The cruelty resumes tomorrow

In one week, the country will usher in another era of slop government to feed the slop-eaters what they want: more and ever-sloppier slop. Is it nutritious? Does it help anyone at all? No, but it goes down easy and it’s always entertaining. It’s is what Americans crave.

Texas, meanwhile, restarts its governing shenanigans tomorrow when the new legislative session starts. We’re always ahead of what goes on in the rest of the country. Unlike Trump and his cast of better-haired ghouls, who don’t have any idea what they’re doing, Texas Republicans actually do everything they promise. Abortion? Banned, no exceptions. LGBTQ+ issues? Ignored, buried, taken out of documents and policy. Public education? Decimated. Healthcare? Only for the wealthy. Environmental protections? Barely there, and Abbott promises they will be gone completely in the next Trump administration. Guns? Everywhere, unsecured, collected like jewels. Ethics? Ken Paxton could have murdered his mistress and would still be in office today. Oversight? Our oil and gas regulators unapologetically make their riches in oil and gas.

Sludge is harder to swallow than slop. Less fun. More toxic.

And though we bang our heads on our desks and repeat “the cruelty is the point” at the Trump administration, I think the cruelty is often a happy coincidence after Trump has done or said something stupid. The man can’t make a point to save his life, you all know that. Texas Republicans, on the other hand, are some of the legitimately cruelest people I’ve ever heard speak.

(There are exceptions. Some of them are just buffoons.)

There are inevitabilities to come with this lege session. Restrictions on speech involving abortion, transgender care, the mere existence of LGBTQ+ people will tighten further. Evangelical teachings and thought will become more entrenched in our schools and policies. School vouchers? I have no idea, but we’ll be hearing a lot about it.

Bless the Texas Democrats, who will be doing battle with this ugliness, trying to negotiate away whatever cruelties they can. I’m looking forward to seeing Houston’s Molly Cook and Lauren Ashley Simmons in action this session, their first. They are powerful voices for good. They remind me of one of my go-to power songs “If I Dare,” by Sara Bareilles:

I don't need permission
to rise up when it hurts.
You don't have to listen,
but you'll hear me, mark my words.

I will do my best to keep you apprised of the goings-on, as much as I can on my own. Thank you to everyone who has pledged money. I’m still on the fence about turning on payments. I HIGHLY encourage you to subscribe or donate to the Houston Chronicle, Houston Landing and Texas Tribune so that journalists can continue to do their work during the session.

Become comfortable with calling your representatives, no matter how awful they are. They actually do have to listen and keep track of what you say, even if they don’t hear you. Especially on the issue of school vouchers, they’re going to need to hear from you.

Other than that, hydrate. Deep breaths. See you tomorrow.