| In September 16 the Capitol had programmed
an special session. This session was supposed to bring together both parties after the 45
days of democratic boycott against the bullies republican and they intent to abuse the
power as a majority against the will of most Texans, democrats and republicans, and
enforcing a congressional redistricting that is not only absurd and discriminatory but
also expensive. The State Senator from the 15th district (North Harris county and North Houston) John Whitmire(D), in a press conference give an emotive speech on the fifth of this month, he was not allowed to use the press room, apparently the Republicans control the capitol like a private store and nobody looks to care, the claim for his contention was to keep the peace in the sacred building, but his robust Spanish constituency, and others democrats, give a more appropriated term to his attitude of facilitating the quorum necessary for the passing of the Redistricting Bill; Whitmire just "chicken'out" under the pressure of losing his parking privileges and the pending $57,000 fine against the whole Democratic bunch. But the almost legal Albuquerque caucus have not only principles strength but also a good quota of street smarts and decide to show up. That showing up was, maybe, not too bad for the Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, but the fact that the gallery in the Capitol was full with the best representation of the democracy loving Texan Democrats, was not his cup of tea and he gaveled his way out of the Senate without giving the returning senators the opportunity to excuse their past absence. That was a mistake. It probed that the Republicans of Texas under long rested, and once in a while showing precedent established by former republican governors and presidents, are considering any manifestation of freedom as a menace to the American way, is to say, use the power invested on them to control, not to satisfy the will of the people. The public started acting a little rowdy, screaming "Where are they?" referring to the absents Republican Senators, the vociferous voices made the Capitol more than a copy of a Roman one. The Capitol police was moving around a little nervous, but nevertheless polite and professional, there was not a correct public attitude, but it was a typical American attitude in confronting unfairness. Is that was not enough, the microphone was curtailed to avoid the Senators to address the public in the gallery, people outside the chambers were negated access to the place, ( this could be a warranted safety measure even though at the moment look ..too convenient.) but we can not less than to deduct that the only reason the lights were on it was, probably, because few Republicans know how to access the power. Nothing close to anarchy, voiciferous but civilized. Without a working microphone at hands, it was sufficient a hand gesture by Senator Barrientos, to get the multitude into a complete silence so the powerful and sweet voice of the Lady Senator Leticia Van de Putte could fill the whole Capitol with the words that was in the hearts of the public. Never the Capitol of Texas got longer and stronger clapping that the ones received by the ten returning Democratic Senators. The day end up with prayers and soul songs in the Capitol rotunda. That only happens in Texas and in the dreams of Latin America. Do not mess with that! Len Zayas editor LenZayas.com can be contacted at:len@zayas.ws |
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slide show of pictures at the Capitol you need Real Player to see it. |
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