(This one's for Chuck Kuffner)
You got to know when to hold 'em
When to fold 'em
Know when to walk away
And know when to run- Kenny Rogers, "The Gambler"
The Texas Senate is now into Governor Goodhair's third special session. The Texas 11, while they have fought the good fight, are left with much the same hand they were dealt when they first sat at the table. There comes a time when one must count up one's losses and realize that no matter what hand you play, you're still going to lose your money. That time has come for the Texas 11. They simply don't have the cards, and there's going to be no bluffing in this hand.
As much as we Democrats hate to admit it, Republicans are the majority party in this state. It used to be the other way around, and though I wasn't living here then, I would suspect that it was a lot more fun to be a Democrat during the heyday of Ann Richards and Jim Hightower. The reality now may seem bleak, but buried deep within every crisis is a nugget of opportunity. Yes, we are destined to lose this fight. Republicans will gain at least a couple of seats in Congress, perhaps more if things continue as they are. That is the reality and our crisis. The opportunity is that we can use this sorry episode during the next election cycle to focus attention on the underhanded and mean-spirited tactics employed by Tom Craddick, Tom DeLay, and the rest of the Republican jihadists.
Texas Democrats find themselves at the point where they may have a convincing moral argument, but the Republicans control the political reality. Spitting into the prevailing wind is not going to win Democrats any style points among Texas voters. Perhaps it's time for the Texas Democratic Party to look within itself for answers. Why have we allowed Republicans to frame the arguments? Why have we not been able to field candidates who can speak to the needs and beliefs of Texas voters? As long as Democrats allow Republicans to paint them as clueless, pie-in-the sky Liberals, Republicans will be playing a superior hand. This reality must change in order for Democratic fortunes to have any hope of changing.
In short, the answer to what Texas Democrats should do next is to put down the cards and walk away from the table. The Texas 11 is not going to win the battle over redistricting- this time around. Having said that, conceding this battle should in no way be taken as surrender. Democrats can simply wait until the next hand is dealt. Perhaps then they'll have some better cards to work with.
(UPDATE: To see what other Liberal Texans think about what Democrats should do, you can go here)
