Will Tex-Dems Lose their Wanderlust in the Wilderness?

 GAUGING THE ATTENTION SPAN OF THE AUDIENCE  

TEXAS LEGISLATURE 2021 Analysis by Ross:
Texas Democrats may find themselves in the wilderness of wandering public attention

In today's commentary the Trib's Ross Ramsey explores the immediate future of the Texas House Democrats in exile, who have since been upgraded from quorum-breakers to quorum-busters. The rhetoric must be adjusted to fit the evolving severity of the crime as pitched to and perceived by the emotion-primed audience. Or so it might seem. 

The Runaway Legecritters  

The Tribune was at the ready to break the story when it was fresh, and set the tone for the coverage, which other headline writers then quickly emulated. The Democrats ran away, the public was told. Like cowards. Ken Paxton couldn't have framed it any better to cater to the legions of Dem-haters across the state. And that's just what he did.  

FLIGHT, NO FIGHT 
Paxton on Democrats "fleeing" the State 

To describe this occurrence in more sober and factual fashion, a large group of Democratic House members departed to assure a lack of quorum at gavelling-in time. But they didn't just make a quick escape to the runway to put themselves beyond the reach of state troopers; the destination was also thoughtfully chosen and with sound purpose: to push for a federal solution to the Republicans' impending restriction on voting arrangements at the state level. And to draw attention to their cause in the one place where attention is bound to be paid: the nation's capital. 

Forget the Holiday Inn in Ardmore, OK, along with John Wayne's last stand at The Alamo. . 

It is the Congress-oriented focus that makes this iteration of a previoulsy deployed parliamentary tactic more purposive in character, even if it should ultimately prove unsuccessful in averting the outcome that has been stalled for now. At least this group of Democrats proceeded with common purpose and tried. -- If you don't succeed at once, it does not follow that all effort has been in vain. 

In any event, what is the alternative? Just leaning back and letting the Republican majority have its way? Enjoy being taken, with fond recollections of Clayton William's ill-fated gubernatorial bid and associated bad weather analogies? 

And While Belaboring Analogies 

Mr. Ramsey reminds the attentive readership that a previous cross-border quorum-denial excursion ultimately failed. That was in 2003. Indeed, the Trib. did a separate story on this precedent in the annals of the voting wars in Texas. 

So far, so good, for historical perspective on this kind of legislative maneuvre. But the outcome isn't predetermined now, except that this group of ideological fellow travellers will return in the end too. That's a safe prediction alright. Why shouldn't they? 

But when? -- Likely no earlier than they said they would. After the first special session has ended. And after they have at least been successful in getting their concerns on the nation's agenda. Not to mention the public at home that doesn't pay all that much heed to politics unless something dramatic animates the news coverage on TV and social media channels.  

The Moral of the Story 

Perhaps the multitudes that don't currently care much about their right to vote will become more aware of what is at stake in the ongoing voting wars, and that nothing in politics should be taken for granted. 

If elected representatives are willing to run the risk of getting themselves arrested for their cause -- as promised by Governor Abbott -- perhaps there is more to their clamor than previously thought. 

Perhaps there is something of substance behind all the theatrics.  

REFERENCES: 

Ross Ramsey, Analysis: Texas Democrats may find themselves in the wilderness of wandering public attention. The legislative Democrats who decamped from Texas to Washington, D.C., to block a voting bill need public attention to pull the argument their way — and that's going to be harder to get after last week’s first news of their quorum-busting. TEXAS TRIBUNE 2021-07-19. 

Karen Brooks Harper, Texas Democrats’ decampment over voting legislation has echoes of 2003 redistricting fight. Now, as in 2003, Democrats say their main motivator is protecting the voices of Texas voters. Can they stop legislation that would restrict voting in Texas? TEXAS TRIBUNE 2021-07-15. 

The long, 'surreal' days of the runaway Texas legislators. Many have left young children behind; most have other professional obligations back in Texas. All seem to be operating on minimal sleep. NBC NEWS 2021-07-16 by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS.