I just made my second appearance on the Katie Speak Show, where I talked about activism at the Texas Legislature:
First appearing on this episode is Rebecca Buckwalter-Poza, who is suing Donald Trump for blocking him on Twitter. Her case raises interesting issues about freedom of speech and the dissemination of information in a high tech age.
Then, the show’s host, Katie Klabusich, and I discussed the special session of the Legislature, which began last week, and the strategies Governor Greg Abbott is using to try to force through a raft of unpopular, inhumane laws. On the agenda during the next month are abortion access, transgender rights, the ability of unions to collect dues, even cities’ ability to protect historic trees from development.
At the same time, about three dozen nonprofits and activist groups have combined to form the One Texas Resistance coalition, in an effort to pool their efforts at resistance together and highlight the intersectionality of their diverse issues, from climate change to the rights of Latinx Texans. Last week’s highly publicized quinceañera protest was organized by Jolt, a member of the coalition. These tactics, and their successes or failures, can likely serve as a model for the rest of the country which is also controlled by the power hungry and bigoted GOP.
We also touched on the work of Aimee Arrambide who, as part of the Public Leadership Institute, is working to create model legislation to protect reproductive healthcare. Countering the work of think tanks like ALEC or Americans United for Life, these bills would help create a positive cultural and legislative atmosphere around abortion. Even when they don’t pass, these bills can help change people’s attitudes and pave the way for future progress.
I really enjoy appearing on the Katie Speak Show, and hope I get to do so again in the future. If you’re interested in the podcast or Katie’s other work, follow @Katie_Speak on Twitter and join Katie’s Patreon.
p.s. Help me cover the ongoing human rights activism at the Texas Legislature! Please support my Patreon. You can get bonus content starting at just $1, but for $10/month you’ll get special insider looks at my work in progress. I’ll also send you a personalized copy of the zine “Central Texas Least Wanted” in August.
