Pro-Choice Filibuster in the Texas Senate

June 25, 2013 10:22 AM

It began with a special session called by Governor Rick Perry, who put abortion restrictions on the table. SB5 bans abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy and requires facilities that perform them to conform to new restrictions. The practical effect would close most of the abortion facilities in Texas. Then came the People's Filibuster, a mass protest designed to run out the clock and prevent the bill from being passed. It didn't work. The bill passed the House and went to the Senate. But today, Texas Senator Wendy Davis began a 13-hour filibuster to stop the bill.

Livestream. Countdown clock. Twitter hashtag.

posted by emjaybee (1693 comments total)

In Texas 'rape kits' debate, the sound of abortion politics

With Republicans in firm control of the chamber and united behind the bill, the outcome was not really in doubt. But as we have seen in Virginia, Wisconsin and Ohio -- to name a few -- the minority Democrats managed to get the bill's Republican supporters on record about their explicit belief that government has the right to control women's private medical needs and their understanding about what, in practice, that means.

Thus the Texas bill's sponsor, Republican Representative Jodie Laubenberg, found herself making this argument last night about why she opposed adding an exception for women who have been raped (apologies for the quality of the video, which is after the jump):

[I]n hospital emergency rooms, we have funded what’s called rape kits that will help the woman, basically clean her out. And then hopefully that will alleviate that.”

She was then interrupted by Democratic Representative Dawnna Dukes, who wanted to hear that part again, please:

Representative Laubenberg, you said these ladies would be able to acquire an abortion at one of the emergency rooms?

And so Laubenberg said it again, only more so:

In the emergency room they have what's called rape kits that the woman, she’ll get cleaned out, basically like a D&C, and emergency contraception, where they can also do the morning-after pill.

Now Laubenberg's "seeming confusion" about the kits used to collect forensic evidence will outlive this week in Texas legislative history, as will the issue of whether the courts will allow the state this level of decision-making about individual women's health.

posted by zombieflanders at 10:26 AM on June 25, 2013 [9 favorites]

Related: My abortion at 23 weeks.

The new Texas bill would outlaw abortion after 20 weeks.

Sen. Wendy Davis is a goddamn hero.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 10:28 AM on June 25, 2013 [28 favorites]

Now Laubenberg's "seeming confusion" about the kits used to collect forensic evidence will outlive this week in Texas legislative history, as will the issue of whether the courts will allow the state this level of decision-making about individual women's health.


Harmful stupidity or unabashed evil? You decide!
posted by running order squabble fest at 10:29 AM on June 25, 2013 [11 favorites]

You won't get the bill you want due to a time limit technicality, Perry?

Tell me more about that.
posted by jaduncan at 10:30 AM on June 25, 2013 [24 favorites]

> [I]n hospital emergency rooms, we have funded what’s called rape kits that will help the woman, basically clean her out.

Oh Jesus Christ. That actually made me feel like throwing up.
posted by billiebee at 10:30 AM on June 25, 2013 [14 favorites]

Welcome to the national stage, Senator Davis. I'm expecting a speaking slot at the next convention. And rightfully so.

Actually, unfortunately, it might be welcome BACK to the national stage. You might remember when her offices were firebombed back in 2012.
posted by dirtdirt at 10:32 AM on June 25, 2013 [6 favorites]

I hope this article is wrong, because it makes the filibuster sound pretty much physically impossible:

To derail a vote in the GOP-dominated Senate, she must keep speaking on the bill until midnight — the deadline for the end of the 30-day special session.

Rules stipulate she remain standing, not lean on her desk or take any breaks — even for meals or to use the bathroom.

posted by zombieflanders at 10:34 AM on June 25, 2013

Rules stipulate she remain standing, not lean on her desk or take any breaks — even for meals or to use the bathroom.

I very strongly suspect she's going to do it or faint trying.
posted by jaduncan at 10:35 AM on June 25, 2013 [13 favorites]

Oh Jesus Christ. That actually made me feel like throwing up.

And now it's time to play everybody's favorite game show: IS THAT REPUBLICAN STUPID OR LYING?
posted by mightygodking at 10:35 AM on June 25, 2013 [60 favorites]

Go Senator Go!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 10:35 AM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

IS THAT REPUBLICAN STUPID OR LYING?

Secret option c: false dichotomy?
posted by jaduncan at 10:36 AM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

And now it's time to play everybody's favorite game show: IS THAT REPUBLICAN STUPID OR LYING?

Yes?
posted by dirtdirt at 10:36 AM on June 25, 2013 [37 favorites]

You're kidding, they are literally going to require someone stand there speaking until midnight? WTF? What? I mean... when you make a regulation that is clearly just there to torment someone into submission, how on earth can that be defended? How can ridiculous archaic practices like this be build into our government? What?! Requiring someone to stand with no break and no rest for a ridiculous amount of time-- seems like it would violate work regulations which require mandatory breaks.
posted by xarnop at 10:38 AM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

She's my Senator. Go Wendy!
posted by Grumpy old geek at 10:38 AM on June 25, 2013 [16 favorites]

Harmful stupidity or unabashed evil? You decide!

Do I have to choose? Dammit!
posted by rtha at 10:39 AM on June 25, 2013

This isn't Sen. Davis's first filibuster, although I don't know how long the last one lasted (probably around the same). I'm not worried about her failing today. Perry will likely call another emergency session (there's two other important bills on the schedule today), but I hope the amazing turnout at the capital yesterday and today affects at least some conservative Democrats.

You're kidding, they are literally going to require someone stand there speaking until midnight? WTF?

Well, yes, that is how someone "holds the floor." It is the inherent nature of a filibuster. I believe this is true at the federal level as well.
posted by muddgirl at 10:40 AM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Wendy Davis! That's my state senator! Super proud to be able to vote for her. (Last election was damn close.)
posted by kmz at 10:42 AM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

What a brave, wonderful woman. I know I and so many other Texan women are thankful that she's willing to stand up for us... Go Wendy!
posted by marshmallow peep at 10:42 AM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Yeah but how can no breaks be excusable? Why is that considered barbaric in every other working context? People have to pee sometimes? Drink water?
posted by xarnop at 10:43 AM on June 25, 2013

Requiring someone to stand with no break and no rest for a ridiculous amount of time-- seems like it would violate work regulations with require mandatory breaks.

It's also arguably discrimination on the basis of disability, given that Representatives who are less able suffer a disadvantage. Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama v. Garrett would complicate the ADA claim though.
posted by jaduncan at 10:44 AM on June 25, 2013

Rules stipulate she remain standing, not lean on her desk or take any breaks — even for meals or to use the bathroom.

Why can't other Democrats also take part of the weight? I don't understand what it is about the rules that means that she has to do it instead of multiple Senators.
posted by grouse at 10:45 AM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Secret option c: false dichotomy?
Nope. Only two options here. I vote stupid. The self incrimination is pretty blatant.
posted by mfu at 10:46 AM on June 25, 2013

Well, yes, that is how someone "holds the floor." It is the inherent nature of a filibuster. I believe this is true at the federal level as well.

The reason why filibuster reform is a thing that some people want to do at the federal level is because current rules do not require some to physically hold the floor through the duration. At the federal level, when filibusters are used to block legislation that we want, we call them undemocratic and try to make them harder to do.

I applaud Ms. Davis for her resolve, and hope that she succeeds, but it's not cruelty to ask her to take extreme measures to block a bill that the majority of elected representatives in her political body want to see passed.
posted by sparklemotion at 10:46 AM on June 25, 2013 [19 favorites]

Nope. Only two options here. I vote stupid. The self incrimination is pretty blatant.

To be clear, the reason opinion C is a false dichotomy is that we're ignoring 'both'.
posted by jaduncan at 10:48 AM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Yeah but how can no breaks be excusable? Why is that considered barbaric in every other working context? People have to pee sometimes? Drink water?

She is welcome to take a break, but to do so she yields the floor and then the Senate can vote. It's really an exploit of the rules more than it is a feature of them (although it is certainly a feature now!).

Haven't you ever seen Mr. Smith Goes to Washington?
posted by dirtdirt at 10:48 AM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

You are aware that the filibuster is basically exploiting a loophole and not like, a real thing, right?

If there were breaks and protections then it would defeat the whole point. In most contexts, nobody wants that, as filibusters can cause a bureaucracy to entirely break down from one person's steely determination to watch the whole world burn.
posted by hobo gitano de queretaro at 10:48 AM on June 25, 2013 [11 favorites]

Yeah but how can no breaks be excusable?

Isn't that kind of like arguing that, if I chain myself to the doors of a building, the cops should allow me to unchain myself and take a break once in awhile? The rules are somewhat explained in this primer.

Also from that link, Davis's last filibuster was only a few hours.
posted by muddgirl at 10:49 AM on June 25, 2013

Well, yes, that is how someone "holds the floor." It is the inherent nature of a filibuster. I believe this is true at the federal level as well.

At the Federal level, you merely have to think about perhaps maybe someday having a filibuster and the Democrats will just take their bill off the table and go play golf.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 10:50 AM on June 25, 2013 [53 favorites]

"One of the measures included in the bill...would require all doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of where the procure is performed."

Just wondering if someone can explain the implications of that? Also, why did the 'people's filibuster' fail?

(I have to add that as I live in a country where abortion is still illegal, it's amazing to me that any of your politicians champion pro-choice legislation in any way. None of ours will.)
posted by billiebee at 10:50 AM on June 25, 2013

She will likely yield the floor later in the afternoon. I don't know if that means she gets to sit down or leave the chamber.
posted by muddgirl at 10:50 AM on June 25, 2013

Yeah but how can no breaks be excusable? Why is that considered barbaric in every other working context? People have to pee sometimes? Drink water?

Filibusters are the only effective way for a minority of senators to quite literally protest a bill they can't rally support against. Make it too easy, and the legislative process would grind to (even more of a) standstill.
posted by ConstantineXVI at 10:51 AM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

If anyone could do it, this senator can.

Wendy Davis was born on May 16, 1963, and grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. Raised by a single mother, Davis began working at age 14 to help support her family. By 19, Davis became a single mother herself. After learning about a two-year paralegal program from a co-worker, Davis enrolled at Tarrant County College and later transferred to Texas Christian University, where she graduated first in her class. After becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college, Davis went on to earn her law degree with honors from Harvard Law School.
posted by hobo gitano de queretaro at 10:53 AM on June 25, 2013 [57 favorites]

In my old age, I'm beginning to wonder if we'll ever see the day when we look back on the barbarians in the Republican party now like we (sort of) do on the authorities who did their damnedest to keep minorities from having "equal" rights (scare quotes as I don't believe they have them on anything other than paper in many ways even today).

I'd like to think so, but this seems particularly resistant to progress.
posted by maxwelton at 10:53 AM on June 25, 2013

Just wondering if someone can explain the implications of that?

Most hospitals don't want to touch abortion with a 40 foot barge pole. This especially goes for areas that only have a catholic hospital. You also typically have to send so many patients to the hospital per month to retain those privileges which most abortion providers can't really meet. Also it stops mean and nasty out-of-state carpetbagger doctors from flying in, doing a bunch of abortions and flying back out.
posted by Talez at 10:54 AM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Also, why did the 'people's filibuster' fail?

The committee meeting was simply adjourned. I would not say that it failed, necessarily. Davis is going to start reading some of their testimony right now.
posted by muddgirl at 10:54 AM on June 25, 2013

"One of the measures included in the bill...would require all doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of where the procure is performed."

Just wondering if someone can explain the implications of that?

Hospitals are under enormous pressure to not have anything to do with abortions. That's why they generally don't provide them themselves (opening up the market for independent clinics). Because of these same pressures, it is unlikely that many (if any) hospitals will grant admitting privileges* to abortion providers. Meaning that the independent clinics will shut down.

*"admitting privileges", from what I understand, are rights that an independent MD has to send a patient of theirs directly into the hospital system, without having to go through the ER or other admissions procedure. They can speed up access to backup care if something goes wrong in, say, your orthopedist's office, and you need to go in quick for surgery.
posted by sparklemotion at 10:55 AM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

would require all doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of where the procure is performed."

Just wondering if someone can explain the implications of that?

Carefully written to sound just reasonable enough to those who aren't paying much attention ("sure, they should be near a hospital in case something goes wrong!") -- while arbitrarily limiting the number of doctors in the state allowed to perform abortions to approximately zero.
posted by ook at 10:56 AM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

And even if the hospital were willing to grant privileges to abortion providers, applying for and obtaining admitting privileges is an incredibly tedious process that can be extremely difficult even under the best of circumstances.
posted by marshmallow peep at 10:58 AM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Ok, thanks. That makes sense. I knew it was something about restricting access, I just couldn't figure out what they were restricting.
posted by billiebee at 11:00 AM on June 25, 2013

Wasn't the "standing straight without eating or bathroom breaks" aspect of the filibuster part of a West Wing episode?

I'm rooting for her.
posted by Sara C. at 11:00 AM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

re "holding the floor" Say for example she were able to enter into the filibuster a piece of recorded information, Something that she would have to play for the audience. Is that allowed? Would she, or anyone filibustering be able to play a tape of Inna Gadda Da Vida, and slip out for a pibroch?
posted by Gungho at 11:00 AM on June 25, 2013

In most contexts, nobody wants that, as filibusters can cause a bureaucracy to entirely break down from one person's steely determination to watch the whole world burn.

As opposed to Congress today, which runs like a well-oiled machine.

Oh, ow! My eyes rolled up so far that I think one of them is stuck!
posted by wenestvedt at 11:03 AM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

No, usually filibustering implies speaking or reading aloud.

That said, OMG I just came up with the best idea

KARAOKE FILIBUSTER

I would start with the "How A Bill Becomes A Law" song from School House Rock. Also maybe their Preamble To The Constitution song.
posted by Sara C. at 11:04 AM on June 25, 2013 [23 favorites]

In Texas, at least, the speaker must remain on-topic and must remain "decorous," where the meaning of decorous obvs. is in the hands of the majority party.
posted by muddgirl at 11:06 AM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Wasn't the "standing straight without eating or bathroom breaks" aspect of the filibuster part of a West Wing episode?

The Stackhouse Filibuster. Stackhouse got rescued (and I don't know the veracity of the rescue) after 9 hours.
posted by dirtdirt at 11:07 AM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

In the emergency room they have what's called rape kits that the woman, she’ll get cleaned out, basically like a D&C, and emergency contraception, where they can also do the morning-after pill.

Let's definitely never teach biology or the anatomy of lady parts, though, who would ever need to know something like that.
posted by jetlagaddict at 11:08 AM on June 25, 2013 [9 favorites]

Aha, I was looking for this earlier: A history of how the "people's filibuster" came about.
posted by emjaybee at 11:10 AM on June 25, 2013

Let's definitely never teach biology or the anatomy of lady parts, though, who would ever need to know something like that.

I like how it simultaneously reveals that she doesn't know (a) what a rape kit is, (b) what a D&C is, (c) what emergency contraception is, and (d) what the morning-after pill is.
posted by muddgirl at 11:11 AM on June 25, 2013 [21 favorites]

Maybe as part of the filibuster she could do a little Human Anatomy 101, just to clear up a few hundred misconceptions or two.
posted by jetlagaddict at 11:14 AM on June 25, 2013 [6 favorites]

Oh, it doesn't matter if they're taught biology or the anatomy of lady parts:

Is Your OB-GYN Also an Anti-Choice Nutjob Politician?
posted by Lyn Never at 11:14 AM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

She just calmed the crowd down when they applauded her. I wonder if she's scared of some sort of clearing of the chamber or other rule that could screw her over.

