The air out in the 134 is thick with the smell of dust and dreams. It’s a land of rugged individualism, hardworking families, and a fierce love for this land. But there’s a growing unease, a simmering sense of betrayal, and it’s directed at those who claim to represent them – the Republican leadership in Austin and Washington.
We must reclaim Texas from the top down. For too long, the message from the top has been one of division, of prioritizing a national agenda over the needs of rural communities. We've been told that our concerns are inconsequential, that our voices are drowned out by the urban masses. But the truth is, all politics is local. And in rural Texas, the Republican party has turned its back on the very people they claim to represent.
Let's look at the facts.
1. Local Control, Local Disdain: Remember the Texas Senate's attempt to seize control of local elections? A blatant power grab that would have stripped away the autonomy of rural Texans. This wasn't about "efficiency"; it was about silencing dissenting voices and consolidating power.
2. Agriculture Under Assault: Texas is an agricultural powerhouse, but the Republican agenda has repeatedly slashed funding for vital rural programs. This includes cuts to research, infrastructure, and water conservation initiatives, all while prioritizing corporate interests over the needs of family farmers.
3. Energy Insecurity, Not Energy Independence: The 134 is at the heart of American energy
production, but Republicans have prioritized short-term profits over long-term stability. This has
resulted in a fragile energy grid, vulnerable to extreme weather events, leaving Texans in the cold and dark.
4. Economic Woes, Empty Promises: While rural towns struggle with limited resources and
crumbling infrastructure, the Republican party boasts of record-breaking economic growth. But this growth is skewed, benefiting the wealthy and leaving rural communities behind.
These are just a few examples of how the Republican agenda has failed rural West Texas. We've
been sold a bill of goods, promised prosperity and security, only to be left with neglect and
disappointment. It's time to take back our voice, reclaim our power, and fight for the Texas we
believe in.
And this fight isn't just about West Texas. We need to look to our brothers and sisters in East Texas, particularly the Black communities who have been systematically denied opportunity and
representation for generations. Imagine the power of a coalition, of rural West Texas and East Texas working hand-in-hand, united in their demand for justice and equality.
We can do this. We can elect a Democratic majority that truly represents the needs and aspirations of all Texans, regardless of their zip code or background. It won't be easy, but the path to progress is often paved with struggle and sacrifice. As the Bible says in Romans 12:12, "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."
This is a call to action, a demand for a change in direction. Let us rise up, ignite the fire of hope all across the 134, and spread it across the entire state. Let us stand together, unified in our pursuit of a better future for all Texans.
Stuart Williams lives in Lubbock, Texas and is co-founder of The 134 PAC.
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