Notions of Texas turning blue are quickly becoming reality. Bill White and Tom Scheiffer are viable Democrats intent on making this true. The relevance of this occurring has significant implications for El Paso. If you recall, El Paso was able to send three delegates to the Democrat National Convention. Little is known regarding the manner in which to increase the number. Many folks inquired during the primary and general elections why Obama did not visit our city, and the answer can be determined by the gubernatorial election turnout. Kinky Friedman received significant votes from El Paso, indicating a segment of our population voting with conviction and cynicism. However a factor that determines the designation of Democrat delegates alloted our city, is at stake. The traditional delegate strongholds, such as Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio have far superseded the delegate count from El Paso because of our proportionately low voter turnout and divided vote.
With the election of Obama, notice has been served by the grassroots voice, first by acknowledging and welcoming the Clinton political establishment, and then by going head to head with the GOP machinery. It is obvious that our voice has been established, and regarded as one to be heeded. However, this cannot be done without voting in a manner that effectively represents our collective voice. Health Insurance Reform is an apropos example, demonstrating the effectiveness of the grassroots approach. We’ve reached out to our neighbors, listening to our struggles, and exchanging ideas rather than being isolated.This approach will result in legislation that will adequately insure the millions who face difficult medical and financial decisions.
Well now is the time to take it to the next level. Regardless of the futility that seems to accompany the Texas Governor’s race, El Paso, by turning out en masse at the voting polls, results in acquiring more delegates, resounding the collective voice of El Paso that has been too long ignored. If we can turn out out 150,000 thousand voters, an optimistic but realistic goal, our city stands to gain at least two more delegates that resonate our voice. This aspiration will not become a reality without the unified effort of the various Democrat organizations such as the West Side Democrats, the Camino Real Democrats, the Black Democrat s of El Paso, the Tejano Democrats, the ACORN coalitions, the Moreno Democrats, the Chavez and Shapleigh factions, and the various organizations that I may be remiss in acknowledging. Now is the time for us in forge a relationship that expresses solidarity and commitment to cooperative change.
Pie in the sky aside, the manner in which we accomplish this goal is by coming together with open hearts and minds readily prepared for action. An intrusion of our comfort zone will be difficult, but not unbearable. Knocking on doors, phoning strangers, putting in extra hours after work, and sacrificing time with loved ones will be required. The results may be mixed, but if we get folks to the polls by taking the extra effort, we will have contributed to the progressive movement El Paso embraces. A vote in the race for governor is imperative for El Paso to benefit.
If interested in getting involved, please contact me at xmiranda5@gmail.com and be prepared to work for El Paso’s progress.
