“Stronghold Cracks: Bastrop Democrats Make History.”
“700 Protesters. 1 Packed Summit. Bastrop’s Not Just Red Anymore.”
Bastrop, Texas: A Beacon of Democratic Momentum
This past weekend, Bastrop wasn’t just another small Texas town—it was the beating heart of grassroots democracy in action.
Two major Democratic events took place in the same weekend, with more on the way this week:
🔵 The Rural Texas Summit, co-sponsored by Coalition of Democratic Allies (CODA) and The 134 PAC, brought Democrats from across Texas together. We gathered to strategize, learn how to run for office, meet fellow organizers, and build the coalitions we need to win in rural Texas.
🔵 At the same time, the No Kings Bridge Protest, led by Mary Liz Singleton, Secretary and Editor for the Bastrop County Democratic Party (BCDP), brought over 700 people to the streets in a powerful stand against authoritarian overreach.
Special thanks to Carole Marmell, who helped make sure nobody had to choose between organizing and protesting—shuttling participants from the Summit to the protest, making sure the work and the voices carried across both spaces.
This is what rural organizing looks like. This is what democracy looks like. And we’re just getting started.
Stay tuned for more events coming this week. Bastrop is leading by example.
#NoKings #RuralTexas #DemocratsOrganizing #BastropTX
Quotes from some of our guests:
“I’m still basking in the afterglow of the most successful bridge protest that Bastrop County Democrats have ever held. I was hoping for 300 people, so imagine my surprise when 700 showed up. Between the bridge protest and the Rural Texas Summit, Democrats are putting Bastrop County on the map. What an amazing weekend for Democracy! Mary Liz Singleton - BCDP Secretary and Chair of Communications
“It was exciting to see so many rural Democrats meeting and working together to further the Democratic party in Texas. The Summit offered us the opportunity to meet and speak directly with our counterparts from all areas of Texas. A room full of Democrats was a wonderful sight.” Zetta Hackleman, Bastrop, TX
“It was a wonderful experience seeing people come from All Over Texas to celebrate democracy. The one resonating message was about all of us coming together as a unit to work toward democracy.” Pam Vear, Bastrop TX
“The Rural Texas Summit in Bastrop gave voice to Rural Texas Democrats who are often ignored and overlooked. The Bastrop Convention Center provided a space for networking and building partnerships with organizations across the state. CODA with the 134 PAC rolled up our sleeves and made this event a huge success. We laid the groundwork for coalitions moving forward.
It was clear there are people in small towns across the state who are ready to take the bull by its horns and build a Texas that works for all Texans.” Guy Stuart- Chair Burnet County Democratic Party
“Someone only has to drive a short distance from any of the larger cities of Texas to be in the middle of the country and visit any one of the many charming small towns of Texas. We must not ignore the contributions of these communities to history and future of Texas. At the Rural Texas Summit, co-sponsored by the 134 PAC and CODA, panels and speakers discussed the challenges as well as powerful way to address education, healthcare, water and more. We must all work together to ensure the survival of these areas that have and still have a role in the greatness of Texas.” Theresa Boisseau, former candidate for US House District 10
“We are so appreciative to the 134 PAC and Coda for the invitation to the Rural Texas Summit so we could share our message of “Freedom, Justice, and Opportunity”. The line up of speakers was phenomenal, especially our new TDP Chair, Kendall Scudder. I think his energy and commitment is exactly what we desperately need to keep up the good fight. I just wish everyone has the opportunity to hear him speak!” Mary Wolf- Chair Fayette County Democratic Party
I liked the speakers on Friday and was able to meet one of them afterwards, thanks for putting on this conference. Alfredo Munoz- Chair Caldwell County Democratic Party
“The 134 PAC really outdid themselves at The Rural Texas Summit this last weekend in Bastrop. I was able to connect with old friends and make some new ones as well. The speakers and panelists gave great insight into what in means to be a Democrat in rural Texas. I'm thankful as well for CODA and all the hard work they put in helping to host this great event. I'm already looking forward to future events like this!” Tanya Lloyd candidate for US House District 27
“It was enlightening, informative, the speakers were excellent! It was super well organized. The refreshments were kept flowing and the panelists were kept on schedule. I learned so much. Just an excellent experience all around!” Jeri Matthys Secretary of Lee County TX Democratic Party
To the Volunteers Who Made History This Weekend—Thank You.
The success of the Rural Texas Summit and the No Kings Bridge Protest didn’t happen by accident. It was powered by the heart, hustle, and hands-on grit of volunteers who believe in a better Texas.
You registered folks, gathered donations, ran logistics, kept things moving, kept people hydrated, drove shuttles, cleaned up, set up, showed up—and made it all happen.
Because of you, rural Democrats gathered, planned, protested, and proved that Bastrop isn’t just a “republican stronghold”—it’s the frontline.
From the bottom of our boots to the top of the bridge: Thank you.
We see you. We’re grateful. And we’re just getting started. Ruth Todd - President CODA
Attaboy for the movement!
Submitted by Gilbert Zamora
Amidst one of the most tumultuous weeks in U.S. history where we witnessed a president deploy troops to a US city against the expressed demands of state and local officials, a major escalation in the conflagration in the Middle East, and a political assassination, Trump's big day finally arrived.
What transpired can only be described as a Greek comedy. His face foretells impending dread...
The parade in DC was forced to start a half hour early because of incoming weather. DC residents were saying online the air was even more humid than usual. The Swamp settled into a thick rainy haze just as the parade was scheduled to begin.
But the real problem wasn't weather— it was crowd size.
