I Can't Wait To Go To State
posted by snarko on Monday, March 27 2006
Taking Bets on the State Chair Brawl
Just by being female, I made delegate, turnout was so low.
PLEASE if interest in getting involved in your party, even if you're a Republican, contact me I'll show you how easy it is.
ANYHOO, back to state.
There's no way I wanna miss the spectacular three-way brawl for State Chair. It's dirty. Everyone's in an uproar one way or another.
IT'S GONNA BE FUN!
Few people understand why I'm looking forward to this, but it'll be Democracy at it's finest, else Fascism at it's worst, and I wanna see it first-hand.
Oh, yeah, and I wanna be able to vote on it. This determines how the whole Texas Democratic Party is run this year.
YES there will be video. Are you kidding?
Always Bring Noisemakers to a Party Convention!
posted by snarko on Monday, March 27 2006
Additions to Original Suggestion from Fidel "Ace" Acevedo
He insisted we bring em. I wouldn't Party without em.
1. The older attendees will seriously crack up when used appropriately. (Stuff can get boring; laugh good.)
2. Many people on the floor don't have an opinion. I'm not kidding. Making noise as soon as the Chair reads the title of something you support NEARLY GUARANTEES they vote your way. "It sounds like a good idea."
3. The larger the convention, the more important. Most votes are passed by whether "aye" or "nay" is louder. Yes, this can be contested, but rarely is.
4. It's a lot easier to find your lost friends when you've brought a conch shell.
5. A megaphone is a good way to shoo weird Republicans with dead donkeys painted on their hooptie truck.
What's Up with the Four Angry White Men?!
posted by snarko on Monday, March 27 2006
And why is there always four?
And how do they end up in the corners of the room?
But they're never the same four?
SIDE STORY
So last time one of the "four angry white men" pissed me off by basically saying against a free education proposal, "I paid for mine, you pay for yours." Like that's democratic. Where'd he come from?
Then we get to State convention. And there's this dude who's kinda a jerk running for EVERY position he can.
At first I don't make the connection.
Anyway, he either got no votes, or one vote (sympathy), every time. At one point, he started taking pictures of his no-votes, and everyone would laugh.
SO even though you're a jerk, thanks for having a sense of humor about it!
Secretary of 420 (Laugh, but Literal) Report
posted by snarko on Monday, March 27 2006
Notes from the Travis County Democratic Convention
First off—I have to admit—my husband was really annoying me.
I was trying to be understanding. I mean, he was in serious pain. He got some weird sudden gum infection that makes his face hurt, I get that, so he's snippy. But that doesn't mean I don't know where to park.
"Just pay the 5-or-whatever-dollars." We're like an hour later than I wanna be, because my "precinct chair" didn't turn in the credentials until just Monday (that's another story), and I have in hand a copy of the minutes if necessary so my hood peeps don't have to explain themselves if they're not on the list.
I'm trying to do my job here as Secretary of 420 (quite an honor, no?!), baby, not criticize.
NOOOOOO. Fascists run the parking lot. We have to find street parking. I get dropped off I can't take it.
Just fuck the healthcare lack and get the teeth fixed, man.
Hopefully I'll remember to go to Keep Austin Blue after signing up for reminders.
So I'm kinda in costume again, but don't overdo it. Except everything but the googles are blue, which few seemed to notice. I had thought about putting "true blue" in glitter stickers across my chest but then thought it overboard; apparently it wouldn't have been they needed the clue.
Blue boa, bracelets, tank, vest, jeans, boots, belt, hat, dreadlocks, eyeshadow, nails; what more do you want?
Oh, blue Maxey sticker. Sorry. None of you have convinced me otherwise as yet. Oh, I'm listening. You haven't convinced.
Cuz my opinion is based on results. I hadn't heard of Charlie nor Richie until a couple of weeks ago; Maxey's in my political in-bin almost daily. And with stuff I NEED TO KNOW.
Prop 2 was not his fault. Stellar effort. Drop it.
He's deputized nearly every deputy registrar I know. He sends out unilateral information on candidates and events with 1-2-3 here's how we do it at least once a week. He responds to every query I send in person.
Repeat. In person. He's been crass once or twice, yes, I know he's hard to work with, but Jesus we need that more than another yesman. I have yet to hear from Richie; nay, the only things I know about him are that Chris Bell endorses him and that he goes to every $200/plate Democratic function I can't afford to go to.
And the only thing I know about Charlie is that he's apparently good for the environment. And if Burton didn't say that, I wouldn't believe it.
Okay, but "seeing is believing", and I ain't seen shit from you folks, nice as you are, sorry.
And Maxey's been doing the job of the TDP Chair for years, without having the position.
Now convince me…
So Joe and I went to lunch at the wrong time. I knew better from last time to not forgo lunch, but "dyslexia strikes again"!
And I left when I should have led my precinct caucus.
I thought two hours worth of straight speeches were up next. Oops. Thankfully (or not; hey 420 this is bunk-ass shit) we were only allotted one delegate due to POOR VOTER TURNOUT *ahem* anyway, and the person scribbled in by the dude NONE OF US EVER HEARD OF is who all of would choose with only one delegate anyway.