Comments from the pros/those-in the know?
posted by RolandOfEld at 11:15 AM on June 25, 2013

I could've sworn I read of a filibuster where the supporters brought in a portable commode with a screen to block the view. Decorous!
posted by Flunkie at 11:15 AM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Sen. Davis, you are AWESOME. High fives from Wisconsin.

Shit like this is what has compelled me to vote in every single election that has occurred since I turned 18, from the primary for dogcatcher on up to the presidential general. There are anti-choice crazies seeping in every crack in the wall, they get their start in state legislatures, and they really like to pass laws that restric abortion rights.

Here in the formerly socialist north, our majority Republican state legislature and Republican governor have already quietly passed some fairly archaic abortion bills, including one that all but outright banned medication abortions, and we're about to pass EVEN MORE! I'm absolutely sure that the embrace of these dreadful "illegal after [x] weeks" laws, where [x] will provide a pointed but likely gradual decrease from the previous upper limit, will be up next. It's all part of the GOP's laserlike focus on job creation!

For example, Assembly Bill 252, which was just introduced by eight men and one token woman (who is, naturally, long past reproductive age), will "require a fetus more than 10 weeks old to be either buried, cremated or donated for medical training or research. The woman would not have to give her consent to the arrangements, nor would she have to be told they are occurring..."

I know we had folks signing up to deliver pizzas to protestors in Madison when we had our unprecedented and wholly ineffective citizen uprising the February before last -- if this situation continues, is there anything set up for those of us who might like to donate some meals to all the folks camping out down in Texas? Or hell, a PortaJane for filibustering purposes?
posted by divined by radio at 11:15 AM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

I want Davis to run the clock out on this, but I know Perry's just going to call another special and they'll ram it through then, along with whatever shitty redistricting and voter ID thing they can do now that the Supremes have gutted the Voting Rights Act. This whole thing has pretty much made me decide that where the action is at needs to be Battleground Texas and the group that's working on getting officeholders at the county level statewide, to build the bench depth to take on Perry and his successors.

This piece has been going around my Facebook. Scroll down a a screen or two to read about the Texas Legislature at work. It's pretty awful.
posted by immlass at 11:16 AM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

must remain "decorous,"

Oh. So does that mean Karaoke Filibuster is still on, but only if it's patriotic songs or maybe hymns?

Wasn't there some silliness recently with Rand Paul's filibuster? I know that was federal, though, and maybe they don't have the same "decorous" rule.
posted by Sara C. at 11:16 AM on June 25, 2013

Roland, the Twitter feed had several people remark, after Davis' supporters broke into applause when she entered, that Dewhurst threatened to throw them all out if they made another peep/disruption of any kind.
posted by emjaybee at 11:17 AM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

FYI I've been following Andrea Grimes on Twitter, who's there and is keeping up pretty well.
posted by Lyn Never at 11:18 AM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

I know we had folks signing up to deliver pizzas to protestors in Madison when we had our unprecedented and wholly ineffective citizen uprising the February before last -- if this situation continues, is there anything set up for those of us who might like to donate some meals to all the folks camping out down in Texas? Or hell, a PortaJane for filibustering purposes?

Ask and ye shall receive: Here We Go! What You Can Do!

I'll look for some of the other links I've seen about organizing food deliveries, etc. I've got a few friends who are down there, too, and I'm so proud of them.
posted by devinemissk at 11:20 AM on June 25, 2013 [8 favorites]

if this situation continues, is there anything set up for those of us who might like to donate some meals to all the folks camping out down in Texas

According to all-powerful Twitter, RH Reality Check is organizing food/drink delivery for people at the capital.
posted by muddgirl at 11:21 AM on June 25, 2013

And another link: What you can do to help
posted by devinemissk at 11:22 AM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

I know Perry's just going to call another special and they'll ram it through then, along with whatever shitty redistricting and voter ID thing they can do now that the Supremes have gutted the Voting Rights Act.

As I said in the other thread, they waited less than two hours before getting legally racist again, and they're approaching their 500th execution. Texas (and the rest of the country under Republican rule) is partying like it's 1859.
posted by zombieflanders at 11:22 AM on June 25, 2013

...must remain "decorous"

Prediction: The first time she utters any medically accurate words relating to lady parts, or lady functions, the "decorous" rule will be enacted like a nuke.
posted by Thorzdad at 11:23 AM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

emjaybee: Thanks.

While I'm playing sideline [cheerleader] quarterback here I found a nice link that addresses some of my questions about Texas filibusters and the situation at hand.

Excerpts:

Rule 4.01 requires a member of the Senate to stand at his or her desk to address the Senate. The member speaking may not sit, lean, or use a desk or chair in any way. Bathroom breaks are not allowed.

...

Yes. The filibustering senator can yield for questions. If another senator -- say, a non-crappy Democrat who supports the rights of women -- rises to be recognized to ask questions, the senator can choose to yield the floor to them. Said senator then takes the floor back when they are finished.

...

If a point of order is raised that the senator speaking has violated the rules for decorum or debate, the presiding officer will warn the senator twice; after a third violation, the Senate may vote on the point of order. If it is sustained, the senator speaking must yield the floor.

...

Can staffers bring Wendy more stories to read?

Both good questions. The answer isn't explicitly spelled out in the rules. The Lieutenant Governor and parliamentarian have some discretion. My understanding is yes, so keep sending your stories and share the link to submit them. The link to submit your story for Senator Wendy Davis to read on the floor is HERE.
posted by RolandOfEld at 11:23 AM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Davis, is my local state senator and despite the district being relative conservative in general she continues to be a major positive force in Austin. This will almost certainly result in her next election having a ridiculous sum of money thrown at it but this is the sort of leadership the Texas Democrats have been sorely lacking in recent memory.

Unfortunately the state is basically Red as hell for statewide office but hopefully demographics will make her more viable in the not so distant future. I'd love to trade some clown like Cornyn for someone like her.
posted by vuron at 11:24 AM on June 25, 2013

I think Sen. Davis gets three warnings, and then a vote. So she can say vagina a couple times.
posted by muddgirl at 11:24 AM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

She could stave off the warnings altogether and just say "hoo hoo." That's about the level of discourse the Lege can handle on this topic.

RIP, Molly. You're missed.
posted by mudpuppie at 11:27 AM on June 25, 2013 [8 favorites]

I love this soooo much.
posted by annsunny at 11:28 AM on June 25, 2013

I am in awe of how well she is pacing herself.
posted by zizzle at 11:29 AM on June 25, 2013

How did I not know about Wendy before? It's always good to get a new hero.
posted by terrierhead at 11:31 AM on June 25, 2013

Wendy is my state senator! Go Wendy!
posted by tingting at 11:35 AM on June 25, 2013

I wonder if she's required to hold the microphone. I hate holding my cell phone up to my ear for a 30 min conversation... I'd put that sucker down and save my energy. It's not like anyone besides people that are already supporters or haters are listening anyway. Fuck 'em, make them bring in a boom mic.
posted by RolandOfEld at 11:35 AM on June 25, 2013

She wore flats, today, I hope?

As someone who wants her to succeed, I'm also okay with the stringent physical requirements for stopping a law you disagree with. You should have a way of standing up for what you think is right that isn't just procedure and backroom conversations. I also like that it's a loophole in the rules. That's the path protests should take.

Also, geez Sen. Laubenberg...turning ignorance into law makes me sad.
posted by dry white toast at 11:36 AM on June 25, 2013

Geez, ten more hours. That's tough.
posted by Karmakaze at 11:38 AM on June 25, 2013

She wore flats, today, I hope?

Even better - bright pink trainers (I saw a clearer picture but I lost it in the twitter stream)
posted by muddgirl at 11:39 AM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Won't anyone think of the poor stenographer??!!
posted by RolandOfEld at 11:40 AM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

She wore flats, today, I hope?

Even better - bright pink trainers (I saw a clearer picture but I lost it in the twitter stream)

Yeah, I don't remember where I read it, but one article reported on an interview with her where she noted she would be preparing herself physically. I think she was restrained in her response, something like, "I'll do what I need to do," but she didn't go in there unprepared for the physical rigors, at least.
posted by devinemissk at 11:43 AM on June 25, 2013

The filibustering senator can yield for questions. If another senator -- say, a non-crappy Democrat who supports the rights of women -- rises to be recognized to ask questions, the senator can choose to yield the floor to them. Said senator then takes the floor back when they are finished.

Yay, bathroom break! This is the perfect opportunity for a lengthy meandering stalling question. Maybe there's a Runpee.com for legislature.
posted by nicebookrack at 11:50 AM on June 25, 2013

Yay, bathroom break! This is the perfect opportunity for a lengthy meandering stalling question. Maybe there's a Runpee.com for legislature.

Depends on if rule 4.01 supersedes that. I wouldn't put the grocery money on it.
posted by RolandOfEld at 11:52 AM on June 25, 2013

Ooops, they might be orange trainers, which is the color that anti-SB5 folks are wearing in the galleries.
posted by muddgirl at 11:54 AM on June 25, 2013

I don't know if PP is reading this thread, but they just tweeted this pic

*waves to Planned Parenthood social media people*
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 11:57 AM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

It's worth noting that while the filibuster is indeed a loophole, the way that Perry called a special session to fast track these proceedings in a way that exploits what the special session was intended for, and added the 20-week-abortion ban (along with transportation funding) two weeks into a 4 week session that was originally about redistricting, isn't exactly a shining example of democracy, either:

The purpose of aspecial session is to focus attention on a particular problem or to respond to a particular crisis...Because special sessions are supposed to be used to deal with crises, they have more lax rules for voting. They don’t need a quorum and this can pass with a simple majority of whoever is there.

posted by Phire at 11:59 AM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Hey, she's wearing Mizunos! My running shoes are Mizunos! *HIGHFIVE*
posted by Sara C. at 12:03 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

You know what's not decorous?

All those people on the floor in the background of these photos talking to each other. They're the ones who should be told to be quiet and listen up or hit the bricks.
posted by dogwalker at 12:05 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Dammit, now I'm starting to cry. This testimony is killing me. I wonder if Wendy's opponents are even listening.
posted by terrierhead at 12:07 PM on June 25, 2013

Andrea Grimes says crying. Man, that's so hard to hear.
posted by annsunny at 12:09 PM on June 25, 2013

My husband and I moved from Boston to Austin three years ago, and familiarizing myself with the abortion politics here is a bone-chilling process. Earlier this year, there was a story on the implications of the new sonogram law in Texas, and now this. Our daughter is nearly eight months now and looking at her, I feel such impotent anger knowing that she might have less reproductive freedom in the future than I've enjoyed. This is just wrong.
posted by of strange foe at 12:11 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Andrea Grimes is reporting female, "pro-life" senators giggling & joshing during Davis' reading of testimony w/r/t fetal anomaly. My rage knows no bounds.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 12:15 PM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

I wonder if Wendy's opponents are even listening.

My friends who attended the people's filibuster reported that, while people were testifying, many representatives were talking or texting or just generally not paying attention at all:

But I did think that state reps maybe, just maybe, had ethical and moral objections to abortion.

I no longer believe this is the case.

If they did, they would have debated the issue.

If they did, they would have answered questions about their own bill.

If they did, they wouldn’t have been playing Candy Crush on their cell phones, talking loudly to one another, milling around the floor, snoozing in their chairs, and cutting up like a pack of fourth-grade boys in gym class...

They wouldn’t have been smiling and bursting into unrelated laughter as a Democratic rep testified about the difficulty he and his wife had of conceiving their first child, speaking movingly of how serious and complicated an issue abortion was for him....

If Republican Pat Fallon, for instance, gave a shit about the life of the fetus, he wouldn’t have spent the entire eight hours of debate sneaking potato chips from a manila envelope, doing bizarre little dances from his chair, and brandishing a yardstick like a play sword to poke his buddies in the butt as they walked by. But Rep. Pat Fallon wasn’t actually fighting for the life of anything but his own political career. And all he had to do to accomplish that goal was to ignore every logical argument, compassionate plea, and harrowing anecdote delivered that night, just plug his fat little ears and pretend he was back in the frat house. Mission accomplished.

So, yeah, probably not listening at all.
posted by Joey Michaels at 12:16 PM on June 25, 2013 [36 favorites]

Hopefully that sort of thing can be documented room317 because it's always good to expose that the Republican war against women has willing collaborators among the female legislators as well as the men.
posted by vuron at 12:18 PM on June 25, 2013

If you have some spare cash and the state of abortion in Texas sends chills down your spine, you could consider donating to The Lilith Fund.

Bills like these mostly affect people who can't afford to take time off/travel across the state/pay for child care/etc. Abortion is almost always accessible to people of financial means. The Lilith Fund (and other abortion funds like it) provide financial assistance to people seeking abortions, and that assistance is crucial to ensuring people can access abortion, regardless of their financial situation.
posted by SugarAndSass at 12:20 PM on June 25, 2013 [6 favorites]

She just name dropped Lilith Fund. Am I just behind you in the speech or is it that much of a coincidence?
posted by RolandOfEld at 12:22 PM on June 25, 2013

Coincidence. I'm at work and can't listen to it, unfortunately.
posted by SugarAndSass at 12:23 PM on June 25, 2013

Don't get all worked up about reps not listening. This is SOP and happens at all levels of government from the local PTA to the Senate. If you've already made up your mind what is there to listen for?
posted by Gungho at 12:28 PM on June 25, 2013

Respectfulness?
posted by dogwalker at 12:30 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Don't get all worked up about reps not listening.

"Getting all worked up" is a funny way to describe pointing something out.
posted by Space Coyote at 12:31 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Respectfulness?

Buahhahahhhehhahhhhhahhheheha.
posted by RolandOfEld at 12:32 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

why is that funny?
posted by dogwalker at 12:34 PM on June 25, 2013

Because this is politics, and respectfulness has sadly been forced to wait outside.
posted by Tequila Mockingbird at 12:35 PM on June 25, 2013

Unless you're there to tell politicians they're doing their jobs wrong, of course, in which case you must be absolutely respectful in your heart-wrenching-but-repetitive testimony lest they decide to cut you off at 1 AM after 12 hours of waiting in the gallery...
posted by Phire at 12:37 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

So to even ask for respect is a joke? Good plan on trying to help bring it back.
posted by dogwalker at 12:38 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

why is that funny?

I'm sorry if that came across as rude. But yea, pretty much what Tequila said. Hoping for respectfulness is a good thing, really it is. But I can't help but be laugh fatalistically when it comes to hoping the actual people involved in our system be respectful across the aisle.

