A Big Texas Unwelcome in Dallas

The American Legislative Exchange Council, the corporate-funded bill mill generating and underwriting much reactionary state legislation, holds its annual convention in Dallas this week (July 30-Aug. 1). Statewide activists are laying out the Unwelcome Mat.

From the press release:

“In response to the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) holding its annual national convention in Dallas this year, a broad coalition of concerned central Texas residents and organizations named 'Don’t Mess With Texas, ALEC' will host a series of events geared toward exposing ALEC’s corrupt pay-to-play operation. ALEC, which receives funding from the Koch Brothers and their corporate allies, takes state politicians on lavish vacations to 5-star resorts around the country where they are wined and dined and attend cocktail parties with powerful corporate lobbyists. During these junkets, politicians collaborate with lobbyists and write bills that then get introduced around the country.

“Established in the 1970s, ALEC has historically maintained a low-profile. Yet in recent years, the after effects of its 'wining-and-dining' of state politicians and backroom deal practices have been felt all across the nation, leading to state legislation being passed that reflects the wants of huge corporate interests and not the needs of our families.

“Visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/unwelcomeALECdallas. You can also follow on Twitter: @TEXposeALEC."

A few highlights:

Wednesday - 11am–1pm – “Don’t Mess With Texas, ALEC” Rally; meet at Community Brewery (Community Beer Company), 1530 Inspiration, Dallas, Texas.

Wednesday - 2pm–4pm – “Stand Up to ALEC” (Community Brewery) Speakers include: Jim Hightower; Nick Surgey, PR Watch and the Center for Media and Democracy; Jane Carter, AFSCME; Conner Gibson, Greenpeace; Louis Malfaro, Texas AFT; Shahid Buttar, Bill of Rights Defense Committee.

Thursday 2:30pm – “Hoodies Up!” People’s Fashion Show and Demonstration for the 3:00 Neiman Marcus fashion show for ALEC attendees. “Fashion can get you killed!” Stand Your Ground … brought to you by ALEC! Hoodies provided. At Neiman Marcus, 1618 Main, Dallas.

Thursday - 7:30 p.m. - “Money in Politics and Its Impact on Civil and Human Rights.” A panel of national and local experts will trace the impact of money in politics and the resultant attacks on sovereign American democracy by ALEC, Citizens United via the U.S. Supreme Court, and now, by Multinational Corporations via “Free (NOT ‘Fair’) Trade” agreements. Dallas Hall, Southern Methodist University.

More information at yet another Facebook page: A.L.E.C. protest