KLRU
Is Democracy Slipping off the Lege?
RECEIVED Wed., April 24, 2019
Dear Editor,
The Texas Lege is in full swing. Our legislatures are voting on and enacting hundreds of new laws – many of which cripple our communities, our environment, and our democratic rights.
Companion bills House Bill 3557/Senate Bill 1993 could seriously “impede” our ability to protect the beloved Hill Country from the Permian Highway Pipeline or any other critical infrastructure corporate America says is vital.
Here’s the quick and dirty.
HB 3557 & SB 1993 are attempts at fascist capitalism that quash resistance to “critical infrastructure” projects (aka eminent domain ploys) by mercilessly throwing second-degree felony charges, the equivalent of a murderer or rapist, at folks who step foot on property or block roadways, aka interfering, impeding, or inhibiting operations/construction. It applies to landowners protecting their property from damage just as easily it penalizes a protester standing there holding a sign. Does the punishment equal the crime? Eighth Amendment violation?
To further hogtie folks, an organization or business, regardless of relationship or knowledge, who has at some point “compensated” an individual who happens to get arrested at critical infrastructure site can be fined $1 million. So, churches, schools, unions, clubs, NGOs, community organizations, etc. … better vet all your members, affiliates, and employees and watch them 24/7 because you never know who is going to do what on their private time. First Amendment rights violation?
If you don’t want you or other folks capriciously fined a million bucks “regardless of relationship” or imprisoned because you dared to protect your property or your community, CALL or EMAIL your representatives and senators today!
Without our participation, there’s no accountability, there’s no democracy – simply greasy handshake deals, corporate buyouts, and demoralizing compromises.
Who's got your back? Not the Lege.
The Texas Lege is in full swing. Our legislatures are voting on and enacting hundreds of new laws – many of which cripple our communities, our environment, and our democratic rights.
Companion bills House Bill 3557/Senate Bill 1993 could seriously “impede” our ability to protect the beloved Hill Country from the Permian Highway Pipeline or any other critical infrastructure corporate America says is vital.
Here’s the quick and dirty.
HB 3557 & SB 1993 are attempts at fascist capitalism that quash resistance to “critical infrastructure” projects (aka eminent domain ploys) by mercilessly throwing second-degree felony charges, the equivalent of a murderer or rapist, at folks who step foot on property or block roadways, aka interfering, impeding, or inhibiting operations/construction. It applies to landowners protecting their property from damage just as easily it penalizes a protester standing there holding a sign. Does the punishment equal the crime? Eighth Amendment violation?
To further hogtie folks, an organization or business, regardless of relationship or knowledge, who has at some point “compensated” an individual who happens to get arrested at critical infrastructure site can be fined $1 million. So, churches, schools, unions, clubs, NGOs, community organizations, etc. … better vet all your members, affiliates, and employees and watch them 24/7 because you never know who is going to do what on their private time. First Amendment rights violation?
If you don’t want you or other folks capriciously fined a million bucks “regardless of relationship” or imprisoned because you dared to protect your property or your community, CALL or EMAIL your representatives and senators today!
Without our participation, there’s no accountability, there’s no democracy – simply greasy handshake deals, corporate buyouts, and demoralizing compromises.
Who's got your back? Not the Lege.
Lori Glover
Alpine, TX
Alpine, TX