Coping mechanism, that's all.
posted by RolandOfEld at 12:39 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Is there another livestream feed? I'm getting no audio from the one in the FPP.
posted by EmGeeJay at 12:43 PM on June 25, 2013

Here's the youtube feed
posted by muddgirl at 12:45 PM on June 25, 2013

Works for me, EmGeeJay, just now.
posted by emjaybee at 12:45 PM on June 25, 2013

That may be the same feed.
posted by muddgirl at 12:45 PM on June 25, 2013

For anyone who might be listening to the feed at work on a single earbud, if you get up and come back to find the sound has gone out, be sure to check the other earbud. On my machine, the sound comes through just one. FYI in case anyone else makes the same sort of mistakes that I do.
posted by terrierhead at 12:47 PM on June 25, 2013

Ha, that was it. Thanks, Terrierhead.
posted by EmGeeJay at 12:51 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

I would hereby like to apologize in advance to emjaybee and EmGeeJay for the many times I will undoubtedly mix them up in conversation.
posted by Phire at 12:53 PM on June 25, 2013 [9 favorites]

Oh Em Gee Jay Bee.
posted by zombieflanders at 1:02 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Is it just me, or does she look a lot like Leslie Knope/Amy Poehler? Which makes this far more awesome. She should read Patton Oswalt's Star Wars filibuster, just to get the attention of all the people standing around the chamber.

I think people not really listening during a filibuster is pretty typical. Even the people in the same party are usually in the chamber just to keep quorum in situations like this. It's not the Roman Senate.
posted by dry white toast at 1:05 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

> Ooops, they might be orange trainers, which is the color that anti-SB5 folks are wearing in the galleries.

No, they look pretty clearly pink. But we digress; they appear to be sensible shoes for the task of standing for a goddamn long time, and that's all that matters.
posted by savetheclocktower at 1:09 PM on June 25, 2013

dry white toast: Call me a spoilsport but based upon the link I posted above that wouldn't be a good idea because

The filibuster must be on topic; the bill may be read but irrelevant books (i.e. a telephone book) may not be read.

That said, yay for Parks and Rec parallel universe!
posted by RolandOfEld at 1:22 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

She's not reading anymore right now, she seems to be taking questions from the senators (Senator Deuell at the moment?) about the bill. He seems to be a republican senator so maybe trying to trip her up or make her say something off the cuff to throw at her later. /speculation
posted by RolandOfEld at 1:27 PM on June 25, 2013

"I don't want to impose upon any member an unkind starting point. I would hope that every member on this floor shares a concern for women, men and children. But because I've been unable to have a simple question answered.

How this leads to better care for women?

I have to question the underlying reasons for this."

Forgive the quick typing/quoting but she's speaking for herself/her stance really, really well given the circumstances.
posted by RolandOfEld at 1:29 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

That was in response to Deuell asking if she thought the senators didn't care about women by the way.
posted by RolandOfEld at 1:30 PM on June 25, 2013

She's volleying back with "Why do we require this procedure be done near an ambulatory center when other procedures aren't faced with the same requirement?"

Among other good and fair arguments.
posted by RolandOfEld at 1:32 PM on June 25, 2013

Austin journalist Mike Ward has been reporting rumors that the GOP is weighing whether to stop the filibuster on some technicality or whether to let it continue. Deuell's questions may be part of an "obscure rule" that the GOP has been thinking about using.
posted by muddgirl at 1:40 PM on June 25, 2013

She's nailing most responses. If you tuned out when she was in letter reading mode, now's a decent time to tune back in.
posted by RolandOfEld at 1:42 PM on June 25, 2013

Duell just said women "need the state of Texas to protect them."

In those words.

'Cause, you know, we little ladies aren't capable of taking care of ourselves.
posted by zizzle at 1:43 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

They're invoking rules. It just got real.
posted by RolandOfEld at 1:43 PM on June 25, 2013

holy crap, here comes the fuckery.
posted by terrierhead at 1:44 PM on June 25, 2013

The sentate president is consulting the rule book.
posted by RolandOfEld at 1:44 PM on June 25, 2013

Duell just said women "need the state of Texas to protect them."

Ladies and gentlemen, the party of small government.
posted by jetlagaddict at 1:44 PM on June 25, 2013 [16 favorites]

"The senate may IMPRISON anyone....." Rule 306....?
posted by RolandOfEld at 1:45 PM on June 25, 2013

I think that's aimed at the gallery, Roland.
posted by emjaybee at 1:47 PM on June 25, 2013

What were they going for there?

Reading a rule concerning the senate being able to imprison anyone being disruptive or disrespectful for up to 48 hours....?

Are they just trying to scare her and/or working up to calling her out for being rude if she uses the word vagina. She's visibly more intense now fwiw...
posted by RolandOfEld at 1:47 PM on June 25, 2013

Oh. Good point.
posted by RolandOfEld at 1:48 PM on June 25, 2013

Apparently there was some hissing going on when Duell started talking.
posted by emjaybee at 1:49 PM on June 25, 2013

I just got back from the Capitol. I had to leave because they are looking for ANY reason to throw all of us out. Not even ASL applause is allowed. Some asshole came in and screamed ABORTION IS GENOCIDE and my friend Iana nearly had to hold me back from kicking his ass. I can't do quiet, polite protest. Anyway, it was a very powerful experience and a lot of good ppl are there showing support
posted by DecemberBoy at 1:50 PM on June 25, 2013 [28 favorites]

I just started listening to the live stream while she was making the impassioned response to Duell, and the he started responding back, and I had to turn it off because the temperature of everything from my neck up shot up 10 degrees and it was really, really uncomfortable in here.
posted by mudpuppie at 1:50 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Did anyone happen to notice a scruffy guy in a black neck bandana and cheesy Austin orange tourist shirt breathing very deeply and biting his fist in the gallery? That was me.
posted by DecemberBoy at 1:51 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Oh, and there were a bunch of little kids in "GOD IS GOOD!" shirts there for some no doubt twisted reason.
posted by DecemberBoy at 1:52 PM on June 25, 2013

I want to thank you all for liveblogging this. I tried to watch/listen earlier, but like mudpuppie, my head basically exploded. And then I had to go to a meeting and couldn't even rant about anything. So thank you all very, very much. I really appreciate this.
posted by rtha at 1:54 PM on June 25, 2013 [7 favorites]

TL;DR from last 5 mins. She's going head to head with a doctor/senator. The back and forth is pretty respectful, but he's being pretty obtuse and claiming to honestly believe that this bill will cause literally zero clinics to close and that this bill will greatly improve care for women getting abortions.

Her response was something like "Fuckwad, you a damn lie!".

Oh wait, she was polite.
posted by RolandOfEld at 1:57 PM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

I thought that the questioning Senator's line from a few minutes ago -- "I don't mean to be condescending. I just happen to have it and you don't. I'll just read it to you..." was a marvelous bit of hilarity.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 2:01 PM on June 25, 2013

Maybe his response was not intended to be a factual statement. Factual statements seem to trip a lot of elected officials up!
posted by jetlagaddict at 2:01 PM on June 25, 2013

Speaking till midnight is definitely physically possible. Assuming she's wearing a catheter.
posted by victory_laser at 2:04 PM on June 25, 2013

Omfg... I'm heading home. But one last logical gem before I leave, not exact quotes:

Questioning Senator (let's call him Bob): Don't hospitals have standards that they require doctors to meet before they give them admitting rights? Credentials like licensure, board certification, or continuing education?

Wendy: Sure they do, but they also have some discretion and may choose not to grant admitting rights to qualified doctors that they don't need and/or don't want.

Bob: So why do you think doctors performing abortions can't be asked to meet the hospital's criteria?

Wendy: facepalm.gif
posted by RolandOfEld at 2:06 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Speaking till midnight is definitely physically possible. Assuming she's wearing a catheter.

She wouldn't be the first in the Texas chamber to do so.
posted by mudpuppie at 2:08 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

POLL: Majority Of Texans Don’t Support The Abortion Restrictions Moving Through The Legislature
posted by homunculus at 2:09 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

mudpuppie, you beat me to the Texas catheter joke. I think?
posted by kengraham at 2:10 PM on June 25, 2013

Help a non-Texan out? Who is this guy?
posted by terrierhead at 2:13 PM on June 25, 2013

So Senator Deuell is finished with his "questions" and now another Republican Senator rises to do the same? Is the point that they want Senator Davis to work harder to fillibuster the bill, are they trying to wear her down in the hope that she'll slip up and say something stupid, or is there some other procedural tactic they're setting up?
posted by QuantumMeruit at 2:14 PM on June 25, 2013

Meanwhile, in Iowa: Iowa Governor Must Personally Decide Whether Each Poor Woman On Medicaid Deserves Abortion Coverage
posted by homunculus at 2:14 PM on June 25, 2013

Anti-Choice Dem Senator Eddie Lucio.
posted by emjaybee at 2:14 PM on June 25, 2013

Don't really understand the strategy now.
posted by muddgirl at 2:15 PM on June 25, 2013

Based on his intro here, seems that the good Senator Lucio is actually making the fillibuster easier. He's giving Senator Davis a nice break here -- and it's not exactly like his questions are mentally taxing.

Although I suppose in a sense reacting / responding to what Senator Lucio is saying requires a little more (mental) energy than just reading testimony.

Maybe there isn't any strategy, and it's all just grandstanding.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 2:18 PM on June 25, 2013

So Senator Deuell is finished with his "questions" and now another Republican Senator rises to do the same? Is the point that they want Senator Davis to work harder to fillibuster the bill, are they trying to wear her down in the hope that she'll slip up and say something stupid, or is there some other procedural tactic they're setting up?

I think you are allowed to say stupid things at the Texas Legislature.

My guess would be that the Republicans just want a turn in the very bright spotlight cast on the special session all of a sudden.
posted by cannibalrobot at 2:18 PM on June 25, 2013

mudpuppie, you beat me to the Texas catheter joke. I think?

I didn't mean it as a joke! It's been done. Rodney Ellis is the one I remember, but there were others before him. Google isn't helping me remember their names. I think one of the Yellow Dogs -- again, not a joke or a pun -- was the first.
posted by mudpuppie at 2:18 PM on June 25, 2013

I'm not familiar with the procedures, but could there be an attempt to trip her up on a "yield for a question" vs "yield the floor" rule?
posted by borkencode at 2:18 PM on June 25, 2013

> Maybe there isn't any strategy, and it's all just grandstanding.

That's my thought. If Davis is gonna go until midnight — and Lucio just said he was certain that would happen — then they figure they might as well get in there and share their opposing views.

> I'm not familiar with the procedures, but could there be an attempt to trip her up on a "yield for a question" vs "yield the floor" rule?

I think she's been careful to say, "I yield for a question, but I do not yield the floor." They're welcome to try to trip her up in a Simon Says–style way, but I doubt it will work.
posted by savetheclocktower at 2:21 PM on June 25, 2013

A history of Texas filibusters.

Longest was 43 hours. (The bill passed anyway.)
posted by mudpuppie at 2:22 PM on June 25, 2013

Longest was 43 hours. (The bill passed anyway.)

I've read the rules were a bit different back then (or maybe the enforcement more lax).
posted by muddgirl at 2:23 PM on June 25, 2013

or maybe the enforcement more lax

I would posit that this was back when they were actually kind of reasonable and gentlemanly.

With some of the earlier ones, I think they tag-teamed as well.
posted by mudpuppie at 2:25 PM on June 25, 2013

Actually if Perry and the Republicans are smart they won't open another special session to deal with this because they can just point to Wendy Davis and tell their base that she was the problem and they still look like heroes for "saving babies" and they get another election cycle to run on being anti-abortion.

Of course I think most of the Texas Republicans have drunk the Kool-Aid so they won't do the smart thing and will instead do another end around destined to convince even more people that they are extremists.
posted by vuron at 2:26 PM on June 25, 2013

I didn't mean it as a joke! It's been done.

Thanks for clarification + random knowledge! I was just angling for silly lulz about these.
posted by kengraham at 2:29 PM on June 25, 2013

(Senator Bob Deuell authored the part of the bill requiring that abortion clinics, even if they perform nothing but abortions, must meet the accreditation requirements for "ambulatory surgical clinics." Meaning that the 37 of the state's 42 clinics not now meeting those requirements will have to shut down unless they can afford to build out their janitorial closets, HVAC systems, parking lots, etc. to specifications intended for large outpatient facilities.

The kindly-small-town-doctor-who-only-wants-to-hold-abortion-providers-to-the-highest-standards-of-care-goshdarnit routine makes for a nice screen, but he signaled his true convictions back in 2003, when he argued that the Woman's Right to Know Act need not exempt rape victims from a 24 hour "think it over" period before getting an abortion:

"There are many hundreds, if not thousands of women who have been raped and carried that pregnancy, and had the baby and have been very happy that they've done that...I still feel very strongly that even as tragic as some of those circumstances are, they have been a blessing to many, many people.")
posted by Iridic at 2:45 PM on June 25, 2013 [9 favorites]

Thanks for clarification + random knowledge! I was just angling for silly lulz about these.

As it turns out, I learned something new today as well, and the "Texas catheter" is the #1 reason I'm having trouble digging up more info on cathether-wearing filibusterers in the Texas capitol.
posted by mudpuppie at 2:45 PM on June 25, 2013

She is my new hero goddess. Really. I hope she can make it despite the fact that the deck is stacked - just for symbolic value if nothing else. Every hour she goes into the supper/evening news and cable cycle means her brave stance extends the potential that this issue will come to the attention of more women -- and men -- who might be unaware of how dire things are getting. She's just awesome.

Thanks for being there today, DecemberBoy.
posted by madamjujujive at 2:58 PM on June 25, 2013 [8 favorites]

Questioning Senator (let's call him Bob)

Senator Bob Deuell authored the part of the bill

Ha, random application of nicknames can come true! Also not at all surprised that he's as fake as a 7 dollar bill.
posted by RolandOfEld at 3:04 PM on June 25, 2013

so, um, what's happening?
posted by nadawi at 3:30 PM on June 25, 2013

Oh boy my Texas relatives (the non-Austin ones) are probably getting pretty pissed right about now. ALL HANDS TO THE FACEBOOK!
posted by Big_B at 3:32 PM on June 25, 2013

She just got her first warning, no idea if it counts towards the 3 official ones she's allowed before she can be voted down.

The reason, discussing how the Texas budget was structured specifically to allow for programs like Planned Parenthood, or other reproduction centric organizations, to not get any funding or only the scraps if they were left over from other programs.

On Preview: so, um, what's happening?

BLeeding edge: another objection after a few moments of back on topic discussion. will update...
posted by RolandOfEld at 3:32 PM on June 25, 2013

One of the senators objected to the topic of planned parenthood funding (according to senate rules, Sen. Davis has to stay on topic to the bill under discussion).

annnnd now they just objected to her next topic.
posted by muddgirl at 3:32 PM on June 25, 2013

And heeeere cooomes the fuckery!
posted by Atom Eyes at 3:33 PM on June 25, 2013

fuck. now i feel like i jinxed it.
posted by nadawi at 3:34 PM on June 25, 2013

President of senate said something very noncommittal on the second objection. Vaguely allowing her to continue but said "we'll revisit that after I investigate"?

I fear they're going to put her on Double Secret Probation to get a vote.
posted by RolandOfEld at 3:34 PM on June 25, 2013

Annnd now it's time for more graaaandstanding.
posted by muddgirl at 3:35 PM on June 25, 2013

Oddly appropriate actually.
posted by RolandOfEld at 3:35 PM on June 25, 2013

I have the feeling that they had an agreement to let her go a certain distance, and then start with the objections. It's so gross. I hate them for making me hate them so much.
posted by mudpuppie at 3:37 PM on June 25, 2013

State Senator Kirk Watson reminds her not to cede the floor, begins a series of questions about Roe vs Wade. He's throwing softballs, I think - she has the case in front of her - and keeping the conversation centred on abortion.
posted by running order squabble fest at 3:37 PM on June 25, 2013

Whoops, that's Kirk Watson (D) a former mayor of Austin so this looks like a good kind of grandstanding.
posted by muddgirl at 3:39 PM on June 25, 2013

cathether-wearing filibusterers

Please start this band!

