Can We Save Democracy?
North Texas labor leaders took an all-day class on defending democracy at the Communications Workers Hall on June 1. Facilitators were associated with the CWA in Texas and New York. The AFL-CIO is contemplating similar classes nationwide as the continued existence of democracy in America falls into question.
It isn't just a matter of voting in 2024. Defending democracy is about understanding the problem and organizing against it in the long term. Topics included “The Value of Democracy for Workers,” “Undermining Democracy,” “The Anti-Democracy Playbook,” “Workers Solidarity,” “Democracy Powered by the People,” and “Union Members = Democracy Defenders.”
There were no lectures. Instead, we held lively discussions and lots of role-playing. In one especially interesting session, we pretended to be autocratic groups figuring out strategies to destroy democracy. Brother Dee Codrington of the Painters’ Union and others pointed out the importance of fighting racism because it is the main tool of reactionaries. Our discussion and role-playing about fighting divisive homophobia was especially critical during Pride month.
There are photos on our Facebook Page. Our voices are captured in a short podcast on Spotify.
Texans Are Counting on Allred
The Texas Democratic Convention is underway in El Paso. News articles show that the “top of the ticket” for Texas in 2024 is Dallas’ own Collin Allred for U.S. Senate. During the lunch break from our day-long class on saving democracy, Allred appeared at the Communications Workers Hall to accept the national endorsement of the Alliance for Retired Americans.
Allred’s acceptance speech outlined the important battles for pensions, health care, and Social Security that are the primary issues for seniors. The presentation and his speech are captured on video on our Facebook page.
Please Join Our Solidarity Brigade
Click here to get updates whenever activists are needed. For text alerts, send the word "action" to the phone number 235246. Texas Alliance for Retired Americans continues statewide outreach meetings on Fridays at 5:30PM. If you are not already registered, register here.
MORE ACTIONS COMING UP
Jun 7-9: AFGE District 10 activist training
Jun 8, 4:30P Movie showing and fundraiser at Pan African Connection. @FRSO.DFW
Jun 8: Antiwar activists will attempt to surround the White House
Jun 11: Early voting ends for the June 15 election in several cities outside Dallas
Jun 12: Dallas City Council to vote on a resolution condemning SB4, the “show your papers” bill
Jun 13: Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action. To sign up, click here
Jun 13, 11A: DFW Worldwide Solidarity Picket at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport - Terminal D20-23 upper level •2400 Aviation Dr, Dallas, TX. Contact Chartley@apfa.org
Jun 14, 5-7P: Candidate Denise Wilkerson event at Saltgrass Steak House, 1813 Hwy 121 in Bedford
Jun 15: Runoff elections in several cities
Jun 15, 3:30P: “The Trial of Jane Elkins” performed at Pan African Connection
Jun 19, Noon-2PM: Grand opening of Democratic Party office in Red Bird Mall
Jun 20, 7:30P: Central Labor Council meeting for all affiliated AFL-CIO members at 1408 N Washington
