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July News Letter |
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| From the small hotel
receptions to the vast meeting hall of the General Assemblies, the same
messages were repeated in dozens of styles and accents: positions of
support for access to affordable health care, quality public education,
right to privacy, civil rights protections, preservation of the U. S.
Constitution… In the final hours of the convention, the 2004 Texas
Democratic Party Platform was presented and ratified by the delegates. To
my ears, the values outlined and articulated in the Party Platform sounded
much like those of our UU tradition. I anticipate the official release of
this publication on the Texas Democratic Party web-site later this month
to see if my perceptions hold after a closer reading. Veronica reports: The theme of the convention this year was "Fighting for Democracy. We had three delegates from our Fellowship: Frank Herbert, Clyde Clubb, and myself. Al went as a guest. This was the first Texas State Democratic Convention where 70-80% of the attendees were first-timers. Friday was various issues and caucuses. The caucus we liked the most was the East Texas Caucus Question & Answer Session with the representatives and delegates from Senate District One. It was very informative. We as delegates from Senate District One selected our National Delegates to the national convention in Boston which will be held in July. This is where democracy really works. Our district was allowed four delegates for the presidential nominee who received the most votes in the primary election, one delegate for the second nominee and one alternate. The most exciting events of the convention for me were the speakers. Senator John Edward and Senator Dennis Kucinich both energized the crowd of about 8000 people. It was amazing how accessible they were to the people, shaking hands, taking pictures. No ropes. The last event was the presentation of the Killer D’s, the Representatives who went to Oklahoma last year about this time to try to stop the Republicans from redrawing the district lines. That was what energized me to get involved as much as possible. All in all it was a wonderful experience.
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Opera Longview Recipient of Local Unitarian Talent and Support
Not only is our very own Clyde practicing his civic duties by attending the Texas State Democratic convention in Houston this past week and performing his delegate duties, he has also been practicing his vocal scales and performing in the opera chorus, bringing art and ethics to his community. Bravo for a job well done!
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Marolen is once again enjoying the company of Carol Brian, Madame Butterfly’s Production Stage Manager, by hosting her while the show is in town. As our new president, Frank, would say: Interesting people have very interesting friends.
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