Democracy for Houston put together an DeLay Fest/Picnic Saturday that was a rousing success. Three hundred and fifty people turned out for food, fun, and politics centered on the theme "Save America without DeLay. The write up with full details beneath the fold.
Sunshine and friendship was the order of the day as over 350 Democratic activists, candidates and interested neighbors joined forces at the Democracy For America Family Fun Festival on Saturday May 14th. "Save America Without DeLay was the theme and even the "Bugman" would have been hard pressed not to have a good time.
The event, organized by members of the Democracy For Houston's local chapter, sported representatives from at least 8 counties. We opened with a "Pledge of Allegiance" rendered by six year old Lindsay Peters, a long-time Dean activist. The spirit of that pledge was everywhere to be seen, in the crowds' good humor and in its active participation in the day's events, as well as the ringing words of our speakers.
Socializing and networking with friends, neighbors, community activists, organizations and candidates, were the order of the day! Those in attendance were greeted with a pavillion filled with free food and drink including chili cheese dogs, chips and desserts for democracy! The leftover food was donated to the Star of Hope Mission in downtown Houston.
Adults and children alike were able to participate in games throughout the park setting, including "Pin The Tale On The Elephant," a Tom DeLay effigy pinata filled with money, a "Toss The Bums Out" bean bag toss, and a "Sack DeLay" sack race. The more artistically inclined, participated in the song contest, wrote a limerick or crafted a poster using the theme "Save America Without DeLay."
An example of the Democratic wit and ingenuity is found in our winner from the song contest: "The Capitalist Hillbillies." Song is performed using the music for the theme song to "The Beverly Hillbillies" television show.
The Capitalist Hillbillies
Let me tell you all a story `bout a man named Tom.
A pure profiteer, he would even cheat his mom!
And, then one day he was sprayin' at some bugs -
When out of the cracks came some really big THUGS!
Lobbyists, that is... Republicans! Right-wingers!
Well, the first thing you know, ol' Tom is in the House -
Not a penny for the poor from that stingy old louse!
He said, "Terry Schiavo is a callin' out to me..."
"We'll spin it all on FOX, for the good ol' G-O-P!"
Lies, that is... Tell'em God's a Republican!
The Capitalist Hillbillies!
Y'all vote for'em, now... ya hear???
You've got to love the sense of humor in this piece, as well as the winning entry for the Limerick contest. Here's the limerick:
There once was a man named DeLay,
Who didn't let ethics get in his way!
He went to play golf -
And, ticked us all off!
Let's give him the BOOT today!
Besides the games, there were booths and tables that were manned by 20 plus organizations and candidates representing a broad spectrum of the U.S. House District 22. Bay Area New Democrats, Fort Bend Democrats, GLBT Political Caucus, Progressive Action Alliance, Texas Progressive Populist Caucus, the youth activist group "Help Democrats Get Elected" (HDGE), Texas Democratic Veterans, the Meyerland Democrats, Main Street Moms Operation Blue (MMOB), Democracy For Texas and others went about seriously preparing to contest every election at every level. Quite a few local and statewide candidates had booths as well, including Chris Bell for Governor and Barbara Radnofsky for the U.S. Senate.
Democracy For Houston presented a "Teaching Tent" throughout the event. Steering Committee members of the local group covered such topics as "Framing Your Message", "Civil Conversation and Becoming An Agent of Change" as well as "Getting to Values". In addition, the group had a table for voter registration.
The DFH chapter also collected "Books For Soldiers," a community service project sponsored by the DFH reading club. We easily collected 500+ volumes to send to our soldiers.
On the main stage, entertainment was provided by the music of singer/songwriter Saylor White, in between the various drawings and contests. Several of the local Houston City Council candidates were recognized in attendance. The highlight had to be the rousing speeches given by Chris Bell, Ivan Espinosa, Barbara Radnofsky, Richard Morrison and Gordon Quan. Gordon Quan is presently serving his last term as a member of the Houston City Council and is considering a run for the U.S. House of Representatives. Altogether, it was quite an impressive array of Democratic hopefuls.
This was indeed a successful event that brought together folks from a wide spectrum of the Democratic Party. Everyone present shared in the good times and valuable information. What a GREAT way to relax, visit and have good old-fashioned Democratic fun! Hot dogs, good friends and politics were combined in a casual atmosphere. Those that attended had plenty of opportunities to garner new members for their organizations, volunteers for campaigns and new activists for our grassroots efforts to "Take Back Our Country...precinct by precinct, county by county!" The Democratic spirit IS ALIVE and WELL in Texas!