On the topic of this thread:

"There are many hundreds, if not thousands of women who have been raped and carried that pregnancy, and had the baby and have been very happy that they've done that...I still feel very strongly that even as tragic as some of those circumstances are, they have been a blessing to many, many people."

This is completely depraved. Rep. Laubenberg's spew about "rape kit abortion" was either more fantastically ignorant, or more fantastically dishonest, than should be accepted from an elected representative, but it pales in comparison to the above, which just fuck. Is the idea that there are, you know, questions, about which one comes to conclusions for reasons, and then explains how those reasons entail that conclusion, now backward, or something? Do we just decide what we believe, now, and invent things that don't even look like actual arguments to someone ten miles away looking through dark glasses in the other direction, to support these beliefs? And then we are taken seriously by a large number of people -- exactly the set of people who don't even need to be persuaded in the first place, because they have the same vindictive and patronizing and cruel mindset that we do?

Can our Dear Leaders maybe not force us to choose between blissful ignorance and gradually becoming filled with the same type of general misanthropy and hatred that evidently animates their thoughts (albeit with different targets)? Come on, Senator Deuell, cut me a break. I'm a dude who is not a rape victim and also can't get pregnant! You are right now making the world shitty and bleak for a non-rape victim who will never be pregnant! (You are making the world shitty and bleak in much more profound ways for other types of people, but maybe the discomfort of a straight white dude at your words is the particular suffering most likely to prompt you to reconsider, you miserable fucking troglodyte. "As tragic as some rape is, it's indirectly a blessing." That's really not for you (or anyone else not talking explicitly about their own experience) to say, Bob Deuell. Fuck you.)
posted by kengraham at 3:40 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

I hate this bald fucker.
posted by Atom Eyes at 3:40 PM on June 25, 2013

God what is Kirk saying? Someone is asking the same question to Kirk on the floor. He was trying to help, I think, but just gave pretty a hamfisted mention of Roe vs. Wade.
posted by RolandOfEld at 3:41 PM on June 25, 2013

Second warning!! Oh wait, a second warning for the asker of the questions. They're clarifying. I think they were trying to make it.... wow, what's going on.
posted by RolandOfEld at 3:42 PM on June 25, 2013

Kirk's standing tall with Texas women
posted by 26.2 at 3:42 PM on June 25, 2013

The Senate President wants "as tightly construed a discussion" about abortion, but just ruled that it doesn't include a discussion about Roe v. Wade.

Yeah, that makes perfect sense.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 3:42 PM on June 25, 2013

On Twitter someone just said she passed the 6.5 hour mark - 6.5 to go. They will probably be getting pretty rules-ey as the night goes on if they feel their chance slipping away.

Chris Hayes and Rachel Maddow will both be covering this. There's a lot of competition for this story tho - the special election in MA, the fuckwads on the Supreme Court, the Trayvon Martin trial....
posted by madamjujujive at 3:43 PM on June 25, 2013

I think they want this over for the evening news in Texas.
posted by 26.2 at 3:43 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

A senator (sympathitic I think) is asking for clarification on the importance of warnings for others on Senator Davis and her fillibuster.

Takeaway: warnings to question askers don't hit her.

Also: It goes 2 warnings, then a vote to end. That vote would be simple majority.
posted by RolandOfEld at 3:44 PM on June 25, 2013

For those who can't listen, we're into Parliamentary Delay Tactics with people asking points of order in what seems to me is a slower-than-normal cadence.
posted by muddgirl at 3:46 PM on June 25, 2013

A senator (sympathitic I think) is asking for clarification on the importance of warnings for others on Senator Davis and her fillibuster.

That's Royce West (D) - he's a member of the NAACP, so I am thinking one of the good guys.

Rodney Ellis, of catheter fame, is now asking (slowly) if he can ask Davis to read sections of the bill (slowly). Laughter ensues.
posted by running order squabble fest at 3:46 PM on June 25, 2013

Another inquiry. Things are coming fast and furious on the parliamentary side of things. I think these may be senators trying to help her.

One just got a sympathetic laugh from the gallery for asking if Senator Davis would be allowed to "read the [a?] bill to him... slowly.. to be sure he could understand it".

The president is squirming.

The senator is trying to help. I'm sure of it.

President responds with a squirmy negative.

aside: Both of the last two senators with inquiries were african american if that helps you play name-that-senator. The Roe vs. Wade senator throwing softballs is Hegar I think?
posted by RolandOfEld at 3:48 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Yep, good guys. Thanks rosf.
posted by RolandOfEld at 3:49 PM on June 25, 2013

Right. The Roe v. Wade softballs -- which are continuing now -- seem to enable Senator Davis to talk (slowly and at length) about the case.

The point of order ruling -- which sparked the parlimentary inquiries from a few minutes ago -- were from a Republican Senator who is making germaneness arguments.

I think it's hilarious that the point of order is pretty much, "Roe v. Wade doesn't have enough to do with abortion to be germane to the bill."
posted by QuantumMeruit at 3:51 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

"Senator Watson, would you please approach the podium."

Is this when they invoke the trial by ordeal/cage match provisions under Texas law?
posted by QuantumMeruit at 3:52 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

The point of order ruling -- which sparked the parlimentary inquiries from a few minutes ago -- were from a Republican Senator who is making germaneness arguments.

Thats Rodney Nichols (R) - the guy with the Obadiah Stane hair and narrative role.
posted by running order squabble fest at 3:55 PM on June 25, 2013

Does this mean Wendy can sneak a bathroom break and a cup of water?
posted by terrierhead at 3:55 PM on June 25, 2013

Someone tweeted that during this extended colloquy, they're strapping on a back brace or lumbar support thing to Senator Davis.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 3:57 PM on June 25, 2013

Maybe it's a CamelBak for water?
posted by emjaybee at 3:58 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Is it just me or is this not even making the crappy lower front page of CNN?
posted by Lyn Never at 4:00 PM on June 25, 2013

Colloquoy over. Point of order overruled, so (softball) questioning about Roe v. Wade can continue.

Senator Davis is actually doing a pretty good job of bringing the discussion about Roe v. Wade back to SB5, I think.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 4:01 PM on June 25, 2013

Agreed - Watson is taking more care to tie Roe vs Wade and Doe vs Bolton to SB5 also.
posted by running order squabble fest at 4:02 PM on June 25, 2013

Can somebody give me an audio link? I can't get the youtube link to work, and the only links I find at the Senate homepage uses Real, which, wow, I don't even.

Should I really look in the google play store for a realaudio player app? What year is it again? /pinches self
posted by Big_B at 4:03 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

RolandOfEld: The Roe vs. Wade senator throwing softballs is Hegar I think?

That's Kirk Watson. Sen. Hegar is SB5's sponsor.
posted by cobra libre at 4:05 PM on June 25, 2013

If you are on OSX - you can use VLC to receive the real stream
posted by nightwood at 4:06 PM on June 25, 2013

Oh, sorry, went by the subtitle on the feed, which I see now is misleading.
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:06 PM on June 25, 2013

is it just me or do the two senators sitting behind her seem to be looking to bust her for leaning on the podium?
posted by thatweirdguy2 at 4:06 PM on June 25, 2013

Kirk Watson is the Chair of the Democratic Caucus, so has a lot of skin in this game also...

Oh, noes! She said "vaginally"! Will there be a challenge?
posted by running order squabble fest at 4:09 PM on June 25, 2013

"I want to be clear - we are talking about the provision in SB 5?"

Watson closing those loopholes.
posted by running order squabble fest at 4:15 PM on June 25, 2013

My favorite anti-Wendy tweet of the whole day: "Wendy Davis is just trying to waste time"

...yes?
posted by muddgirl at 4:18 PM on June 25, 2013 [15 favorites]

"Is there anything in Senate Bill 5 that will help us to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies that lead to abortions?"

Oh, snap.
posted by running order squabble fest at 4:25 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

I was in the Texas House gallery on Sunday night for the "chubbing" and got to hear Laubenberg's "rape kit" remark first hand. In context, it made a lot more sense, because when you listen to her speak in person, it becomes quite clear that she's completely divorced from reality.

Anyway, I'm off work now and heading to the Capitol to add to the crowd. It's really heartening to see non-Texans pay attention to this fight. And this bill affects many non-Texans in a very specific way, because many people from neighboring states such as Louisiana rely on Texas clinics for access to abortions.
posted by cobra libre at 4:25 PM on June 25, 2013 [14 favorites]

They're fishing for the Republicans to raise a point of order by mentioning that there is NOTHING in the bill about decreasing unwanted pregnancies.

I can't help but think that would be a documentable, look-what-they-just-said moment if they raised a point of parliamentary procedure and said it wasn't related and/or off topic for that to be mentioned in the filibuster.

They haven't got a bite yet but they're still fishing. Just dropped TX as being #2 for teen pregnancy and possibly #1 in 2nd teen pregnancy rates in the country.
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:27 PM on June 25, 2013

"Chubbing," for those fortunate enough not to follow Texas politics.
posted by mudpuppie at 4:28 PM on June 25, 2013

In context, it made a lot more sense, because when you listen to her speak in person, it becomes quite clear that she's completely divorced from reality.

I just lol'd.
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:28 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

CBS seems to be covering it.
posted by waitangi at 4:29 PM on June 25, 2013

"And I have this in a binder."

She has binders. Full of women's rights.

Sorry
posted by running order squabble fest at 4:31 PM on June 25, 2013 [27 favorites]

I just realized that it's kinda silly to think they're fishing for the bill's supporters, aka republicans, to say something dumb. They're quite good at that without a stressed, tired, and probably frustrated senator prompting them to fall into a trap.

One can hope anyway.
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:31 PM on June 25, 2013

Parlimentary inquiry (helpful I think): "No rule prohibits senators from repitious speaking as long as it is germane, may I ask her to reread some items because I had to leave the floor a few times?"

President: "Would you like me to get you a copy?"

Senator: "No, I'd rather her read it to me... slowly, I happen to be a slow learner."

Davis: "I just want to confirm I have the floor."

President: "You do still have the floor Senator Davis."

President: "Your question is a hypothetical one. Since she's been involved in answering questions I'm going to let her continue. I'm going to let a ruling go for the body and let them raise points of orders if they don't think it's germaine."

Senator #2: "I'd like to raise a point of order, that she violated procedure that she violated procedure by having ___ assist her with a back brace when ___ was speaking a moment ago."

President: Could you approach the bench please....
....
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:38 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Please forgive any inaccuracies and tell me to lay off if this isn't welcome.
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:39 PM on June 25, 2013

I am glad you wrote that because I wasn't sure I could believe what I had just heard.
posted by mountmccabe at 4:40 PM on June 25, 2013

And now the stream is cut off? Is this standard practice when the president orders an approach?
posted by Fraxas at 4:41 PM on June 25, 2013

Feed just went black?
posted by DanSachs at 4:41 PM on June 25, 2013

Reboot/reload, mine went down too. It's fine.
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:41 PM on June 25, 2013

Thanks RolandOfEld!
posted by DanSachs at 4:42 PM on June 25, 2013

Cameraman probably needed to put on his backbrace...
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:42 PM on June 25, 2013

Point of order: Mr. President, everyone knows it would be more appropriate for her to wear a corset than a back brace.
posted by mudpuppie at 4:42 PM on June 25, 2013

For the record: during this discussion at the podium Senator Davis has neither sat down, nor moved away from her desk that I can tell. Safety first.
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:43 PM on June 25, 2013

The objection is citing Rule 4.01 - which forbids leaning or sitting. I don't think there is anything about accessorizing in there, though...
posted by running order squabble fest at 4:47 PM on June 25, 2013

In case anyone cares the Texas Senate Rules
posted by DanSachs at 4:50 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Some proxy senators asked if she could sit down during the parliamentary procedure discussion and it was denied.

Another inquiry about the statement. Rule 4.06. Apparently she's allowed to sit if she's been called to an inquiry/Point of ordered/called to order.
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:52 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

LOLbuckets! Judith Zaffirini asks whether rule 4.06 does not in fact _require_ Davis to sit down whenever a point of order is raised.
posted by running order squabble fest at 4:52 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Loopholes, upon loopholes, upon loopholes in Texas today folks.

It's like senatorial Inception all up in this joint.
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:53 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

"Rule 4.06. When a member shall be called to order by the President or
by a Senator, the member shall sit down and not be allowed to speak, except to
the point of order, until the question of order is decided. If the decision be in the
member's favor, the member shall be at liberty to proceed; if otherwise, the
member shall not proceed without leave of the Senate."
posted by mudpuppie at 4:54 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

"The point of order is overruled."

Great, good job dude. Which dream did they just wake up from? Fml.
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:55 PM on June 25, 2013

But what's the definition of 'called to order'?
posted by jacalata at 4:55 PM on June 25, 2013

Is there a rule against one of her fellow senators giving her a standing foot massage? I'll bet Kirk Watson has strong but gentle hands.
posted by Atom Eyes at 4:56 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

This is like Robert's Rules of Order being played on Boss Level.
posted by spinifex23 at 4:57 PM on June 25, 2013 [16 favorites]

President: "You can't assist another member. Previous fillibusters have dealt with the assistance of another member. While we haven't dealt with this before we are going to put this to the body."
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:58 PM on June 25, 2013

This thread is giving me Model U.N. flashbacks, except we only did sensible things like allow aliens to invade and order martial law.
posted by jetlagaddict at 4:58 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

The optics are amazing. One woman, exhausted, not allowed to rest, a balcony full of supporters silenced, and a bunch of dudes in suits lounging around and glaring at her for her impertinence.

It's like an old-fashioned allegorical picture of The Barriers Women Face.
posted by emjaybee at 4:58 PM on June 25, 2013 [40 favorites]

Now they're discussing the point of order and the ideas of fillibusters in general amongst themselves via soliloquy. Haikus are up next.

I think they're going to bust her on the back brace thing and they're just posturing at this point.
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:59 PM on June 25, 2013

pun not intended.

Now they're discussing the time the previous long filibuster senator had his fellows circle around him while he urinated. Trying to save the backbrace issue I think because this is a senator that helped her out before this.
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:01 PM on June 25, 2013

The problem, of course, is that if you put it to the body the Republicans will win. So, yes, while Rodney Ellis is appealing to the decency of the house, which many years ago gathered around to block the view of a filibustering state senator while he relieved himself into a waste basket, he'll be lucky.
posted by running order squabble fest at 5:01 PM on June 25, 2013

I took a class on Parliamentary Procedure in college (it was required by my Communications major), and it was unexpectedly engrossing. And for our 'final'? We had to argue an issue, using Robert's Rules, in two teams. And we got to use the Wisconsin Senate room in the State Capital building in Madison.

I only got a 'C' in that class, but I loved that experience.
posted by spinifex23 at 5:01 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

He just said it is going to a vote, and is speaking to the other members as such and trying to appeal to their higher conscience regarding the traditions of the body.