After all, she has at least 37 more civil disobedience charges than me, and she's in a wheelchair. Puts me to shame.
*bow*
But turnout was so bad, we made "at large", and yes we're going to state. Look out!
Okay, honest high-point--Joe missed it smoking or attending to his teeth or something--anyway Resolutions Committee for SD14 (my district) wants to be heard on floor to announce a special proposal.
And it's granted.
And he starts with the title, "Resolution to Move for Impeachment of George W. Bush"…
After much laughter, applause, screaming, noise makers--like less than 100 people were left but it sounded like 1,000--you hear half the room yell, "Motioned!"
"But I haven't read the resolution yee…"
"Motioned!"
But he HAD to read it--the whole time much noise after every "whereas"--and when he finished the whole room yelled "SECOND!" and started laughing we knew we were all against Robert's Rules 100%.
"Do I have to ask for a "nay" count?"
LOL!
really, really like the now-outta-work Gammage crew.
So we're all smoking outside when we know nothing is going on anyway, which you just learn how to time. And we're our own "caucus", I swear; you keep up business over a cigarette but you can trust the person next to you better I swear MORE gets done than in da house.
When I quit smoking, I will still be a non-smoking smoking-buddy. You lose too much. But back to the convention…
So I'm trying to keep Joe's voice down. I know how he feels. First off, if I need remind, he's in extreme pain; secondly we just heard the biggest piece of horseshit straight from the horse's mouth (I insisted we stayed to hear it that way; sorry) so of course he wants to sound off.
Who wouldn't?!
But me and the now-outta-work Gammage crew knew we were in mixed company; I'm practically kicking Joe to shut up. But I still feel the need to lean way over to Neil's ear, and quietly express,
"WTF is up with 'the New Mainstream'?!"
"Want some real fun?" was Neil's reply, laughing, "Come out to the next U Dem meeting and say that!"
I mean really, Chris, Chris, Chris, Chris, christ don't DO this.
Dude, it SOUNDS hip. If Prince said it, along with, "Yeah, the New Mainstream: a new vibe of love, fun, and dancing. Give into the funk!" I might believe in it; everytime you do it's a red flag for bullshit, where I come from.
DROP IT. DROP IT NOW.
What, is that me? The person with blue dreadlocks? Is it Neil, who's gay and politically active? WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?! You insult us with this. And like it or not, we're your base; we're in it day-in, day-out, cuz we care.
I could excuse the rest of your rhetoric and call you "electable"--a term I hate and don't believe in--if you drop this from campaign. Really it's so meaningless it's transparent to the most average voter you hope it acquires; drop it. Drop it NOW.
YOU WILL LOSE if you don't drop this obvious rhetoric line NOW. Doesn't suit you. You can't wear it. Clashes with your skin color, so to speak.
So right after this speech, I thought we were going into regular speeches, and went to lunch. Oops.
Doggett and Barrientos speeches were excellent, as usual.
I was glad to see so much of the "Koochie Crew" in da house. Haven't seen Robyn since the war protest last year, I think. No, wait, saw her at that bar--what's it called--the old oak one with the fabulous tap selection that makes a few of their own beers, where everyone tailgates in the parking lot and there's a dentist upstairs? Yeah, that bar.
Poop. Joe just went there last night and left me a note but the name's not written on it.
Anyhoo …what else did I wanna note…
Oh yeah! The sore losers. Really, guys, chill out. I wasn't gonna get red in the face over it if I lost.
I hate to say that the PPC was the writer of the resolution, but I think they were. It was called "transparency"-something-or-another, and meant to expose "Republicans in sheep's clothing" by making public any candidate's last two voting primaries party selections.
But that information is already public, although you do have to look for it. And I've met too many way-cool Republicans-turned-Democrats over the past couple of years to think this REMOTELY a good idea (especially Dave Haigler--you rock dude). Sure, they SAY it won't hurt your chance of getting on the ticket, but you know damn well someone's gonna corrupt that shit. I don't even like Jennifer Gale, but she put it best when she said, "Smacks of McCarthyism."
Some butthead on the floor asked to amend to five primaries *groan*, making the whole kill-bill process even longer.
Chairman said the "nays" had it. So one of the sore losers asks for a show of hands, which is uncontestable and granted. Fine. Asking one thing; spit nearly flying outta your mouth another. Otherwise I wouldn't call you a sore loser. Chill out.
Then some another hothead freaks that Ace is one of the people chosen to do the count, because he's spoken out against the proposal. The Chairman states he knows this man (as I do) and wouldn't ever cheat (he wouldn't). Fine. Let the judges all come from SD25, who have no interest. You don't have to get red in the face over it. Chill out.
Then--oh, this is priceless--one of them raises an objection that the TWO LITTLE GIRLS, under age eight and dad brought them to learn about government, that THEIR VOTES NOT BE COUNTED--he's totally fuming and serious about this, like who the hell would count them? One more time, CHILL OUT DUDES!!! THEY'RE JUST KIDS!!! NO ONE WAS GOING TO COUNT THEM AND NO ONE WAS CHEATING!!! Get a grip!
