Wired Magazine which is, unfortunately, behind a paywall is doing some incredible journalism in the intersection of politics and technology. The best thing is they write about the tech behind DOGE, AI or crypto by using phrases like "the significance of this is", then going on to connect the software, tech, or tech business to the politics and people's lives.
Wired has a new interview out with Talarico this morning which is good, but it doesn't contain any scoops. What it does have is the very salient political point, quoted below:
"The Democrats will reportedly return to the state before a separate, second special session, according to KTRK, a local ABC News affiliate in Texas. It would effectively force the Republicans to start over again which would accomplish the goal of tabling the new map while allowing them to push for other initiatives such as flood relief. The timing of the second special session is currently unknown."
By Jake Lahut
Politics [Wired Magazine]
Aug 13, 2025 8:00 AM
So, this connects up Michele's point that there is no doubt a political strategy here. Keep on trucking everyone!
pct chairs in Tarrant County have complained to me they get no resources to do the job..not even an emai list..so u have 2000-3000 people to lead,.then what? how do u communicate?
we spent $2000/year on VAN so for sure the Party isn't mailing anything on their behalf...i have never heard from my chair for over 8 years and i am the only guy in my zip code with signs..so i would be hard to overlook
how does a functiong party work and what do they give u to do your job
Great questions. I don't have much knowledge about the resources that Travis County has--I became a precinct chair 4 weeks before the '24 elections, and I hit 300+ homes in 2 weeks. I do know that Travis County has amazing, driven people in this blue dot in a sea of red. I wish we could all have whatever resources we needed to do our very vital jobs!
I wouldnt say that i would be angry with them to be honest. I give them courage to do this and the rumors only shocked me but i cant lie, i did say before part of me was hoping they could hold out as its just frustrating to deal with this. It just hurts so much to even see that we are gonna have to deal with the fact the so many maps are gonna be gerrymandered and i dont know what to expect honestly after this which makes me so worried.
Michelle, This post is on the way to my so called Republican representatives, Scott, Graham and Norman. I think I will try sending to your reps too. I send the best post of the day, every day of the week, so you are my winning post today. I wish every one who can read would do the same. I am keeping several kids employed in DC placing phone calls to assure me that my message will be passed on to my sorry reps. Yours Truly, Rich S, Octogenarian and Contrarian
"Texas' livability has taken a nosedive: After plummeting toward the bottom in WalletHub's 2024 ranking of the best and worst states to live in for 2024, Texas has continued its downfall and now ranks as the 38th "best" state to live in for 2025.
To put it another way, Texas is now considered the 13th worst place to live in the U.S."
now is this conclusion arrived at before or after Taylor Sheridan decided to build a movie studio at alliance........
ps; anyone remember Abbott cut school lunches but signed $300M for movies
a good but inconclusive read on east texas trumpvangelism....the authors word not mine
"In the years since we’ve known each other, Mallette’s given me a lot of insight. For instance, you know how the religious right pushes white evangelicals to vote for any schmuck with an R next to his or her name? Well, Mallette once told me it’s because right-wing evangelicals are primed to value “purity of belief rather than purity of faith.”
Understand that if I didn't see this as the bold action the country seeks right now, I'd let it go.
"They sought national attention for the situation in Texas and, if Greg Abbott and Mango Mussolini wouldn’t halt the process, aimed to get blue states to retaliate."
Yes -- they got national attention. ALL OF US in the movement busted ass to get nat'l attention. And we did capture the attention of more than we thought possible for a seemingly arcane procedure. But those ppl who were paying attention are now likely to look and say "Oh it was just political theatre. Politics as usual." The nuance of "we got attention" will be lost on them.
As for the blue states retaliating -- that opera ain't over. No fat lady has sung. There are many ways that can go wrong.
We still have a chance to be the bulwark America needs. If the reps needs additional help, they should tell us, their supporters, what they need.
RE: "unrealistic to expect 57 House members to stay away from their families, their jobs, and their lives, while receiving daily threats at the cost of $500 per day for the rest of the year" -- they knew that going in.
There has been tremendous support - including donations - for them.
If they'll say the word, ppl will guard their homes. Or give their families places to stay out of state.
It was "unrealistic" for my parents' generation to send 18 & 19 years olds to invade Europe.
"DONALD TRUMP, THE LOWEST POLLING PRESIDENT IN RECENT HISTORY, THIS IS YOUR SECOND-TO-LAST WARNING!!! (THE NEXT ONE IS THE LAST ONE!),. "STAND DOWN NOW OR CALIFORNIA WILL COUNTER-STRIKE (LEGALLY!) TO DESTROY YOUR ILLEGAL CROOKED MAPS IN RED STATES."
