In 2018 and in 2020, Democrats campaigned on a platform of giving power back to the people by rooting out corruption, expanding voting rights, and limiting gerrymandering. As soon as the Democrats took the House in 2019, they created and passed H.R. 1, the For the People Act, but it was blocked by then-Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. This year, with a trifecta, Democrats have passed it through the House again, 220-210.
A humane immigration system
Photo by lcars on creativecommons.org
The Biden administration’s decision to reopen the Carrizo Springs facility this week touched a nerve. While it is no longer US policy to separate children from their families at the border, as was the case under Trump, the sight of fenced government facilities for children who arrive without a parent or guardian is a painful and powerful reminder of how much still needs to be done.
Lone star state of emergency
Extreme weather conditions combined with an energy “island” that was intentionally kept off the national grid to avoid federal regulations has created a crisis situation this week. Millions spent most of the week without power and water. As of Friday, nearly a half million Texans were still without power and millions lacked drinkable water.
And the crisis won't end once the temperatures warm up. As those of us living in colder climates know, melting ice and snow can cause pipes to burst and peoples' homes and businesses to flood. With an ongoing pandemic and economic crisis, this is the kind of catastrophe many people may be unable to work through. Financial ruin and even homelessness are real threats for Texans, even once the temperatures rise.