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The Return of the Killer Ds

A BUZZFLASH READER COMMENTARY
by Mara

This occurred on September 15th 2003 around noon, at the Texas State Capitol in Austin.

I went to the Texas State Senate today to witness the process of demagoguery. I can't call it democracy, because these men have ignored the will of the populist and they have changed the rules as they have gone to exclude the public and divergent views. The unprecedented third Special session's first meeting lasted a unprecedented 3 minutes. They whacked the hammer, called the role, read some bill numbers and adjourned in an unprecedented hurry. For weeks they have been demanding that the Democrats return for debate and dialogue. Now the Democrats are here and the Republicans are gone. They only needed one democrat and they got their weak link in the person of Whitmire.

The gallery met the reading of the numbers with a long poisonous hissssss sound. This was quickly replaced with outraged hurled yells of "cowards" and boos when the Republicans made there hasty exit. Later, Senator West explained to me that the republicans had to have the meeting over or each returning Senator had the right and privilege of a speech. They were not going to hand the Democrats an official platform, come hell or high water, so they skidaddled like the dogs they are. The gallery was shaking with stomping feet hoots and derisive chants. I found my fist raised high. My anger reached out to grab at those socially selfish men. The media's camera's simultaneously snapped around and up at us in the peanut gallery while the men in grey bustled out the back door.

The 10 Democrats were actually barred entry outside the Senate door. When they came in and the jeers changed to cheers of a jubilant chorus welcoming their heroes. I know that they are sad that it is happening this way but glad to be back in Texas with their families. I thank them for their sacrifice and their time in limbo. I am sad that one was weak. I only wonder at what his reasoning was, or worse, what his selling price was. Such is my cynicism in this day and age. How did they get to him?

Every speech by every Senator was met with a big handed ovation. I watched the history flow. Democracy was ebbing out the back door and these strong and committed men and women were trying to slow the hemorrhaging flow. I came to the capital the first day that the house representatives decamped to Oklahoma. I have witnessed the joke of "public hearings" led by the strangled grip of people who wouldn't hear the voice of the people. 98% spoke against the redistricting. I have seen prayer vigils and demonstrations of the soon to be disenfranchised. Today, I want to cry, but these senators and their indomitable spirit make me want to emulate them, strong in adversity.

In the senate, the microphone was turned off by a mister Harris, so the speakers just raised their voices. The doors were barred when there were still empty seats. Supporters were not allowed entry into the hall of government. If this isn't political censorship, what is? The gallery called out to the media "Tell the story.. Tell the story." We will see if they do.

In the rotunda, the heart of the Capital, we prayed for the return of democracy. On the balcony, a Republican passed behind me, he stopped. looked at me and hissed softly "Just, get out!"

Pictures --->> http://homepage.mac.com/kaaawa/Polly_Tiks/PhotoAlbum30.html

A BUZZFLASH READER COMMENTARY