If not for the gay rulings, this would be the big story of the day nationally. I don't know how many of you saw reports on what happened Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning in the Texas Senate, but it was one of the most inspiring acts of democracy I've ever seen, and in a state that is run more like a dictatorship.
State Sen. Wendy Davis (BTW, a rising superstar for the Democrats) led a one-woman filibuster that was subverted by the Republican leadership of the Senate. And then the thousands of people in attendance rose up and by force of will prevented the anti-abortion bill from being passed by the midnight deadline.
Now, ultimately, the abortion bill is likely to pass, as another session has been called, but this was an incredibly empowering moment that won't soon be forgotten in Texas and may in the future be recognized as the impetus for a re-energized electorate.
http://www.texastribune.org/2013/06/26/led-davis- … gislation/
The Day Democracy was Reborn in Texas?
That was an exciting bit of legislative action. I only wish the Fed government rules required these obstructive Republicans to do what this woman did; stand there for all the hours of the filibuster and talk on topic.
In may not been the biggest news story here, but people followed it all over the world on youtube. Could she be the next Ann Richards?
That is very cool, Barney. In the wake of the Voting Rights Act ruling, it is widely expected that the GOP is going to draw Davis out of her district. Actually, that might be a mistake on their part. Davis is one of the few Democrats in Texas who actually might be able to throw a scare into the Republicans in a statewide race, and there's talk that she might make a bid for governor if the GOP draws her out of the lege.
Great and inspiring story. Hopefully it will make people sit up and take notice of what the legislators are attempting. Gail Colllins, in today's Times, writes a nice piece, 'Wendy and the Boys": http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/27/opinion/collins … ndex.jsonp
Inspiring!
Well I for one sent her a thank you note and a donation as that is how I reward the ones that do a good job.