"PRESS CONFERENCE COMING -- HOSTED BY AMERICA'S FAVORITE GOVERNOR, GAVIN NEWSOM. FINAL WARNING NEXT. YOU WON'T LIKE IT!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER."
DONALD “TACO” TRUMP, AS MANY CALL HIM, “MISSED” THE DEADLINE!!! CALIFORNIA WILL NOW DRAW NEW, MORE “BEAUTIFUL MAPS,” THEY WILL BE HISTORIC AS THEY WILL END THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY (DEMS TAKE BACK THE HOUSE!). BIG PRESS CONFERENCE THIS WEEK WITH POWERFUL DEMS AND GAVIN NEWSOM — YOUR FAVORITE GOVERNOR — THAT WILL BE DEVASTATING FOR “MAGA.” THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER! — GN
don't we all think UT, TTU and Aggieland aren't far behind and would u send ur kid there?.....here we can assert ourselves
"Shortly after Florida Gulf Coast University’s police department joined several state colleges in signing agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Cody Crivello, a 29-year-old tennis instructor, used Facebook to call his alma mater’s partnership “truly disgusting.”"- DK
Wired Magazine which is, unfortunately, behind a paywall is doing some incredible journalism in the intersection of politics and technology. The best thing is they write about the tech behind DOGE, AI or crypto by using phrases like "the significance of this is", then going on to connect the software, tech, or tech business to the politics and people's lives.
Wired has a new interview out with Talarico this morning which is good, but it doesn't contain any scoops. What it does have is the very salient political point, quoted below:
"The Democrats will reportedly return to the state before a separate, second special session, according to KTRK, a local ABC News affiliate in Texas. It would effectively force the Republicans to start over again which would accomplish the goal of tabling the new map while allowing them to push for other initiatives such as flood relief. The timing of the second special session is currently unknown."
By Jake Lahut
Politics [Wired Magazine]
Aug 13, 2025 8:00 AM
So, this connects up Michele's point that there is no doubt a political strategy here. Keep on trucking everyone!
let's hope it works out that way
Nihilism is the last prayer of the tyrant.
If he can’t convince you to follow him, he’ll try to convince you nothing matters.
Texas Democrats just reminded the country that resistance is contagious. Courage travels.
The cavalry isn’t coming. But the mirror is. And the question in it is whether you’re ready to fight or ready to fold.
People! An easy thing to do: become a precinct chair— we need every precinct in every county covered!!!!!
pct chairs in Tarrant County have complained to me they get no resources to do the job..not even an emai list..so u have 2000-3000 people to lead,.then what? how do u communicate?
we spent $2000/year on VAN so for sure the Party isn't mailing anything on their behalf...i have never heard from my chair for over 8 years and i am the only guy in my zip code with signs..so i would be hard to overlook
how does a functiong party work and what do they give u to do your job
Great questions. I don't have much knowledge about the resources that Travis County has--I became a precinct chair 4 weeks before the '24 elections, and I hit 300+ homes in 2 weeks. I do know that Travis County has amazing, driven people in this blue dot in a sea of red. I wish we could all have whatever resources we needed to do our very vital jobs!
The party has sent out an email where PCs receive a phone bank list. They sent mine within a day or two.
so the idea is the pct chair calls everyone?......at least in TC that's about 3000 a pct...+ or -
A PC couldn't do that in a month of sundays
m county chair says pct chairs are the ticket...scudder does too
its ridiculaous
You don’t call everyone. Not sure how long the list is- but I’m sure it’s not thousands.
my county spends about $3000 a month on rent...and another $3000 for secretary....plus phones., internet , etc....on revenue of $200k a year
or as i like to compare, about the revenue of a 1 man plumbing company
so u see where this is going ...no money to spend on voter outreach much less give our 200+ PCT Chairs an email list
Our Chair ain't even thinking about this
Tarrant County ...ignoring voters...getting redder by the minute
Talarico likes to quote MLK who said have a tough mind but a tinder heart.
He doesn't use profanity. There's a need to be clear, precise, powerful, and unrelenting. Don't make enemies of people who could be allies
He is so calm and unflappable. Wise beyond his years.
I wouldnt say that i would be angry with them to be honest. I give them courage to do this and the rumors only shocked me but i cant lie, i did say before part of me was hoping they could hold out as its just frustrating to deal with this. It just hurts so much to even see that we are gonna have to deal with the fact the so many maps are gonna be gerrymandered and i dont know what to expect honestly after this which makes me so worried.
