By Matt Underwood Abbott threatens absent Texas Democrats with removal and felony charges, a move that’s stirring up a real hornet’s nest of reactions. It’s like a political chess match where the stakes are the very foundation of democracy, and the pawns are the elected officials themselves. The initial reaction is a blend of anger, defiance, and a healthy dose of disbelief, which is understandable. The accusation that the Democrats “hatched a deliberate plan not to show up for work, for the specific purpose of abdicating the duties of their office and thwarting the chamber’s business” feels like a familiar playbook being used again.
The sentiment from many is that Abbott’s tactics are a mirror image of the very actions he’s condemning, as the Republicans have been accused of similar tactics in the past. The irony isn’t lost on those following the situation, as it evokes the saying of “turnabout is fair play.” The calls for accountability, especially regarding issues like redistricting and the underlying motives, are getting louder. The idea that the goalposts are constantly being moved to suit one’s favor leaves many questioning why they would even consider supporting the Republican Party.
The perceived hypocrisy of the situation is a major point of contention. The phrase “fondling The Rapist-in-Chief’s shrivelled, old balls” suggests that Texas Democrats are, in a sense, backed into a corner. They have nothing to lose by going against the grain, which is a direct response to what they perceive as a corrupt system. The suggestion of leaving for Cancun isn’t really a call for vacation, but more like a cynical acknowledgement that the current rules aren’t being followed or fairly enforced, and therefore, the Democrats might as well do what they can to fight back.
The legal arguments in this situation are getting intense, especially with Attorney General Ken Paxton’s opinion cited by Abbott. The general feeling is that Paxton’s legal interpretations will probably be filled with errors and will be a misunderstanding of the actual law. The whole “quo warranto” is brought up in the conversation, showing the frustration of those watching. The core question is whether there’s a judge in Texas willing to endorse Abbott’s plan, even though the state might be more likely to find one, as many believe it’s harder to find a sane one.
The core of the argument is that Abbott’s actions are borderline authoritarian. The people’s frustration is palpable, with calls for direct action against his policies and even calls for an end to the state’s politics. The feeling is that the Republicans are willing to threaten and intimidate to maintain control, which is the point many are arguing. The overall consensus is that the tactics being employed are simply another example of the Republicans playing dirty.
It’s important to remember, the Democrats are fighting back with all the tools at their disposal. Abbott, however, has no authority to remove House members, and there is no such thing as a felony for breaking quorum. The conversation then shifts to where Abbott might be putting his time and resources to better use. The underlying feeling is that the state is being mismanaged, with priorities misplaced and important issues being ignored.
The core motivation behind the Democratic actions seems to stem from earlier Republican gerrymandering. The Democrats are using the last tool in the toolbox to fight back. And the idea is that the actions are not personal, but that the Democrats are fighting for their jobs and their constituents’ interests. Abbott’s motivations are questioned, and the state is seen as lacking honesty.
The discussion continues to question the potential consequences of Abbott’s actions. If he removes all the absent Democrats, there wouldn’t be a quorum in the House until a new election is held. For the Democrats, this would allow them to be home and spend time with their families while denying the Republicans the opportunity to work and create change. The comparisons to other public figures are raised, showing how the public views some of the actions as acceptable.
It’s interesting to see the reactions when the Republicans start adopting the same tactics the Democrats have used. It’s almost like an admission that the Republican party is just organized crime, which is why many are suggesting that Texas separate itself from the United States, and see how the cartels take over. This idea highlights the level of distrust in government, and the level of disregard for the law.
Finally, the advice from the people is to be prepared for the legal battle, and be prepared to defend their actions, as the Democrats who choose to show grit should be rewarded, as their actions show their support for the people. And in the end, Abbott’s actions are seen as a way to threaten the opposition, so that people will fear his actions.