Looks like a vote is pending.
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:03 PM on June 25, 2013

It's really sad to hear this guy basically beg his colleagues not to be dicks.
posted by muddgirl at 5:03 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

I am literally sitting in my car in the garage following this via Twitter. I'm furious that they would stoop so low as to call her out for a fucking back brace after 7 hours standing. Then again, I guess I shouldn't be surprised that they have just as much contempt for the women in their legislature as the women in their constituency.
posted by Phire at 5:05 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

That was Ellis. Now Zaffirini is backing him up. Looks like a desperate plea from allies.

Unless they can fillibuster by proxy about the procedure itself (which would be so many layers of awesome) then I'm afraid it's over.

An editorial note seems to be the issue busting her, not the actual rule itself. A note on a ruling on a note even. From 1969.

So yea, they are getting her on a loophole.

The rules/notes.

"When a member is recoginized, he must stand upright and not lean on her desk."

and

"WHen a member has the floor and is speaking on a bill and must stand upright and not sit on her desk or chair."

"I'd also like to note that the rule says "He must" and "He shall", I'd like to note that the Senator is not a he, so the rule doesn't apply to her anyway."

*laughs from gallery*
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:07 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Let's be real, guys: we all know women can't filibuster for seven hours; her lady parts might fall out.
posted by jetlagaddict at 5:07 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

"The rule applies to 'his' desk, 'his' chair, so I argue that the rule does not apply to Senator Davis [, a woman]."
posted by BungaDunga at 5:07 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Williams is going to speak next, and he may be last. He's the one that brought the motion and will be the one to have to call for a vote.

Actually Whitmire is recognized.
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:08 PM on June 25, 2013

I am literally sitting in my car in the garage following this via Twitter.

Come inside and watch the video. The imagery is even far more pathetic and shameful.
posted by zachlipton at 5:08 PM on June 25, 2013

They're basically, if elegantly, begging.
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:08 PM on June 25, 2013

Wikipedia entry on Tommy Williams:

Thomas David “Tommy” Williams (born 17 December 1956)[1] is a Republican member of the Texas Senate representing District 4. He suffers from a well-documented fear of back braces.
posted by running order squabble fest at 5:09 PM on June 25, 2013 [8 favorites]

Twitter: Sen. Judith Zaffrini pointing out that the rules of filibustering all refer to "he" and "him."

Oh please please PLEASE let this point of order be overruled on account of historic sexism in government because that would be fucking awesome.
posted by Phire at 5:09 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Oh please please PLEASE let this point of order be overruled on account of historic sexism in government because that would be fucking awesome.

I was about to ask what planet you were typing this from then I recalibrated my cynicism meter.
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:10 PM on June 25, 2013

I can't handle watching the video feed, I am liable to explode when I do.
posted by Phire at 5:10 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

The planet of "What other hope do we have left? Might as well start printing it The Handmaid's Tale as an instruction manual."
posted by Phire at 5:11 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

I mean, I know that Sen. Williams thinks this is his job, and that if the roles were reversed maybe the Mefi Detective Squad would be all "OMG he helped with her brace!!!" buttt I'd like to think we have a little bit of rationalism and decency.
posted by muddgirl at 5:11 PM on June 25, 2013

Does anyone know if the rules would permit someone else to filibuster the point of order at this point? In other words, could Hegar or someone else just keep talking until midnight?
posted by zachlipton at 5:12 PM on June 25, 2013

this is literally one degree removed from blaming the floor for supporting her weight
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:13 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

And it's on the CNN front page now.
posted by DanSachs at 5:13 PM on June 25, 2013

zachlipton I wondered that myself, but I think the way it's structured surrounding Williams' point of order means no.

Now they're blaming Senator Ellis for handing her the backbrace and 'making contact' with her and helping her to put it on. Let the backbiting begin.
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:14 PM on June 25, 2013

I think that "blame" was something of a joke. He said that Ellis was going to be blamed for being a gentleman, one who was respectful of and helpful to a colleague.
posted by tractorfeed at 5:15 PM on June 25, 2013

I don't think the "blame" for Senator Ellis was serious. I believe Whitmire was being sarcastic.
posted by mountmccabe at 5:15 PM on June 25, 2013

I think that was a bit of rhetorical ju-jitsu, there. Saying "it wasn't a violation on the part of Senator Davis, blame it on one of us lunkheads".
posted by Atom Eyes at 5:16 PM on June 25, 2013

True, 'cuz otherwise couldn't you end a filibuster by applying a backbrace to someone without their consent?

Ahahaha! Gotcha, you're done.
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:18 PM on June 25, 2013

What's with all the sudden civility?
posted by mudpuppie at 5:19 PM on June 25, 2013

Eddie Lucio speaking against this warning is sort of a big thing. He's a democrat, but anti-choice, and supports SB5.
posted by running order squabble fest at 5:19 PM on June 25, 2013

Sen. Lucio, who is in favor of the bill, stated his support for Ellis helping Davis with the back brace.
posted by SugarAndSass at 5:19 PM on June 25, 2013

Yea, but wasn't he helping her earlier with a bunch of soft questions too?
posted by jacalata at 5:21 PM on June 25, 2013

Williams is giving his closing.

"A filibuster is an endurance contest. My objection doesn't relate to the fact that she's wearing a back brace. I don't object to that at all. But the tradition is that you have to do it on your own. And senator Ellis you're well aware of that, and you said you didn't help her put it on, but there is a picture on twitter showing you putting it on."
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:22 PM on June 25, 2013

Anyone have a link to this twitter pic he's referring to?
posted by tractorfeed at 5:22 PM on June 25, 2013

Perhaps their aides are monitoring Twitter and begging them to not be such obvious dickheads.
posted by emjaybee at 5:22 PM on June 25, 2013

"And there is a tradition, and the rules state that if three points of order are called. ANd that further points to my point that it's an endurance contest and I ask that you vote with me.. Mr. President... I'd make the appropriate motion to do so."

President: "The issue before us is whether or not the point of order before us brought by senator williams will be sustained."
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:23 PM on June 25, 2013

*voting*
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:24 PM on June 25, 2013

Does she get to sit now that there's a point of order and vote? I just pulled the livestream up and they're not showing Davis.
posted by devinemissk at 5:24 PM on June 25, 2013

*gavel*

President: "17 ayes, 11 nays. Motion is sustained."
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:25 PM on June 25, 2013

Senator West moves to have this proceeding put in the Journal. No objections are met.

Inquiry from West about.... what rules govern the appeal of the chair's decision and what is the process.
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:25 PM on June 25, 2013

What are they going to get her for next? Breathing too hard? On the upside, this has made Maddow and CNN.
posted by emjaybee at 5:26 PM on June 25, 2013

"My objection doesn't relate to the fact that she's wearing a back brace. I don't object to that at all. But the tradition is that you have to do it on your own."

Preferably in a back alley.
posted by Atom Eyes at 5:27 PM on June 25, 2013 [8 favorites]

President: "On an appeal on the ruling of the president it can be made by any member and it is put to a vote by the body."

West: "Is that done immediately?"

President: "There can be some debate, then it is put to a vote, just as we just did."

Senator Watson: "what is the effect of this warning?"

President: "this is her second warning."

!!!!!!! she's still in it!
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:27 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

I'm taking a break folks, but they're just making inquiries about how to make inquiries at this point. Inception flashbacks continue.
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:28 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

But the tradition is that you have to do it on your own.

So this is just the great state of Texas protecting the ladies again. What if the back brace were actually just pistols woven with bootstraps?
posted by jetlagaddict at 5:28 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

If she's sitting right now -- as the rules permit/require during a point of order -- I hope that her allies continue to ask parliamentary inquiries to give her as much time as possible to rest.
posted by devinemissk at 5:30 PM on June 25, 2013

I don't know if she's sitting but that's exactly what they're doing. Giving her time to be less likely to get that last warning, which isn't a warning at all but is an ending.
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:31 PM on June 25, 2013

The Republican senators, it must be said, look like a pack of utter douches after that.
posted by running order squabble fest at 5:31 PM on June 25, 2013

Only after?
posted by delfin at 5:33 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

The fact that the warning was issued at all... (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻

I'm going to Kickstart IndieGoGo a campaign to fund a team of inspectors outside of every legislature making sure no Republican is wearing orthotics when they begin any of their bullshit grandstanding.

Ableist AND sexist, hurray!
posted by Phire at 5:33 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Oh yeah, they are definitely delaying. :D
posted by annsunny at 5:33 PM on June 25, 2013

I don't live in Texas, but I sent a note of support anyway. You can access an email form to her office here.

It made me feel marginally less head-explody.
posted by faineant at 5:34 PM on June 25, 2013

I can't break away.

Senator Zaferni: "will she be responsible for questions that aren't germane, even if she answers"

President: "no, but if a valid point of order is raised I will have to put it to the body."

*filibuster continues*
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:34 PM on June 25, 2013

Zaffirini is kicking ass and taking names. She just got the president to state that if a hostile senator asks a non-germane question and Davis "politely" answers then Davis will not be held responsible for not being germane.
posted by tractorfeed at 5:35 PM on June 25, 2013

So...at this point, it seems like a valid strategy for other democrats to get themselves called up on points of order that they can then debate for a while, right? It doesn't sound like she'd be able to sit while someone else was being debated, but it would be a break.
posted by jacalata at 5:35 PM on June 25, 2013

President: "this is her second warning."

I'm (pleasantly) surprised this doesn't automatically end with her ceding the floor. I thought that's what the rule meant.
posted by muddgirl at 5:35 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Roland, thanks for keeping this up. I'm at work and can't watch.
posted by samofidelis at 5:35 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Twitter never disappoints.
posted by delfin at 5:37 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

For a woman -- well, anyone, really -- who has been standing and talking for more than 7 hours straight, her voice has held up AMAZINGLY well. She looks tired and she's swaying a bit, but her voice sounds barely affected.
posted by devinemissk at 5:37 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

More than just sending her an email of support, send her a testimony! She's apparently running low. You don't have to have an abortion story or even be in Texas; you can talk about how the bills will (even indirectly) affect your life.
posted by Phire at 5:38 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

After the fact, but a photo of the back brace incident -

http://www.statesman.com/gallery/news/local/sen-davis-abortion-filibuster-062513/gCBdm/#3582225
posted by 26.2 at 5:38 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Question: wasn't there some exasperation a year or two ago where the Republicans were filibustering some vote and all they had to do was say some magic words instead of actually standing and talking, or even attending? Does anyone else remember that? Apologies if it's been mentioned upthread; haven't read all of it yet.
posted by ceribus peribus at 5:39 PM on June 25, 2013

THat picture brought it home.

The meta is strong with this one. Republicans are protesting a woman getting assistance with her body while pushing a bill that purports to help a woman get proper care for her body.
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:40 PM on June 25, 2013 [9 favorites]

You're probably thinking of the federal government, where the democrats have been letting anyone say 'filibuster' and win without actually standing through it.
posted by jacalata at 5:40 PM on June 25, 2013

Someone, hit up quickmeme / reddit, you'll be on the FP if you act fast.
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:41 PM on June 25, 2013

Someone, hit up quickmeme / reddit, you'll be on the FP if you act fast.

Call it "Brace Yourself: Texas Republicans Act Like Assholes Again"
posted by faineant at 5:42 PM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

Thanks, jacalata; that's probably it. I wasn't sure if it was maybe a Senate/Congress difference.
posted by ceribus peribus at 5:42 PM on June 25, 2013

Brace Yourself
posted by jacalata at 5:47 PM on June 25, 2013 [8 favorites]

You're probably thinking of the federal government, where the democrats have been letting anyone say 'filibuster' and win without actually standing through it.

Actually, Reid has filed 21 cloture motions (i.e. cutting off a filibuster) in the first 6 months of this session, filed 115 in the last sesstion (Jan 2011-2013), and 137 in the session before that.
posted by zombieflanders at 5:47 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Close enough :) thanks jacalata
posted by faineant at 5:48 PM on June 25, 2013

As tired as she sounds, she's killing all of the multisyllabic medical terms.
posted by mudpuppie at 5:52 PM on June 25, 2013

Lucio's interesting - he supports the bill, but did not vote for the attempt by Republicans to suspend the 24-hour delay, forcing a longer filibuster, when Senator Leticia van de Putte could not attend, because she was attending services for her recently and unexpectedly deceased father.

You can see van de Putte's letter to Lt. Governor David Dewhurst here.
posted by running order squabble fest at 5:53 PM on June 25, 2013

mudpuppie: Hell yea, I caught that too. Impressed.
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:54 PM on June 25, 2013

Roland, I was thinking that she sounded a lot like she was performing a sobriety test.
posted by mudpuppie at 5:56 PM on June 25, 2013

Seriously, I hope she gets an endorsement deal from Hooked on Phonics, because she's excellent at sounding things out.
posted by mudpuppie at 5:57 PM on June 25, 2013

(Dewhurst, it is no doubt totally non-relevant to mention, is a social conservative and keen theater critic.)
posted by running order squabble fest at 5:58 PM on June 25, 2013

She just refused to cede the floor for questions. I suppose she just didn't need assistance (or distraction) just yet...?
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:01 PM on June 25, 2013

I think it's because she just spent all this time presenting studies that talk about fetal pain and now she wants to connect those studies to the bill without distraction. She hasn't really made the point yet that she just spend 15 minutes setting up.
posted by aka burlap at 6:03 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Also I'm really curious what the notes that her aides (?) keep bringing her say.
posted by aka burlap at 6:03 PM on June 25, 2013

My guess is it's easier for her at this point to read directly than to speak extemporaneously and risk another point of order. Reading out loud and focusing on the words in print might be helpfully meditative.
posted by mudpuppie at 6:03 PM on June 25, 2013

That's my theory too. Easier to read words put together by others she trusts, who aren't tired and stressed, instead of risking an unfortunate back and forth that strays off topic by one iota too much.
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:07 PM on June 25, 2013

I have been watching this off and on all day with my heart in my mouth. God, she is kicking some serious ass.
posted by scody at 6:08 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Just under four hours to go. I hope someone is organising a massage therapist and foot spa for when she gets out.
posted by jacalata at 6:09 PM on June 25, 2013

Oh, _now_ we're talking about tradition, are we?
posted by running order squabble fest at 6:10 PM on June 25, 2013

Duell dual again. Don't like that dude.

Go Captain Kirk Watson!
posted by mudpuppie at 6:10 PM on June 25, 2013

Another refusal to take questions. A request for when she will take questions. No answer.

Parliamentary inquiry on if she is required to take questions.

Parliamentarian (hmmm, new word for me) advises the president that she is not.

Potential question asker mentions that it is traditional to take questions.*

*The bile, it rises.
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:11 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

What... 9 hours now? That is how a filabuster is done. A fucking +
posted by edgeways at 6:11 PM on June 25, 2013

Exactly, and you can't argue that the bill analysis isn't germane to the bill.
posted by zachlipton at 6:11 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Sooo...I'm guessing she didn't take questions from this 'potential question asker' because he's a douche? Does she get to choose who to take questions from? Or can one opposition guy waiting with a nasty question force her to not take questions from any friendly senators either?
posted by jacalata at 6:13 PM on June 25, 2013

A long standing tradition...of what? Oh right, talking over women and silencing their efforts to advocate for themselves.
posted by Phire at 6:13 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

She is not required to take questions at all, so yes, she gets to decide who gets to ask questions.
posted by mountmccabe at 6:14 PM on June 25, 2013

So, essentially as long as she can stay on her feet 4 more hours and her aids can feed her relevant stuff to read she can refuse to take questions and avoid entrapment .... She prevails!