Michelle, This post is on the way to my so called Republican representatives, Scott, Graham and Norman. I think I will try sending to your reps too. I send the best post of the day, every day of the week, so you are my winning post today. I wish every one who can read would do the same. I am keeping several kids employed in DC placing phone calls to assure me that my message will be passed on to my sorry reps. Yours Truly, Rich S, Octogenarian and Contrarian
"Texas' livability has taken a nosedive: After plummeting toward the bottom in WalletHub's 2024 ranking of the best and worst states to live in for 2024, Texas has continued its downfall and now ranks as the 38th "best" state to live in for 2025.
To put it another way, Texas is now considered the 13th worst place to live in the U.S."
now is this conclusion arrived at before or after Taylor Sheridan decided to build a movie studio at alliance........
ps; anyone remember Abbott cut school lunches but signed $300M for movies
a good but inconclusive read on east texas trumpvangelism....the authors word not mine
"In the years since we’ve known each other, Mallette’s given me a lot of insight. For instance, you know how the religious right pushes white evangelicals to vote for any schmuck with an R next to his or her name? Well, Mallette once told me it’s because right-wing evangelicals are primed to value “purity of belief rather than purity of faith.”
from https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/8/13/2338109/-Former-Tea-Party-leader-started-on-path-to-becoming-a-Democrat-after-toppling-Teen-Mania?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=trending&pm_medium=web
Understand that if I didn't see this as the bold action the country seeks right now, I'd let it go.
"They sought national attention for the situation in Texas and, if Greg Abbott and Mango Mussolini wouldn’t halt the process, aimed to get blue states to retaliate."
Yes -- they got national attention. ALL OF US in the movement busted ass to get nat'l attention. And we did capture the attention of more than we thought possible for a seemingly arcane procedure. But those ppl who were paying attention are now likely to look and say "Oh it was just political theatre. Politics as usual." The nuance of "we got attention" will be lost on them.
As for the blue states retaliating -- that opera ain't over. No fat lady has sung. There are many ways that can go wrong.
We still have a chance to be the bulwark America needs. If the reps needs additional help, they should tell us, their supporters, what they need.
I'm not disagreeing.
RE: "unrealistic to expect 57 House members to stay away from their families, their jobs, and their lives, while receiving daily threats at the cost of $500 per day for the rest of the year" -- they knew that going in.
There has been tremendous support - including donations - for them.
If they'll say the word, ppl will guard their homes. Or give their families places to stay out of state.
It was "unrealistic" for my parents' generation to send 18 & 19 years olds to invade Europe.
I wish it weren't this dire. But it is.
I believe they should continue to break quorum. https://tinyurl.com/TXRepsHOLD
stand by: words from the GREATEST TEXAN IN CALI
"DONALD TRUMP, THE LOWEST POLLING PRESIDENT IN RECENT HISTORY, THIS IS YOUR SECOND-TO-LAST WARNING!!! (THE NEXT ONE IS THE LAST ONE!),. "STAND DOWN NOW OR CALIFORNIA WILL COUNTER-STRIKE (LEGALLY!) TO DESTROY YOUR ILLEGAL CROOKED MAPS IN RED STATES."
"PRESS CONFERENCE COMING -- HOSTED BY AMERICA'S FAVORITE GOVERNOR, GAVIN NEWSOM. FINAL WARNING NEXT. YOU WON'T LIKE IT!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER."
DONALD “TACO” TRUMP, AS MANY CALL HIM, “MISSED” THE DEADLINE!!! CALIFORNIA WILL NOW DRAW NEW, MORE “BEAUTIFUL MAPS,” THEY WILL BE HISTORIC AS THEY WILL END THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY (DEMS TAKE BACK THE HOUSE!). BIG PRESS CONFERENCE THIS WEEK WITH POWERFUL DEMS AND GAVIN NEWSOM — YOUR FAVORITE GOVERNOR — THAT WILL BE DEVASTATING FOR “MAGA.” THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER! — GN
this shock to hit on October during enrollment window
"Perfect storm to hit Obamacare: Millions of Americans could see insurance premiums surge 75% in 2026"- Fortune
here it is: from TT...what its really all about.....remember, always, follow the money
"Some Texas private schools hire relatives and enrich insiders. Soon they can do it with taxpayer money."
https://www.texastribune.org/2025/08/13/texas-vouchers-private-schools-conflicts/
don't we all think UT, TTU and Aggieland aren't far behind and would u send ur kid there?.....here we can assert ourselves
"Shortly after Florida Gulf Coast University’s police department joined several state colleges in signing agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Cody Crivello, a 29-year-old tennis instructor, used Facebook to call his alma mater’s partnership “truly disgusting.”"- DK
good read about knuckleheads of east Texas and why...if only a brief comment or 2 in the whold article...but if u spent time there , u get it
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/8/13/2338109/-Former-Tea-Party-leader-started-on-path-to-becoming-a-Democrat-after-toppling-Teen-Mania?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=trending&pm_medium=web