Greetings Citizen Advocates!

CRISIS AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER

Of course, the news of the past 2 days is full of what's happening at the Texas border as Gov Abbott pushes back against the Biden administrations open borders, welcome everyone policy that is killing Texas.  In my opinion, what happens in the next few days and weeks will have a drastic effect on all Americans, and domestic policy going forward.  It's important to pay attention!

It all started last week when Gov Abbott ordered the DPS to take over Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, and kicked the Border Patrol out.  Then the razor wire went up and stopped illegals from freely flowing into Texas at this location. Of course, CBP tried to cut the wire, and went to the courts, and SCOTUS said they can cut it, but didn't say that Texas can't put it back up!  It's starting to sound like an old time western where there's a showdown at the OK coral. (and it might end up just like that!)

Then on Jan 24, Gov Abbott issued a strong statement invoking Article IV, section 3 of the constitution, declaring an invasion, and his intent to stand strong against federal interference.  So, now where do we stand?

We need to be careful about trusting Gov Abbott's strongly worded statement. We've seen that before, and then as we waited for actual action, we got nothing.  This issue is #1 on our Action Item list this week - to contact the Governor and tell him he must stand strong against federal intervention, and stop the invasion of our State.  Wade Miller, in an X post explains that "Gov Abbott and AG Paxton need to get on the same page.  If the Governor is citing specific legal authorities and the AG isn't defending those specific legal authorities, then that's either intentional sabotage of the Governor, or a massive communication failure."

Let's not get too excited about Abbott's strongly worded statement until we see some actual action.  We can be encouraged by the fact that  25 States have signed a letter supporting Texas and opposing the Biden tyranny, and Speaker of the US House and other Congressional representatives have expressed support for the actions taken in Texas.

Meanwhile, we can contact the Governor's office and tell him to stand strong, defend Texas, and support Texans who are threatened by this invasion.

ACTION ITEM #! - Contact Gov. Abbott - stop the invasion!

512-463-2000 
Opinion Hotline (512) 463-1782

Email:  https://gov.texas.gov/contact  & click on “I want to share my opinion.”

You should also contact your own Texas House and Senate representatives and tell them to push Governor Abbott to stand strong and defend Texas sovereignty.

WHAT'S THE POINT OF PASSING LAWS IF WE DON'T ENFORCE?

Do you ever get the feeling that our lawmakers pass laws just so they can say they did what we wanted, but the laws don't really change anything?  It gives them something to brag about during campaign season, but if real changes don't happen, what's the point?

Remember  SB17 that was passed in the regular session to prevent Texas Universities from have DEI departments or DEI programs?  Sounds good, right?  But, one of our TTP supporters has done some digging into what Universities are actually doing to skirt the law.  Here's what he has to say about it:

"DEI is a wrapper term for variants of Karl Marx's Communist ideology such as Queer Theory, Postcolonial theory and Critical Race theory.  When DIE is applied by academics, highly objectionable practices arise such as segregated university functions and psychological abuse (i.e. white privilege trainings, implicit bias trainings).  SB17 is a necessary first step to halt these objectionable practices.  Many academics and university leaders remain determined to continue DEI practices despite citizen objection and state laws such as SB17.  Therefore, monitoring of the Texas colleges and universities  is strongly advised.  A reading of SB17 did not yield a mechanism for citizens to report violations (other then in a court of law as part of a lawsuit against compulsory DIE training).  That said, presenting potential SB17 violations to elected officials and concerned citizens may prove fruitful and should be pursued."    Edgar Munoz.

I agree with Edgar!  We need to inform our lawmakers that we are concerned about violations to SB17 and demand further action to enforce the provisions of the bill.  Which brings us to Action Item #2

ACTION ITEM #2 - Contact your State Rep and Senator

Tell them to be sure there is an enforcement mechanism to SB17 to be sure that Universities are not skirting the issue.  We can also contact members of the Senate Education Committee, and the House Higher Education Committee who will be responsible for oversight and enforcement of SB17.

(Edgar has done extensive research into this issue, complete with links and articles to back up his claims.  If you would like to see the research, please reply to this email and I will share it.)

VICTORY IN THE COURTS FOR GRASSROOTS ACTIVISTS!

You may recall that back in 2021, after the Constitutional Amendments election, TTP, along with TURF and GAWTP sued the Secretary of State over the ballot language of Prop 2.  Of course, the case went to the appeals court, and there was a hearing for the case on Jan 10th in Amarillo. 

Here's what our Attorney, Tony McDonald had to say:

"Total Victory! I'm so excited to announce that my clients@TxTurf @TrueTXProject and@GAWTP won across the board in the Court of Appeals in our fight over whether taxpayers are protected from misleading constitutional amendment ballot language proposed by the #txlege."

And of course, we at TTP are celebrating the fact that the courts finally sided with the grassroots voters of Texas. It's not over yet - The SOS and AG could sill appeal to a higher court, but our hope is that they will accept this decision.

ACTION ITEM #3:

Contact Secretary of State Jane Nelson, and AG Ken Paxton and tell them that taxpayers need to be protected from misleading constitutional amendment ballot language, and to accept the decision of the appeals court.

SOS Nelson:  https://www.sos.state.tx.us/about/contact.shtml

AG Ken Paxton:  https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/contact-us

REMEMBERING PATRIOTS WHO HAVE GONE HOME

In the past few weeks we have lost 4 patriot souls who have had a profound impact on grassroots activism.  We offer up sincere prayers for their families as we grieve with them in the loss of these dear friends.

Jill Glover has been a fighter for all of us in the Legislature and the RPT. As Lege Priorities Chairman for the RPT, Jill led the legislative efforts for the past 2 sessions and was instrumental in getting important priorities passed.  In addition, Jill was a friend and spiritual leader who will be sorely missed.

Jim Barnes has been an active member of our RGV Satellite group since it's inception.  But Jim's grassroots activism dates back much further.  In 2006, Jim retired and began to devote himself to service in the political arena.  He was President of the McAllen/Hidalgo County Tea Party Association, and active in the Republican Party.  Jim also was seen many times at the Capitol with our Citizen Advocates testifying for or against bills. Jim's absence in the world of grassroots activists will be deeply felt.

Lori Boyter has been a strong supporter of TTP for many years and has served on the Tarrant County Satellite Leadership team.  Lori often hosted dinner club in her home and was a passionate gardener, and member of the TTP Tarrant County Gardeners Co-Op.  Her smile and enthusiasm has been a blessing to us all.  We love and miss you, Lori!

Sonia Meyers is well known in Kaufman County circles along with her husband, Ray Meyers as they lead the Kaufman County Tea Party for many years.  Sonia has been active at the Capitol and in the Republican party, and the Texas Grassroots Conservative Coalition. 

Please pray for the families of these dear friends who have passed.  May God give them peace and comfort.

That's all I have for this week!  Stay Engaged!

Fran Rhodes, President

PS:  Don't forget - tomorrow (Jan 27) is our Day of Action.  Get out and so something for someone!  Here are the meet up places and times for all of our Satellite groups.  Pick one and go for it!