Hopefully her home and offices are well guarded.
posted by edgeways at 6:18 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Any other MeFites in the senate gallery? There's an open seat with legroom next to me.
posted by donajo at 6:18 PM on June 25, 2013 [14 favorites]

The guy who keeps trying to break in with questions is Bob Duell, a doctor by profession, who has an A++ rating from the Texas Right to Life organization. He sparred with her on medical issues earlier today.

She's refusing his cat and mouse game.
posted by mudpuppie at 6:19 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

I wonder if this will be a thing long enough for MsEld to dress nicely, with back brace, and go as Wendy for Halloween.
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:20 PM on June 25, 2013

Also she had a break where she had little to do or say for almost a good hour. If this were me I would want to talk for a good stretch just to wake up, to get into the swing of things again before getting some softball questions to take a break.

Actually check that; I have a hard time speaking for ten or fifteen minutes without taking a break or drinking some water.
posted by mountmccabe at 6:21 PM on June 25, 2013

Who is this person all up in her grill doing origami?
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:24 PM on June 25, 2013

I wonder if there is anyone doing metrics... ''She reads at such and such speed, there is X time left, we need to provide Y pages.''?
posted by edgeways at 6:24 PM on June 25, 2013

Crazy thought but maybe this is why Dems don't make [let] the GOP filibuster at the national level. Afraid they'd look as good as Wendy does. I know, I know, Occam's razor tears this apart but still, can't help but wonder.
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:26 PM on June 25, 2013

Sooo...I'm guessing she didn't take questions from this 'potential question asker' because he's a douche? Does she get to choose who to take questions from? Or can one opposition guy waiting with a nasty question force her to not take questions from any friendly senators either?

I think she has to take questions in order - so once she cedes, she has to answer Duell first - nobody can raise a question until he has been answered, although they can raise parliamentary questions.

Bob Deuell is the author of the section of Senate Bill 5 which requires abortion clinics - even ones which just dispense advice, counselling and pills - to have the same standards as ambulatory surgery centers. He's at least a mini-boss.
posted by running order squabble fest at 6:27 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

There's a really long line to the gallery. I'm on the ground floor with a sea of orange shirts around me.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 6:28 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Thanks to all the Mefites who went down to represent us today, and to support Senator Davis. You guys are great.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 6:29 PM on June 25, 2013 [14 favorites]

spikeleetom, if you get in, holler at me.
posted by donajo at 6:30 PM on June 25, 2013

Send her a thank you email!
posted by mudpuppie at 6:31 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Tic tic 3 1/2
posted by edgeways at 6:33 PM on June 25, 2013

Based on some shenanigans earlier, I think the lt. governor gets to recognize question askers, so if she takes questions, Dewhurst gets to decide who from.
posted by donajo at 6:34 PM on June 25, 2013

Hell, I sent her a couple bucks.
posted by box at 6:34 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Davis: "I've got a long list of ambulatory surgical centers here.... I might even read it....."


hehehe
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:36 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Yay, she's going to read a long list of ambulatory surgical centers in a minute!
posted by mudpuppie at 6:36 PM on June 25, 2013

"If we were truly talking about women's health care, if we were truly talking about women's [safety?] after an abortion, this is what we should be talking about..."

Good for her.
posted by mudpuppie at 6:40 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

(She also just used the example of "this woman from Laredo." Laredo is Zaffirini's district. Zaffirini has been one of her biggest allies today. Code? Request for Sen. Z to step in?)
posted by mudpuppie at 6:42 PM on June 25, 2013

Zaffirini's not at her desk. Don't know if she stepped out or is just out of my sight (likely).
posted by donajo at 6:44 PM on June 25, 2013

There are tons of nuts going up and down the line on the stairs in the Capitol. Like, literally bags of almonds and cashews and peanuts. Is this a thing?
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 6:44 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

I bet all this talk of menstrual cycles is making some of the senators really uncomfortable.
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:46 PM on June 25, 2013

It sounds like a delicious thing.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 6:46 PM on June 25, 2013

Rule 6.13. Parliamentary inquiry about the reading of papers.
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:46 PM on June 25, 2013

"Doctors have a better understanding of how to judge gestational age than a bunch of senators, by golly...."

"Point of inquiry, president."
posted by mudpuppie at 6:46 PM on June 25, 2013

Ah, she's back.
posted by donajo at 6:47 PM on June 25, 2013

Zaffirini is recognized... to ask him to repeat the previous question and answer (which was no ruling).
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:47 PM on June 25, 2013

Zaffirini to the rescue for point of clarification!
posted by mudpuppie at 6:47 PM on June 25, 2013

Room. I assume you mean the nuts and not the other thing?
posted by edgeways at 6:48 PM on June 25, 2013

edgeways, uh, yeah. LOL.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 6:48 PM on June 25, 2013

Zaffirini asked about the resolution honoring the other senator's father, since that senator is now present.
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:48 PM on June 25, 2013

Leticia van de Putte has arrived - Zaffirini is making a point, I think, about her treatment by asking when her father will be honored.
posted by running order squabble fest at 6:48 PM on June 25, 2013

The other senator is Leticia VanDePutte, a pharmacist whose opinion on the abortion pill has been cited, and who is on the good team.
posted by mudpuppie at 6:49 PM on June 25, 2013

Point of order asking about if the body objected and voted against her reading of papers, without debate, then she'd have to stop reading the said papers or else she'd face the third and final strike.
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:50 PM on June 25, 2013

Now Ellis is asking the president to define paper in light of the invention of iPads and/or computers laptops. Way to cover that base.
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:51 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Ellis: "Is it fair to inquire if the rules have become very... ___ (did he say relaxed?) in this body?"

President: "That's not a fair question."
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:52 PM on June 25, 2013

And Dewhurst said computer is okay -- rules were written a long time ago. Ellis then asked if rules were flexible. Dewhurst says that's not an appropriate question.
posted by mudpuppie at 6:52 PM on June 25, 2013

He said "flexible", but the effect is much the same. He seems furious.
posted by running order squabble fest at 6:52 PM on June 25, 2013

oh, and papers = papers, printed or unprinted, on a medium.
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:52 PM on June 25, 2013

very...."flexible"
posted by Drinky Die at 6:52 PM on June 25, 2013

Dems are mobilizing. Royce West (D-Dallas) is asking parlimentary question.
posted by mudpuppie at 6:52 PM on June 25, 2013

Now they're asking if the readings would both have to be called for and objected to by a member then they'll vote on if the papers are ok.

Sounds like they're just helping her out with distractions. Good things.
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:54 PM on June 25, 2013

Hard to tell from the feed but she has her hands on her hips and is stretching left to right. Getting stiff maybe.
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:55 PM on June 25, 2013

West's question actually bothered me. He IS on her side, right? This is a smoke screen?
posted by mudpuppie at 6:55 PM on June 25, 2013

He was earlier. My take anyway.
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:55 PM on June 25, 2013

To me West's question seemed to be saying that Estes' question regarding 6.13 and the reading of papers didn't apply. I see West's question as defending the filibuster from an attack on paper reading grounds.
posted by mountmccabe at 6:58 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

West should on her side. He's voted consistently pro-choice.
posted by 26.2 at 6:58 PM on June 25, 2013

I agree with mountmccabe; West is questioning whether or not the rule even applies.
posted by faineant at 6:59 PM on June 25, 2013

Under 3 hours to go now!
posted by booksherpa at 7:00 PM on June 25, 2013

NO PAPER!

But an iPad his cool right bro?


Seems a damn silly thing on both points.
posted by edgeways at 7:00 PM on June 25, 2013

(West is also on the Health and Human Services committee, and in that role voted against SB 5 being advanced.)
posted by running order squabble fest at 7:00 PM on June 25, 2013

Parliamentarian Karina Davis (no relation to Wendy) is being kept busy.
posted by Grumpy old geek at 7:04 PM on June 25, 2013

I've been sitting in the gallery for three hours with nothing to eat or drink, and I'm starving. I am convinced that Wendy Davis is some sort of superhuman.
posted by donajo at 7:04 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

And the glasses have come off!
posted by RolandOfEld at 7:07 PM on June 25, 2013

Is the feed freezing for anyone else? Start and stop.
posted by mudpuppie at 7:08 PM on June 25, 2013

Mine's fine.

She's currently refusing to yield (for questions) again.

And the [vice?] president said, I think, "Forge ahead Senator Davis."
posted by RolandOfEld at 7:09 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Did Dewhurst (president) step away? That did not look or sound like him.

Reasonable to figure he would have/want to but shows even more how impressive Wendy Davis is.
posted by mountmccabe at 7:10 PM on June 25, 2013

Please, protecting women? Try protecting women from 18 years of poverty and inadequate resources and watching your child cope with that while the party "protecting" you works to make sure you're always working, don't have a living wage or insurance, your child doesn't have access to community resources, and you miss watching them grow up because you're so overworked and exhausted even when you spend time with them it's a blur.

Protecting women?! Give me a freaking break. What's sad is that I think these people actually believe that. Somehow think it's fine to encourage wealthy women to stay home but get boners over forcing poor women to work 40 hours or more with shitty school system and underfunded/staffed afternoon and summer programs to make up for it. But somehow they have money to come threaten you with CPS if your child is late for school or your infant gets a diaper rash. Because threats of removing children is how to help desperately poor women behave better instead of maybe IMPROVING THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE, ENSURING THEY HAVE LIVING WAGES, AND ACCESS TO NEEDED ASSISTANCE.

Oh yeah, but I remember they'll protect women by sending them into maternity homes to have their newborns procured for adoption because they "care" about women more than allowing them to have a termination! Haha...ha...

I'm so proud of Wendy.
posted by xarnop at 7:10 PM on June 25, 2013 [45 favorites]

My view from the Capitol.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:12 PM on June 25, 2013 [7 favorites]

They are organizing a "citizen's filibuster" in the line now. If she gets her third warning the plan is to be disruptive and get ejected, with the hopes that the line is long enough to cycle through the gallery, continuously being ejected, until midnight.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:17 PM on June 25, 2013 [25 favorites]

This is a herculean effort...she stays on topic and never quits.

I am proud of Wendy and am proud of my fellow Texans for standing up to this legislative bullshit.

Go Wendy Go!
posted by Benway at 7:19 PM on June 25, 2013

I love that, as the day has gone on, more and more of my Facebook feed has "I Stand With Wendy" banners. I'm from Texas and easily half of my Facebook friends are in Texas, so I expected a fair amount of it from them, but now people I know in far-flung corners of the country (and the world) are getting wind of this incredible thing and showing their support.

I'm just really proud.

Oh, and for the record -- I haven't seen a single naysayer on Facebook. That says something right there. I know there are people who disagree, but they're keeping their mouths (so to speak) shut.
posted by devinemissk at 7:19 PM on June 25, 2013

Senator Frumpy Sweater: "Will the senator yield for questions?"

Senator Davis: "Not at this time"

Senator FS: "Even for a senator and a physician?"

President: "The senator chooses not to yield at this time."
posted by RolandOfEld at 7:21 PM on June 25, 2013

They are organizing a "citizen's filibuster" in the line now. If she gets her third warning the plan is to be disruptive and get ejected, with the hopes that the line is long enough to cycle through the gallery, continuously being ejected, until midnight.

Words can't say how epic this is.
posted by RolandOfEld at 7:22 PM on June 25, 2013

Words can't say how epic this is.

Point of order: that is the definition of epic.
posted by Dark Messiah at 7:23 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Maybe the citizens can institute that karaoke filibuster mentioned upthread?
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 7:23 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

(I'm not snarking. For once the word merits use.)
posted by Dark Messiah at 7:23 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Filibuster rickroll?

That was Donna Campbell trying to pose a question, there (Republican, conservative, anti-choice) - she is a qualified physician (although opthalmology rather than obstetrics). The Republicans seem to be trying to make it look like Davis is refusing to hear questions from women and medically qualified personnel.
posted by running order squabble fest at 7:24 PM on June 25, 2013

They are organizing a "citizen's filibuster" in the line now.

Ooh, I'm in. I bet they'll eject the whole gallery though, after the first few people. But I already have some choice words that I'd like to start hollering.
posted by donajo at 7:24 PM on June 25, 2013

Senator FS: "Even for a senator and a physician?"

I heard "Even for a female and a physician?"
posted by ceribus peribus at 7:24 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Senator FS: "Even for a senator and a physician

She actually said 'even for a FEMALE and a physician...'
posted by mudpuppie at 7:24 PM on June 25, 2013

Won't they just close and lock the gallery, as permitted by the rules?
posted by zachlipton at 7:24 PM on June 25, 2013

Yes, it would require civil disobedience of the sort seen in the past. People handcuffing themselves and refusing to move.
posted by Justinian at 7:25 PM on June 25, 2013

Probably. It's being discussed as a last ditch effort.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:26 PM on June 25, 2013

I think her current strategy to keep talking and not take questions from Republicans is great. She just has two and a half hours left.
posted by donajo at 7:27 PM on June 25, 2013

How firm is the deadline? Would certain kinds of shenanigans be cause to extend the session?
posted by ceribus peribus at 7:28 PM on June 25, 2013

I'm afraid if the gallery disrupted proceedings until past midnight than the republicans would somehow use that as a loophole to call "do-over" and have their vote.
posted by askmehow at 7:29 PM on June 25, 2013

I don't think you CAN extend the session. It's very existence is too codified. There will undoubtedly be another special session, during which the bill will likely pass.
posted by mudpuppie at 7:31 PM on June 25, 2013

The suspense is killing me. I am deeply suspicious that the Republicans will find a reason to give her a third strike and this will all be over. I'm so nervous. I'm donating to both Wendy Davis and Planned Parenthood tonight.
posted by studioaudience at 7:31 PM on June 25, 2013

Frumpy Sweater is back.
posted by RolandOfEld at 7:32 PM on June 25, 2013

She's trying to raise a "is this germaine point". Frumpy Sweater is that is to say.

Wendy is very heated defending the relevancy. Nerves showing a bit here.
posted by RolandOfEld at 7:33 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

*tromp tromp tromp*
posted by mudpuppie at 7:33 PM on June 25, 2013

Also, given the subject of debate, let's find another way to denigrate her -- not 'frumpy.' We haven't commented on Duell's coutre, and wouldn't.
posted by mudpuppie at 7:35 PM on June 25, 2013 [17 favorites]

I can't find it now, because this filibuster is filling up Google at the moment, but I think there's precedent for the Senate to literally stop the clock if a bill is under debate, or if a vote is in progress. I don't think they'd do it during an active filibuster, though. So she can't let them stall as time runs out.
posted by donajo at 7:35 PM on June 25, 2013

Donajo, I think that's right in most instances, but I don't think it applies to special sessions. In regular sessions, the only thing the Lege HAS to do is pass a budget, so they can extend the clock to make that happen. If they don't do that by the end of the session, they can extend the session. I think special sessions are different.

