Why You Must Save Democracy
A car caravan for voting rights and passage of the HEROES Act took place around Senator Cornyn’s office in North Dallas on August 6.
August 6 was the anniversary of the milestone Voting Rights Act of 1965. States with particularly racist backgrounds, Texas for example, had their political practices reviewed. More recently, the Act was substantially gutted during a period when the Supreme Court and state legislatures made a number of other anti-democratic decisions.
This year, President Trump has indicated that he would like to “postpone” the November 3 election, although he backed off when prominent Republicans disagreed. Not long ago, the President’s son-in-law made the same public suggestion. Trump continues to try to discredit the American electoral process while speaking against the safest and most democratic process – vote by mail.
Recently in Texas and elsewhere armed hoodlums and federal agents are intimidating peaceful protests and other public meetings. Voter lines may be long this year because the pandemic intimidates poll workers.
Election Workers Needed
The Dallas AFL-CIO has been asked to help find people to train to make the elections work.
DCDP Voter Protection Director Katherine McGovern writes: “I am working to ensure that every registered Texas voter is able to cast his/her vote. As a result of the July 14 Democratic Runoff Election, the significant likely shortfall of election judges and election workers for the November General Election is apparent. I am reaching out to Labor for help in the recruitment of 2500 election workers/ 469+ election judges to volunteer, be trained as Election Judges and Workers, and to commit to work either Early Voting (10/13-10/30) or on Election Day (11/03). Election Workers are paid ($12-16/hr.); Election Judges are paid ($25/hr.). The specific website for Dallas County Elections to find more information about being an election worker is www.DallasCountyVotes.org”
No Democracy On An Empty Stomach
The National AFL-CIO has called a day of action August 11 to try to get the U.S. Senate to vote on the HEROES Act that would save jobs and extend unemployment benefits. In several cities, including Houston, they will hold “Don’t Starve Us” food distributions along with press conferences. Activists in other cities are being asked to skip meals in solidarity. Contact cfiles@aflcio.org.
A new organization that supports labor’s efforts, the Restaurant Workers United, held their own action for the HEROES Act and unemployment relief in Dallas on August 5. The young activists received significant news coverage.
Make Labor Day a success!
Your Dallas AFL-CIO will do our best to win the elections for working families. It will take a mighty effort under arduous circumstances. Normally, our Labor Day Breakfast is our big jump start and fund raiser. But the pandemic means that we cannot put our supporters in personal danger.
The Labor Day jump start and the funding are still desperately needed. Everybody needs to pitch in for a great Virtual Labor Day September 7. Individuals and organizations are asked to make pledges now.
More Actions Coming UP
Aug 7, 6PM: “Bonnie and Gene Go to Extremes for KNON” on Genelantz Facebook
Aug 10, 2P: Virtual Phone Banking training. Contact Judy4tara@aol.com
Aug 10, (and every Monday) 5p: Texas AFL-CIO “Live at 5” on FacebookAug 11: National AFL-CIO Day of Action in favor of passing the HEROES Act. Includes fasting. Contact cfiles@aflcio.org
Aug 20, 7:30p: Dallas AFL-CIO virtual meeting. Contact genelantz19@gmail.com
August 22: National day of action with United Electrical Workers for Medicare for All
Sep 7, 9:30A: Dallas Virtual Labor Day Breakfast
Oct 13: Early voting until Oct 30
November 3 - Election Day