They weren't even the same "four angry white men" as last convention. Where do they come from?
And on a last note, maybe if all your friends didn't go home early, you'd win the vote next time. Hmmm? If the youth vote has anything, we got da stamina!
Boots, Fingers, and Mouthspray
posted by snarko on Saturday, March 4 2006
So one of the things I really like about my candidate (mind you, I'm a Piscese) is that he's always in a cowboy hat, leather vest (yes, I'm vegan, but you'll have to respect this one), cowboy boots, and insists on his beard. And that when he "loses train of thought", he picks it back up by rolling his eyes back into his head—pausing with hands gestured, uplifted even—like in some trance, then blurts outta nowhere the most amazing stump-speech you've ever heard.
For those not in on the "Filibuster", David's wife came up with the crazy idea of David doing 24-hour-marathon-stump speeches coinciding with Texas political holidays and we all thought, "Hell yeah!"
So the first one happened this weekend, in Austin on the steps of the Capitol building. My media on the event kinda sucks, but we were determined to do it with no eletricity, amplification, and without a permit. We dared them to arrest us.
Actually, toward midnight, one of the only cops to talk to us gave us a card with his number should someone bother us.
FOR THE RECORD: David was off premises ten minutes of 24 hours, and Larry Stallings took over this time.
My favorite part of the 24-hours—which I was there for from start to finish except to leave for 30 minutes at a time to re-charge batteries of one kind or another—was mindight when Jack Blood and entourage showed up.
They're local Libertarian radio, Austin Free Radio, I think. One step down from Alex Jones. Love 'em or hate 'em; this was entertaining shit.
David Van Os, who had been openly taking questions and comments from audience all night, didn't know who these people were. They started asking pointed questions about illegal immigration, minutemen, and Texas border control, and the debate got heated.
Rachel, David's wife, thought for sure fists were gonna fly. I kept insisting this was just Jack's way don't worry.
At one point, it turned into Jack and David pointing at each other yelling their points, while 50 some people surrounded them in a circle. Many thanks to the 6"6" dude who tried to help me with the photo from top-down, despite the fact it didn't come out.
MOUTH SPRAY
At some point in the evening, I could tell David was losing his voice. He'd been speaking practically non-stop over seven hours you can expect that. So I went to my purse, and grabbed the throat spray Misty lent to me when she'd learned I caught cold (the first time in years, but everyone locally has it at the second, including many who repeat the same).
While he was in mid-sentence, I said to him, quietly, "Throat spray. Want it?"
"Hell yeah."
He just opened his mouth, which I didn't expect, for me to spray it. Just after I did so, I remembered my own experience with it, despite the fact it works REAL well.
"OMG I'm sorry. I forgot to mention it tastes like shit."
A few seconds later, his whole face contorted in horror, and he screamed, "Shit! Is that that homeopathic crap?!" Which it is. LOL!
All side conversation divertedly momentarily to how well this crap works. Cuz it does.
FINGERS
I have to note, cuz I've never figured this one out: I was just returning from a recharge at daybreak, and when I got there, the over-nighters had broken into an obnoxious debate about abortion.
And David was wringing his hands.
Not from topic; nay, he looked pleased a bunch of regular folk had broken into real debate on anything at all. No, his fingers were red to second knuckle (it was cold, but what the heck?) and he kept pouring, silently, water from a bottle over them, and kept rubbing them--what is that?!
I seriously wanna know.
BOOTS
So half-way through the night, I questioned to myself whether the cowboy boots were a style thing or a comfort thing. Now, every time I'd ever seen David, it was in these boots. Certainly he's comfortable with them to some degree.
But I was busy with stuff and so was he so I never actually asked.
I can't remember when--absolutely after hour 20, however--I saw poor David lookin' mighty uncomfortable in those boots.
"But I don't wanna get photographed in no sneakers!" was the response.
LOL!
OTHER PERSONAL NOTES
* Absolutely no one thinks the way I do. Except possibly David.
* I have to apologize, sincerely, for some of my earlier-in-the-event video. I can't do that on David's site; it'd just bring attention to it. If you're under influence don't watch Hour 1 or 2 it'll make you sick and it's my fault.
Starts with me being unable to track David until I get used to his pace. He's very animated and it's awesome, unless you're trying to hold onto a close-up of him!
Second I didn't have a grasp on the wind issue yet. Audio is poor until I basically learned to be right in his face to get the microphone to work better even with "wind shield" turned on.
Thirdly, I was trying to do too much at once. So I'd be snapping off photographs and he'd walk out of video frame while my shutter was clicking and I couldn't see spit.
Then there's this awful moment, well actually it's when I'd arrived at moving the camera was the solution to the audio, where I didn't want to stop recording, but that move is BAAAAAAD! Sorry for the motion sickness!
* David and I both got sunburn.
* I saw an albino squirrel that morning. I didn't know they existed.