I could be wrong, though. It's been 15 years since I worked there.
posted by mudpuppie at 7:41 PM on June 25, 2013

That might be what they are doing now...gah. Lot's of debate.
posted by Benway at 7:41 PM on June 25, 2013

There are pizza boxes here with things like "Support from Wisconsin" and "Solidarity from Illinois" written on them.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:41 PM on June 25, 2013 [16 favorites]

Hey, I call'em as I see 'em. I probably would have called Duell on his/her coutre if I knew what that was.
posted by RolandOfEld at 7:42 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

I think she meant couture. Dress. There is no need to refer to the senator by her clothing.
posted by jacalata at 7:43 PM on June 25, 2013

Okay, mudpuppie, I bet you're right. What I'm thinking of is probably related to the budget.
posted by donajo at 7:43 PM on June 25, 2013

RolandofEld, I'm not disagreeing with you at all. She's frumpy. But let's identify her another way, independent of her wardrobe.

You go first.
posted by mudpuppie at 7:44 PM on June 25, 2013

what's going on with the sound? I stepped away for a bit and now the youtube livestream I was watching has static and no sound. Are others having this problem?
posted by aka burlap at 7:44 PM on June 25, 2013

Senator Campbell is consulting with the Lt Governor, so the mikes are off.
posted by running order squabble fest at 7:45 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

You go first.

I'll have to wait for a reappearance on the feed. Now all i see is brow upon row of identical looking suit jackets and blazers. And a sky blue dress.
posted by RolandOfEld at 7:46 PM on June 25, 2013

Oh, makes sense. Thanks. I missed the last hour or so.
posted by aka burlap at 7:46 PM on June 25, 2013

Damn it I really can't stay up late tonight
posted by edgeways at 7:47 PM on June 25, 2013

ok, finally broke down and gave more money to the tx democrats - we gotta stop this *#@?!.
posted by nightwood at 7:54 PM on June 25, 2013

I keep getting to the same far-out shot with no sound no matter what I try. Does anyone have a feed with sound?
posted by rollbiz at 7:57 PM on June 25, 2013

aw FUCK I just realized that I'm a time zone ahead of them and she has an extra hour to go :/
posted by avocet at 7:57 PM on June 25, 2013

People in line.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 7:58 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

The sound is off while they debate whether she went off topic.
posted by annsunny at 7:58 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

I keep getting to the same far-out shot with no sound no matter what I try. Does anyone have a feed with sound?

That's all there is now - they are still discussing the latest point of order off mic - so there will be no sound until they come back to the mic.
posted by nightwood at 7:58 PM on June 25, 2013

What was the first point of order they dinged her for?
posted by annsunny at 7:59 PM on June 25, 2013

Wow. I checked how #standwithwendy was trending on Twitter -- and on my screen right now is a tweet from Barack Obama, followed by "RT @davidkroll: Wendy Davis: single mom at 19, 2 jobs in comm college, 1st bachelors in fam, grad w/honors from Harvard Law." and then from Cosmopolitan mag -- "Watch badass @WendyDavisTexas stand up for women's rights in a filibuster to end all filibusters. #standwithwendy http://cosm.ag/6017k7OV"

It's an amazing juxtaposition and, I think, speaks to a lot of the generational and demographic issues facing the Republican party. (I have a screenshot.)
posted by QuantumMeruit at 8:00 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

There's a wave in the line.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 8:00 PM on June 25, 2013

What was the first point of order they dinged her for?

I believe it was for speaking about Roe v. Wade. Because that's not germane to an abortion bill...
posted by nightwood at 8:02 PM on June 25, 2013

No, the first POO was for speaking about the Texas budget.
posted by muddgirl at 8:02 PM on June 25, 2013

Less than 2 hours to go now.
posted by booksherpa at 8:03 PM on June 25, 2013

Ah, my mistake - was Roe v. Wade what Sen. Watson was speaking about?
posted by nightwood at 8:03 PM on June 25, 2013

sound!
posted by annsunny at 8:03 PM on June 25, 2013

Wow. They better get more marshals in there.
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:04 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

They shut her down.
posted by The Bellman at 8:04 PM on June 25, 2013

Oh snap.
posted by rollbiz at 8:04 PM on June 25, 2013

Motherfuckers.
posted by The Hamms Bear at 8:04 PM on June 25, 2013

sonofa
posted by faineant at 8:04 PM on June 25, 2013

I think she's out.
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:04 PM on June 25, 2013

What the hell just happened? Everyone is yelling.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:04 PM on June 25, 2013

oh shit
posted by aka burlap at 8:04 PM on June 25, 2013

Booooo. What I miss! Had to go to grocery store.
posted by mudpuppie at 8:04 PM on June 25, 2013

Fuck
posted by adamt at 8:04 PM on June 25, 2013

Damn, they're moving to kick her off the floor - third point of order.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:05 PM on June 25, 2013

What did they get her for?
posted by pointystick at 8:05 PM on June 25, 2013

Shit is crazy in the line!
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 8:05 PM on June 25, 2013

what was the point of order about? I truly don't understand what they dinged her on.
posted by deadmessenger at 8:05 PM on June 25, 2013

damn, lost the live feed
posted by faineant at 8:05 PM on June 25, 2013

they cut the sound again
posted by aka burlap at 8:05 PM on June 25, 2013

The crowd is chanting 'LET HER SPEAK, LET HER SPEAK, LET HER SPEAK'.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:06 PM on June 25, 2013

A distinguished senator called her for going off topic.
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:06 PM on June 25, 2013

I just came back and started tuning in to this. What on earth is going on?!
posted by Miko at 8:06 PM on June 25, 2013

Fucking bullshit.
posted by mudpuppie at 8:06 PM on June 25, 2013

State troopers are ejecting people for clapping
posted by donajo at 8:06 PM on June 25, 2013

Austin-American Statesman is reporting the third ding is for mentioning the 2011 sonogram bill.
posted by devinemissk at 8:06 PM on June 25, 2013

what assholes
posted by madamjujujive at 8:06 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Which, I guess if you can't talk about Roe v. Wade, you can't talk about prior legislation either?
posted by devinemissk at 8:07 PM on June 25, 2013

They're possibly clearing the whole gallery, starting on the side opposite me.
posted by donajo at 8:07 PM on June 25, 2013

Can't they appeal the individual POO? The last point they got Davis on did in fact seemed germane.
posted by SollosQ at 8:07 PM on June 25, 2013

Parliamentary inquiry being raised; "If there was a third point of order...it would be submitted to the body to determine whether the filibuster would come to an end".
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:07 PM on June 25, 2013

:(
posted by jaguar at 8:07 PM on June 25, 2013

Austin-American Statesman is reporting the third ding is for mentioning the 2011 sonogram bill.

HOW is this off-topic or "not germane"????
posted by artemisia at 8:08 PM on June 25, 2013

Pres.: "I chose to go ahead and make a ruling myself. I sustained the point of order by Senator Campbell".
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:08 PM on June 25, 2013

The crowd outdoors is still screaming.
posted by donajo at 8:08 PM on June 25, 2013

FUCK
posted by jokeefe at 8:08 PM on June 25, 2013

If sonograms aren't fucking germane to an abortion, why make them mandatory? Seriously??
posted by jetlagaddict at 8:09 PM on June 25, 2013 [6 favorites]

I hope they are capable of burning as many hours on a point of parliamentary procedure as my college student government could.
posted by Miko at 8:09 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Pres.: "Under the rules, the Pres. can rule, or we can submit it to the body".
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:09 PM on June 25, 2013

I cannot be polite about the level of detest I feel for the lawmakers in Texas.
posted by xingcat at 8:09 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

That is a jack. Seriously. They knew she could make the 13 hours and they manipulated the rules. What FUCKERS
posted by pointystick at 8:09 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Is it over? I'm going to seriously cry. I'm not even an American, let alone a Texan, but she was standing for all women up there.
posted by jokeefe at 8:10 PM on June 25, 2013 [6 favorites]

Despicable
posted by Arbac at 8:10 PM on June 25, 2013

Appeal the ruling of the Chair...can they do that?
posted by faineant at 8:10 PM on June 25, 2013

Ejections from the gallery have stopped, possibly because they can't send us out into the mob?
posted by donajo at 8:10 PM on June 25, 2013

I can only imagine that the fuckery going on now is going to generate some amazingly bad publicity for the Republicans. Sort of an " If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine" situation going on here.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 8:10 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Go Kirk Watson - asking for appeal of ruling.
posted by mudpuppie at 8:10 PM on June 25, 2013

Appeal the ruling of the Chair...can they do that?

Apparently so.

What happens if the debate on the appeal runs out the clock? Does the bill fail?
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:10 PM on June 25, 2013

The distinguished senator is nowhere to be seen to move for her objection to be called for a vote, if indeed it must be. One can hope.

Are they just hoping to run out the clock here via parliamentary motions?
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:10 PM on June 25, 2013

Senator Watson, getting all parliamentary on it! He's going to filibuster the objection!
posted by The Bellman at 8:11 PM on June 25, 2013 [7 favorites]

Debatable motion!
posted by Arbac at 8:11 PM on June 25, 2013

OMG HE'S GOING TO FILLIBUSTER THE RULING.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 8:11 PM on June 25, 2013 [7 favorites]

Kirk Watson is appealing the ruling and Dewhurst acknowledged he has the right to do so. Gallery is loud now.
posted by devinemissk at 8:11 PM on June 25, 2013

is he about to filibuster the appeal?
posted by deadmessenger at 8:11 PM on June 25, 2013

This is kind of awesome, actually.
posted by The Bellman at 8:11 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Kirk Fucking Watson, man. Good on him.
posted by restless_nomad at 8:11 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

OH YES HE IS GOING TO FILIBUSTER THE APPEAL.
posted by rollbiz at 8:11 PM on June 25, 2013

YES! Go Kirk Watson, whoever you are!
posted by jokeefe at 8:12 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Is his stepping down (the president) relevant to anything?
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:12 PM on June 25, 2013

all kinds of awesome
posted by faineant at 8:12 PM on June 25, 2013

filibusters all the way down?
posted by BungaDunga at 8:12 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

President is standing down because it's his own action that's being appealed, so it would be inappropriate for him to be presiding over it.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 8:12 PM on June 25, 2013

The crowd in the rotunda is chanting "shame".
posted by donajo at 8:12 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

I mean is he stepping down so that the person that takes his seat can then say "I honor the previous ruling of the other president" thus preventing further debate. Or some such? Or maybe just a bathroom break.
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:12 PM on June 25, 2013

Jokeefe, Watson is the former mayor of Austin. Good guy.
posted by mudpuppie at 8:13 PM on June 25, 2013

I can only imagine that the fuckery going on now is going to generate some amazingly bad publicity for the Republicans. Sort of an " If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine" situation going on here.

You would think, but that's not how it went in WI.

Worse than that, when the republicans violated the open meetings law in passing a particularly bad bill, the State Supreme court ruled that that since the legislature makes laws, they are free to ignore them whenever they like.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 8:13 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Quantum: Thanks, that makes sense.
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:13 PM on June 25, 2013

Is his stepping down (the president) relevant to anything?

Dewhurst can't rule on the appeal of his own decision.
posted by deadmessenger at 8:13 PM on June 25, 2013

The gallery is getting lectured. No more outbursts.
posted by devinemissk at 8:13 PM on June 25, 2013

Threats to clear the gallery.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:13 PM on June 25, 2013

His thoughts, where are you getting info on the gallery?
posted by Miko at 8:14 PM on June 25, 2013

Sounds like it didn't really quiet down out there.
posted by Miko at 8:14 PM on June 25, 2013

Thanks mudpuppie. I feel like she's standing up there for me too, somehow, you know?
posted by jokeefe at 8:14 PM on June 25, 2013

The senator who was absent for her father's funeral has asked to have the rules about the POO explained to her because she was absent. Nice.
posted by devinemissk at 8:14 PM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

So, can Wendy eat and sit and bathroom now?
posted by spinifex23 at 8:14 PM on June 25, 2013

The senator up there with a parliamenarty inquiry is speaking very... slowly...
posted by deadmessenger at 8:14 PM on June 25, 2013

The senator who was absent earlier is now asking for a repeat of the info already put forth. She's slowing things up quite well.
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:14 PM on June 25, 2013

Miko, that was on the live feed.
posted by devinemissk at 8:15 PM on June 25, 2013

This is. A very slow. Parliamentary. Inquiry.

Can you. Mr President. Explain. The Process. For Filibusters. To me.

[Slow clap].
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:15 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

"I was not looking online because I was at my father's funeral."
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:15 PM on June 25, 2013

One member of the lege saying she arrived late -- she was at her father's funeral! -- and wants to cast an informed vote, so she wants the three points of order described to her. AWESOME.
posted by maudlin at 8:15 PM on June 25, 2013

I'm watching the live feed, but it must be a different one. It doesn't show people in the gallery getting lectured.
posted by Miko at 8:15 PM on June 25, 2013

Wow, she pulled the "my father died and his funeral was today card". Fuckers. Can't believe they're making her pull that gutwrenching shit out.
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:16 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Anyone counting? Someone keep count if you are..... I think she's on number 3 already?
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:16 PM on June 25, 2013

The gallery has settled down now. The crowd in the rotunda, which loops through three levels and out on to the lawn, is chanting "let us in".
posted by donajo at 8:16 PM on June 25, 2013

Letitia Van De Putte. Kicks. Ass.
posted by maudlin at 8:17 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Me too, jokeefe.

And Van de Putte - you go girl! She used to be in the House, is now in the senate. Is a pharmacist. Her thoughts on abortion pills have been cited. Attended her father's funeral today. Just arrive. Requested a synopsis of the pints of order.
posted by mudpuppie at 8:17 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

This is the most compelling TV I've seen in years.
posted by deadmessenger at 8:17 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

One member of the lege saying she arrived late -- she was at her father's funeral!

That's Sen. Van De Putte and there's a whole story about republicans trying (and failing) to take advantage of her absence, in violation of "senate tradition."
posted by muddgirl at 8:17 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Requested a synopsis of the pints of order.

Those come later.
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:18 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

mudpuppie: "Requested a synopsis of the pints of order."

If the filibuster holds up til midnight, pints will be in order.
posted by dendrochronologizer at 8:18 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Requested a synopsis of the pints of order.

After ten hours of that, I don't think anyone would be standing...
posted by jetlagaddict at 8:18 PM on June 25, 2013

The next time I am ever tempted to think of Texas as a stereotypical redneck state with an anomalous blue island called Austin, I will think of both these women and Kirk Waston and remember that justice still can make a stand even in the face of utter shit.
posted by jokeefe at 8:19 PM on June 25, 2013 [21 favorites]

Sorry. Typing on fucking iPad while trying to cook dinner. (Haven't even turned the stove on yet.)

Pints for everyone!
posted by mudpuppie at 8:20 PM on June 25, 2013

It's an odd thing with Texas - despite it all, the state produces some very inspiring, very tough, very smart women, more so than any other state I can think of.
posted by Miko at 8:21 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Win, lose, either way.... Wendy Davis is getting a thank-you card.
posted by WidgetAlley at 8:21 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Ann Richards
Molly Ivins
Barbara Jordan
Miko
posted by mudpuppie at 8:22 PM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

"are we changing that rule?!"
posted by deadmessenger at 8:22 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

I think they're playing dumb about things on purpose, it's a good ploy, but even I understood the whole "Off topic questions will be submitted to the body, subsequent to the vote that wouldn't be counted against her".

Looks like they are going through the steps of a pseudo fillibuster via parlimentary inquiries.
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:22 PM on June 25, 2013

I want the cam on Wendy Davis already. I can already see her satisfied smirk: "Y'all thought this was over, fuckers."

