7200 a year is correct. Texas legislators are supposed to be selfless public servants, and many are. They sure aren't in it for the money. Also, the Legislature only meets in regular session every other year for six months. So even with committee work etc in between, it's not a full time job.
Plus there are no rules about “donations” so the money flows in from non-governmental sources!
No, $7200 a year. It’s considered a part time job. I live in Texas. State politics here seems so oddly implemented other states are always “why do they do it this way?”.
When TN republicans voted to remove two Democratic state legislators, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson were immediately and overwhelmingly reelected to their seats. But it seems TX republicans didn't learn a thing from that fiasco. Also, these republicans are giving Irony a migraine with their hypocrisy after MAGA Mike Johnson recessed the House to avoid voting on releasing the Epstein files. Who fled town to avoid doing their jobs again?
Beto O'Rourke has already donated $600K to assist TX Dems with their expenses while they remain out of state. JB Pritzker is letting TX Dems in his state stay at his Hyatt Hotels free of charge. It's GREAT to see fellow Democrats rallying around these brave people who are standing up for voting rights on this the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. Bravo!! 👏👏
For anyone wishing to donate to help defray the expenses of our brave TX Dems, here's Beto O'Rourke's fundraising site: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/support-texas-dems-2025?refcode=web-nav&_gl=1*14tenel*_gcl_au*MTI4NzIxODcxOC4xNzU0NDk0OTMx
In the eyes of Abbot it’s ok for Mike Johnson to send The House home to prevent a vote on releasing the Epstein files but it’s ‘criminal’ for Texas Democrats to leave the state to prevent a quorum. Typical maga double standard.
We all know that if it weren't for double standards, MAGA Republicans would have no standards whatsoever!
Johnson is another new hero of mine. “…when [trump] called Texas Republicans and said, ‘I need you to steal me five seats,’ they said, ‘Does July work for you?’ Well it doesn’t work for us as Texas Democrats.”
Or any Democrat, I guarantee you.
She and Crockett are bad ass. It took long enough for dems to find their public voice but better late than never.
Amen to that, Michela!
Mike Johnson and the Republicans in the US House started it all with refusing to work and starting vacation early this year.
Can I adopt a legislator? I live in Wisconsin and have a spare room! Kudos to these brave and principled people.
Haha! What a great idea, Elaine! I have a spare room in my home here in Colorado! No rent charge and free breakfasts for as long as needed!
Kudos, indeed. 💕
Thank you for highlighting our Texas Democratic representatives. Many Texans are in total despair. We are actually a purple state but gerrymandering keeps our unpopular elected officials in power. Often Abbott and crew, Cruz, Cornyn, Chip Roy, only win 51 or so % of the votes, but we get stuck with them.
The intensity of a few Republican officials' anger about a temporary procedural delay stands in stark contrast to the scale of public concern about broader democratic institutions.
Abbott put the redistricting issue ahead of the Kerr County flood emergency and future safety issue. So that says: trump = important, kids safety = meh!
Um, explain to me how, if they didn't have a quorum, it was possible for the Texas House to vote to track down and arrest the Democrats?
Of course this fiasco is driven by Abbott's--and the Republican delegation's--fealty to trump. But there are a few interesting things happening. The first is that Marc Elias points out that there is no basis in Texas law for the actions Abbott is taking to "hold the Democrats accountable"--it was a gambit by Abbott who expected the Ds to roll over and he could push it through the legislature; he got caught and now he's trying to salvage what he can to save face. Another thing: the calendar does not work in Texas' favor; if the Ds can hold out until the end of the year, California may already be down the path of its gerrymander--regardless of whether Texas is successful with theirs. The clock runs out for Texas at the end of the year; it doesn't for California. And then, Texas Republicans are protesting against the actions! Texas Democrats are standing firm with their officials; Texas Republicans are not happy with theirs. A good recipe for chaos now--and a hopeful sign for the ability to stop this travesty in its tracks. There will be bluster along the way, as there always is with Republicans, but the situation may not be as dire as they are attempting to make it out to be.
Thank you, Evelyn. I had exactly the same question.
"While the Texas Constitution 'enables "quorum-breaking" by a minority faction of the legislature, it likewise authorizes "quorum-forcing" by the remaining members,' the court ruled.
Rep. Charlie Geren, a Republican from Fort Worth, laid the groundwork for the warrants by motioning for a 'call of the House,' which requires all members to stay within the chamber unless excused. Any members not present can be 'sent for and arrested, wherever they may be found,' by the sergeant-at-arms, according to House rules."
https://www.texastribune.org/2025/08/04/texas-democrats-house-warrants-arrest-quorum-break/
I don't like it...but thank you for the explanation. It seems absurd, but if that's within the rules, sobeit.
The Texas Constitution — yea, I know, one more silly law — says we should have redistricting once every ten years. Why doesn’t anyone ask Abbott et al about that?
Actually it says that it has to be done after each census. It does not say it cannot be done more often… so it is legal but it stinks. both sides have done that in the past.
Texas Democrats are defending democracy. AAPI leader Gene Wu is fighting fascism. I wrote a poem inspired by their bravery and JB Pritzker's support: https://democracydefender2025.substack.com/p/jay-pritzker-texas-democrats
I’m very proud of our Texas Dems!
In my memory breaking quorum has never worked in Texas. It's too hard on the legislators. I don't have much hope that this will change. But I am donating to the cause.
But it brings lots of notice to GOP shenanigans!
The "Killer Bees" (1979): Twelve Democratic state senators fled the Capitol for four days to block a measure that would have shifted the timing of presidential primaries. This was "the last such effort that achieved its immediate aims".
"While Gov. Abbott may believe he is on a roll,"
.....
That's about the funniest thing I've read today (second only to "diddler on the roof").
Paxton the pedo needs to go sit down and shut up. Abbott has always been and will always be a POS. Jasmine Crockett and Ann Johnson should be in charge of everything.
First ,how could the Texas house vote on anything if they didn't have quorum?