DC was an absolute ghost town. As the parade began, news outlets on the ground all reported the crowd—predicted to be 200,000 people—was a mere fraction. One New York Times reporter described the energy as 'desultory.' The tepid and unenthusiastic attendees that did show up couldn't muster as much as a cheer, exhausted and drained from standing in the hot steaming rain for hours.
The US Army's speaker system blared John Fogerty's 'Fortunate Son', a famous song about the working-class people who are forced to go to war and sacrifice everything while draft-dodging, silver spoon rich kids like Trump simply pay for a phony doctor's note. The irony was likely unintentional, yet another symptom of a decaying empire unable to maintain a coherent narrative. Speaking of incoherence, the bored troops marched in the sloppiest lines that would make U.S. Army George S. Patton react with outrage
A video of the parade widely circulating on social media depicts an ancient 80-year-old tank plodding down Constitution Ave, the crowd so eerily quiet the only thing you could hear is the rusty tank treads squeaking, no less diminished than the man it was intended to honor. The video continues for several agonizing minutes with the only audible sound the squeaking of the rusty tank and the soldiers' heads peeping out of holes gasping for air trying not to suffocate.
Trump basically used $50 million of our tax money to humiliate himself. Outside the 10 miles of tall fencing and concertina wire wrapped around DC's buildings, and the empty streets now degraded from 30-ton tanks, a nationwide rebellion was afoot.
More than 12 million people came out today for #NoKings in the largest protest against an American president in history.
The thousands of photos and videos online from #NoKings showcase how many millions hit the streets, how positive our energy was, how peaceful and organized we are, that no amount of right-wing disinformation could obscure the stark reality: that our movement has the Juice and MAGA ain't got shit.
Today we found our voice. Today we found each other. Today we reclaimed our beloved Stars and Stripes.
Today we birthed a great and mighty social movement dedicated to saving our democracy from the predator oligarchs who are robbing all of us blind, while they buy politicians and redirect our rage towards oppressed groups, like immigrants and trans people.
Today was the day we begin to turn the tables, not just on Donald Trump, but on the billionaire takers who contribute nothing to our society but an organized system of wealth extraction and widespread deprivation, bolstered by a rickety coin-operated fascist presidency.
"Rise like Lions after slumber. In unvanquishable number, Shake your chains to earth like dew. Which in sleep had fallen on you – Ye are many – they are few." Percy Bysshe Shelley, from The Masque of Anarchy (1819)
I’ve Seen Better Cabinets at Ikea
by Mo Tanner
Secretary of Defense
Sent the timing and weapons used in a strike against the Houthis out over a commercially available secure Email program with weak security compared to the available military channels. Recipients included a journalist. Sent another such email to others including his wife. Made the ridiculous claim that the weapons and timing of the attack were not classified.
One wonders why the Ukraine didn’t use this “secure” program to coordinate the destruction of Russian strategic bombers. Unilaterally cancelled a weapons shipment to the Ukraine which the White House had approved. When the White House found out, the cancellation was rescinded.
Scheduled a briefing for Elon Musk on classified contingency plans for a war with China. Elon Musk had absolutely no need to know these plans. When word of the planned briefing got out it was cancelled. Then several of his high-ranking aids to the Secretary were summarily dismissed. Could it be for leaking this information? The Inspector General allegedly is investigating. One wonders how thorough that will be given President Trump’s firing of 11 Inspector General’s immediately after taking office.
Conducted an unprecedented purge of senior Generals, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; the Chief of Naval Operations; the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff; the Admiral representing the U.S. at NATO; the head of U.S. Cyber Command: and the Judge Advocate Generals of all 3 services. The apparent reason for the firings is that the women and black officers relieved either had supported DEI during the prior administration (as they were required to do) or that their sex made them unsuitable combat leaders. As for the Judge Advocate Generals, they might take seriously their oaths to comply with the law and to defend the Constitution.
Sleep well tonight. The Secretary will be busy planning a parade and won’t have time to do further harm until that has happened.
Eliminated a number of Advisory Boards. Who needs advice when our minds already are made up?
Secretary of Health and Human Services
Failed to take decisive action to end a measles outbreak or even encourage use of the measles vaccine despite numerous scientific studies showing the vaccine is both safe and effective. Released a MAHA report containing “gold standard” science, which criticizes the use of various agricultural chemicals. The report contains references to studies that either do not exist or whose findings have been misrepresented. Threatened to ban government scientists from publishing articles in leading medical journals. We certainly don’t want to publish scientific research which may not support our policies. While he was doing this, the Administration cut $1 Billion from programs supporting small organic farms that grow fruits and vegetables and ended a program bringing fresh local foods to school cafeterias. Who needs actual science when our minds already are made up?
Secretary of Homeland Security
Issued a list of “Sanctuary Jurisdictions” including cities and counties across 37 states. It included some which have actively supported the Administration’s hardline policies. Local leaders across the country raised issues with their inclusion on the list and it was quickly taken down. DHS said the list is being constantly reviewed and can be changed at any time. That certainly is comforting. Fired the intelligence analysts who issued a report finding that the government of Venezuela probably was not using criminal gangs to infiltrate the U.S. and attack it from the inside. If our intelligence analysts can’t produce reports supporting positions the President has taken, we certainly don’t need them.
Who needs intelligence reports when our minds already are made up?
Time to get back to work and begin informing voters and folks to call representatives as the White House is again pushing Texas legislature to re district and gerrymander Texas to make it even more suppressed. Please see Brian Tyler Cohen speaking with Mark Elias about this. Very serious. Texas is gerrymandered enough. This cheating has to stop.
Reminds me of the saying: a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
Cheers and best wishes on your journey!