These legislators are my heroes. The short version of the story is this:
Republicans urged the Texas state legislature to redraw the Congressional districts in Texas in such a way that Democrats would loose 5 seats in Congress. Redistricting had just occurred 2 years ago, and is usually only done every 10 years when census data is release. Some of the new districts included cities several hundred miles apart connected by ribbons of land less than a mile wide. 51 Democrats from the state legislature left the state of Texas to prevent a vote from occurring (a quorum of 2/3 of the 152 members was required) in a more drastic version of a fillibuster, and they succeeded.
The new plan was being pushed by, among others, US Representative Tom DeLay (from Texas), who was quoted as saying “Fifty-six percent of Texas voters cast their vote for a Republican congressional candidate last fall, yet Texas sends more Democrats than Republicans to Congress. We’re trying to change that.” This from a political party that won a presidential election without the majority of the popular vote – they should know that just having a majority of votes across the board shouldn’t imply that you get anything.
In any event, I’m thrilled that the Texas Democrats found a solution to such a nasty problem.
posted May 16, 2003 – 7:14 am
X2 – not worth squat. Sappier and cheesier than the first, fewer redeeming scenes. ‘Nough said.
In case you have any influence, it’d be great if it didn’t rain for frisbee tomorrow. Thanks.
posted May 12, 2003 – 12:21 pm
The new car is getting great mileage these days – I’ve gone well over 500 miles on the current tank of gas, with a couple gallons (80 miles!) left. It does make me happy…
posted May 9, 2003 – 7:38 am
I watched The Quiet American last night and quite liked it. Brendan Fraser is surprisingly well-cast, and Michael Caine is spot on. A little more subtle than, for example, Good Morning, Vietnam, this film hits home none-the-less the atrocities and sheer magnitude of war as well as the large influence a handful of people can exert. Go check it out for sure.
I went climbing last night for the first time in a few weeks – boy am I sore today! It felt good though, and I hope I’ll be ready this afternoon for our first Summer Club League game (formerly Corporate/Open League).
posted May 8, 2003 – 6:33 am
I went to Boston Billiards last night – my first foray into the bars/clubs of Boston since all workplaces went smoke free. Oh the delight of being able to breathe and smell (and hence taste my drink) in a bar! When does Somerville sign up?
posted May 6, 2003 – 9:23 am