AHHHHRRGH! Howard Dean at Scholz Beer Garden
Generally, people don’t think “Democrat” when they think about Texas. It wasn’t always like that, though. The Lone Star State was decidedly “blue” for over a hundred years before the Republicans swept in during the last decade. As a consequence, the Democratic Party, trying to allocate resources wisely, doesn’t generally send a lot of clout or cash our way. The times they are a-changin', though. Howard Dean, head of the Democratic Party, came down to Scholz Garden last Tuesday to help support local candidates and spread word of the Dem’s agenda.
Before Dean spoke, we listened to a dizzying series of speeches by some local Democrats running for office. You might recognize the names Mary Beth Harrell, Velinda Bolton, John Courage, and Mark Strama from Austin bumpers. Each laid out their agenda and did their best to fire up the crowd. Most notable (read: completely kickass) of the speakers was Hank Gilbert.
Gilbert and his big cowboy hat are running for Agriculture Commissioner, an office that, while taken for granted by most Texans, is one that he feels very deeply about, being a third generation rancher “with the 4th generation in the living room back home.” Frank, funny, and passionate, he laid out his platform with wit and force, informing us that he “didn’t give a damn about politics.” We’ve never been so excited to vote for an Ag Commish.
After a few more speakers, a slightly tardy Dean came out on stage to loud applause, hootin’, and hollerin’. You may have your opinions of the man, but one cannot doubt his capacity as an orator. He began by expressing his condolences for our recent loss of former governor Ann Richards, remembering her for her “big hair,” but noted that it was backed up by an even bigger brain. Getting down to business, he stressed how important local elections are, and didn’t mince words about the work and time involved in turning Texas Dem again. Next, he laid out the Democratic platform for the upcoming midterm elections. It is as follows:
1) Pass real ethics reform, to counter the GOP’s “culture of corruption”
2) Create American jobs and keep existing jobs from going overseas
3) Design a “tough and smart” new defense strategy for Iraq
4) Move America towards energy independence
5) Create a healthcare system for all Americans
6) Improve our public school system
7) Protect Social Security and corporate pension funds
Sounds good to us. Hopefully, some more details are forthcoming.
In closing, he unveiled a new fundraising method called Democracy Bonds, imploring us to purchase them on the Dem’s website. Basically, you donate a monthly sum to the Democratic Party, billable to your credit card. Most pay around $10-22, yet even that sum means a lot to the Democrats, a party whose constituents are generally not as wealthy as the Republicans, who have deep pockets to reach into when elections come around.
Dean finished up by riffing on his infamous Iowa speech, segueing into his closing line, “You have the power.” Sounded a little cheesy, but he’s right. Staying informed about local and national elections can’t hurt, and with a slate of Democratic candidates chomping at the bit to serve Texas, you’d do well to check out your local races and find out a little bit more about them.
Happy voting!