Bet they planned this from the very start.
posted by Conspire at 8:22 PM on June 25, 2013

Shades of Molly Ivins and Anne Richards--they would be proud of these women!
posted by Anitanola at 8:22 PM on June 25, 2013

the rule duncan read spoke about the *third* time the speaker was warned about germaneness - but this was only the second time for germaneness.
posted by nightwood at 8:22 PM on June 25, 2013

Barbara Jordan and MIKO!!
posted by Anitanola at 8:22 PM on June 25, 2013

Hahaha pup! You + muddgirl hereby added as well.

The woman in the white jacket - she seems to be advising on procedure - anyone know who she is?
posted by Miko at 8:23 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Miko, the gallery was being lectured from the podium -- told to keep to decorum or it would be closed. That was right before Van de Putte asked for a parliamentary inquiry.
posted by devinemissk at 8:23 PM on June 25, 2013

They're steamrolling them, it's not going to be easy for them to make it. Republicans are bending Rodger's Rules* to the breaking point.

*Or whatever it is they're called or used.
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:23 PM on June 25, 2013

"That's only going to take a couple of minutes"
posted by SollosQ at 8:23 PM on June 25, 2013

I am seriously going to fucking cry over here. Davis' three warnings:

- Talking about Roe v. Wade, because that's not germane to abortion
- Getting assistance putting on a back brace
- Talking about sonograms, because mandatory sonograms before you're allowed to get abortions are not germane to abortions.

This is like a deleted scene out of 1984, right? Can we deport all the Republicans from this legislature on the grounds that they clearly have not managed to learn English despite how long they've lived here? Mad props to Kirk Watson and Leticia Van de Putte, but fuck it all to hell that this has even gotten so far.
posted by Phire at 8:24 PM on June 25, 2013 [37 favorites]

I think I just aged 5 years I can't afford.
posted by faineant at 8:24 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

I heard that. Sorry, I thought there was some other location of action going on there.
posted by Miko at 8:24 PM on June 25, 2013

I want the cam on Wendy Davis already.

She's probably taking the world's most satisfying pee right now.
posted by mrbill at 8:24 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Miko, that's traditionally the bill reader - not an advisor.
posted by mudpuppie at 8:25 PM on June 25, 2013

Miko, I believe she is the parliamentarian.
posted by devinemissk at 8:25 PM on June 25, 2013

I am seriously going to fucking cry over here. Davis' three warnings:

- Talking about Roe v. Wade, because that's not germane to abortion
- Getting assistance putting on a back brace
- Talking about sonograms, because mandatory sonograms before you're allowed to get abortions are not germane to abortions.

What in the holy fuck do these people think 'germane' means?
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:26 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Just a note - the first warning was for (rather tangentially) talking about the texas budget as part of a larger point about the war on women, or something like that.

Another senator was cited for bringing up roe v. wade without context, but that's not held against Davis.
posted by muddgirl at 8:26 PM on June 25, 2013

Miko: I believe that that's the parliamentarian, Karina Davis.
posted by running order squabble fest at 8:26 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

What in the holy fuck do these people think 'germane' means?

They think it means "shut the fuck up hippie".
posted by Flunkie at 8:26 PM on June 25, 2013

Or was that actually overturned, and the senator was cited for something else? I cant remember, it was like 9 hours ago.
posted by muddgirl at 8:26 PM on June 25, 2013

Yes, I think that looking back on this evening -- the fact that the fillibuster might ultimately be shutdown because of the germaneness of Roe v. Wade and sonograms -- it's such a goofy, illogical story. Which will come around to bite them, badly, I think.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 8:27 PM on June 25, 2013

Isn't the parliamentarian seated to his right? Is she not the reader?
posted by mudpuppie at 8:27 PM on June 25, 2013

From Twitter:

"... and the final violation is for talking while the men were speaking." - Texas filibuster rules, explained.
posted by Phire at 8:27 PM on June 25, 2013 [6 favorites]

So if they keep talking till midnight does the filibuster still hold?
posted by xarnop at 8:27 PM on June 25, 2013

So if they keep talking till midnight does the filibuster still hold?

A very valuable question.
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:28 PM on June 25, 2013

"Worrying your pretty little head about things best left to menfolk" is also grounds for a violation, I believe.
posted by scody at 8:29 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

So if they keep talking till midnight does the filibuster still hold?
posted by xarnop at 11:27 PM on June 25 [+] [!]

Judging by the speed at which the Democrats are speaking, I can't help but conclude that they believe it does.
posted by deadmessenger at 8:29 PM on June 25, 2013

I hope they've all been practicing. speaking.. very... slowly.... and..... deliberately. Even the new President is doing it, unconsciously perhaps.
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:30 PM on June 25, 2013

Can enough Democratic Senators sneak out the back door in order to deny a quorum because that was fun the last time they used that tactic.
posted by vuron at 8:30 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

It's 90 minutes until Texas midnight. [Insert appropriate metaphor here.]
posted by maudlin at 8:30 PM on June 25, 2013

vuron: I think they'd have to sneak out as far as New Mexico, and then they can go to jail for it, IIRC.
posted by Navelgazer at 8:31 PM on June 25, 2013

Vuron, also not unprecedented. A bunch went and hid in an OK hotel once. Look it up.
posted by mudpuppie at 8:31 PM on June 25, 2013

afaik a quorum isn't required for a vote during a special session
posted by TheNewWazoo at 8:32 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Can enough Democratic Senators sneak out the back door in order to deny a quorum because that was fun the last time they used that tactic.

Wasn't that part of the special session that made this a crappy deal, it doesn't matter who is there at all? A majority of those present is enough right?
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:32 PM on June 25, 2013

In my understanding, as long as there's no vote by 12:01 CT, it's over. The clock will be suspended if they're in the middle of a vote, but not for points of orders and stuff like that.
posted by Phire at 8:32 PM on June 25, 2013

Isn't the parliamentarian seated to his right? Is she not the reader?


A google image search for Karina Davis suggests that's her. Don't know why she's on the left and not the right.
posted by devinemissk at 8:32 PM on June 25, 2013

A bunch went and hid in an OK hotel once

During which Willie Nelson sent food and whiskey, I believe.
posted by scody at 8:33 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Davis is still standing, by the way.
posted by donajo at 8:33 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

You know, the Republicans have already said they can just bring the bill back and do another session, so they could just sit there and smirk and let Davis have a meaningless symbolic victory.

But they are such pants-pissing mean cowards they can't even do that.
posted by emjaybee at 8:33 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

I'm more and more convinced that they're just trying to make the new president's head explode. I really hope the other president stepping down comes back to bite them.
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:33 PM on June 25, 2013

Listen, I would like to appeal whatever you're saying now. Is it appealable? I'd like to appeal it.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:34 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Apparently Davis' seat was saved from GOP redistricting by the very VRA that the Supreme Court invalidated today. (Apologies if that's already been linked, it's a long thread.)
posted by WidgetAlley at 8:34 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Re talking til midnight: according to this source, the 30 day limit is in the TX constitution. I interpret this to mean 1) if the Repugs can't force a vote by midnight, for whatever reason, they lose their chance to do so (this time) 2) there is no playing silly buggers with the semantics of "30 days"; or if they try they'll get hauled into court on a constitutional issue that is for the judges and not the legislature to decide. No idea how the TX judiciary would respond...

(IANAL etc.)
posted by dendrochronologizer at 8:35 PM on June 25, 2013

A bunch went and hid in an OK hotel once\

Actually, it was pretty nice!

*rimshot*

sorry.
posted by Miko at 8:35 PM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

Davis is still standing, by the way.

Yeah, if this gets sorted out in her favor, they'll just call another POO and cite her for sitting during the previous POO.
posted by muddgirl at 8:35 PM on June 25, 2013

I can't help but wonder if we'll see another public filibuster. How long would it take to regain order and clear the entire gallery if the crowd went completely nuts, and would they stop the clock during that time?
posted by jermsplan at 8:35 PM on June 25, 2013

FB friend: "what happens if somebody pulls the fire alarm"? I don't even want to know.
posted by emjaybee at 8:36 PM on June 25, 2013

Favorite line from a while ago: "Let's not make a mockery of the Texas Senate".
posted by ceribus peribus at 8:37 PM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

That son of a ..... he just said he made a ruling and that it wasn't a ruling in the same sentence. And he can't define it.


Mutha.......
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:37 PM on June 25, 2013

I can't tell if he's being incredibly devious, or if he's just so confused about what happened.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 8:38 PM on June 25, 2013

Ruling? What's a 'ruling'? What this this place? Who am I?
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:38 PM on June 25, 2013 [8 favorites]

That was beautiful. I think.
posted by wallabear at 8:39 PM on June 25, 2013

NINJA!
posted by The Bellman at 8:39 PM on June 25, 2013

Watson has him! Let's see how they handwave this one away./
posted by deadmessenger at 8:40 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

"Let's not make a mockery of the Texas Senate".

That horse was out the barn door a long time ago.
posted by immlass at 8:40 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Oh, now they're coming to him being brought to the chair. Yes. A loophole to a loophole to a loophole. And he's reading the rule book, good time eater..... and it seems as if they violated a rule after bringing this substitute president tot he chair.
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:40 PM on June 25, 2013

And Senator Watson with the zinger, supported by the rules. Beautiful.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 8:40 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

What just happened? I can't bear to watch the live feed and am relying on you guys for second-hand.
posted by WidgetAlley at 8:40 PM on June 25, 2013

Watson: motion to table is out of order. Can he make this stick?
posted by maudlin at 8:40 PM on June 25, 2013

Gotcha!
posted by Arbac at 8:40 PM on June 25, 2013

80 minutes.
posted by deadmessenger at 8:40 PM on June 25, 2013

Watson is seriously some kind of parliamentary ninja.
posted by The Bellman at 8:40 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Fuck yeah, Watson, citing the rules!
posted by nasayre at 8:41 PM on June 25, 2013

Senator Troy Fraser, the gentleman with the white hair and moustache who is trying to push the motion forward, is the man who, rather wonderfully, told Wendy Davis in 2009 "I have trouble hearing women's voices".
posted by running order squabble fest at 8:41 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Holy crow
posted by faineant at 8:41 PM on June 25, 2013

This is like a slow motion MMA fight.
posted by Cyrano at 8:41 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Meanwhile, this is what it looked like when they tried to clear the gallery.
posted by maudlin at 8:41 PM on June 25, 2013

"The motion to table is out of order"

*glasses off* *

YEEEEAAAAHHHHH

I have long since lost track of what is going on with points of order, appeals, points of order on points of order, appealing appeals, which is I suppose the point.

*no really, he took his glasses off.
posted by BungaDunga at 8:42 PM on June 25, 2013

His thoughts were red thoughts: "Ruling? What's a 'ruling'? What this this place? Who am I?"

You may ask yourself, well, how did I get here?
You may ask yourself, how do I work this?
You may ask yourself, where is that large automobile?
posted by notsnot at 8:42 PM on June 25, 2013 [9 favorites]

Kind of want to make a Game of Thrones style crest for House Davis - motto is "I do not yield."
posted by muddgirl at 8:42 PM on June 25, 2013 [14 favorites]

This would be over in fifteen minutes if only the Texas Legislature were meeting in New York.
posted by DanSachs at 8:42 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Is there no sound now, or is it just my browser acting up?
posted by Flunkie at 8:43 PM on June 25, 2013

Oh god. I shouldn't stay up til 1 to see this through. But it's gonna be hard not to.
posted by Miko at 8:43 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

No sound because they're debating the POO brought by Watson.
posted by SugarAndSass at 8:43 PM on June 25, 2013

No sound. They seem to go off mic for some discussions.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:43 PM on June 25, 2013

What determines whether some conversations happen on the record or off?
posted by likeatoaster at 8:43 PM on June 25, 2013

Kind of want to make a Game of Thrones style crest for House Davis - motto is "I do not yield."

Sneakers, pink, over a broken table argent.
posted by restless_nomad at 8:43 PM on June 25, 2013 [14 favorites]

WIll muddgirl or someone else please mock up that crest immediately?
posted by Navelgazer at 8:44 PM on June 25, 2013

No sound.
posted by Benway at 8:44 PM on June 25, 2013

Flunkie, they cut the sound when they are discussing points of order among themselves.
posted by maudlin at 8:44 PM on June 25, 2013

Debating may not be the correct word there. Considering? Where's the mefi parliamentarian?
posted by SugarAndSass at 8:44 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

From Twitter: @HeyItsHigbe "Hi, I'll be late for work tomorrow, as I was up late watching a battle of good vs. evil."
posted by emjaybee at 8:45 PM on June 25, 2013 [17 favorites]

Ustream of protest inside capital: UStream!
posted by spinifex23 at 8:45 PM on June 25, 2013

No sound is a good thing, the longer it goes on.
posted by wallabear at 8:45 PM on June 25, 2013

Davis is still standing, by the way.

Yeah, if this gets sorted out in her favor, they'll just call another POO and cite her for sitting during the previous POO.

She didn't actually sit down before. She doesn't even have a chair. She's been on her feet for 10.5 hours.
posted by donajo at 8:45 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Where's the mefi parliamentarian?

Paging jessamyn... no wait, that's librarian.
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:45 PM on June 25, 2013

You know, the Man of Steel would just go in and snap some necks and settle this....
posted by HuronBob at 8:46 PM on June 25, 2013

I love you all so much I can't even
posted by rtha at 8:46 PM on June 25, 2013 [12 favorites]

She didn't actually sit down before

I meant that she can't sit down now, because she'd be cited for it later. If there is a later.
posted by muddgirl at 8:47 PM on June 25, 2013

I'm going to donate 1 dollar every minute to Texas pro-choice causes for as long as they are on mute. Tick tock!
posted by mochapickle at 8:47 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Kirk Watson's not in my line of sight, so I can't be sure, but I bet he's been standing all day too.
posted by donajo at 8:48 PM on June 25, 2013

( Learning so much in this thread - thanks mefites. So excited fora successful end up here in Ontario!)
posted by NorthernAutumn at 8:48 PM on June 25, 2013

You know, if the temp president had just taken the 3 minutes to go back and read the transcript he would have seen that he was in fact out of order to recognize the motion to table. But now it's taken like half an hour out of the thing discussing that, and (if there's any sanity to this) is likely to just end up back where he started. Way to be a dick, and way to eat shit for it.
posted by Runes at 8:49 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

For whatever reason I noticed the (pre-replacement) president was standing when I saw him as well. No idea why. Besides perhaps being better than a woman or something else cynical and rude to assume.
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:49 PM on June 25, 2013

Metafilter: Way to be a dick, and way to eat shit for it.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:49 PM on June 25, 2013 [6 favorites]

The 'later' is the next special session that Perry will call, in which the bill is likely to pass.

Let's not lose sight if the fact that this is a symbolic act, not a legislative one. And as such, let's try to believe that there is hope.
posted by mudpuppie at 8:50 PM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

So, I only caught up with this about 10 minutes ago. Someone willing to give me a quick rundown on what's happening now? Looks like she's off the floor and they're debating whether appeals to rulings of who had the floor were going on, and then the sound cut?
posted by zug at 8:51 PM on June 25, 2013

Not clear to me: How is it that she personally got the right to speak, but if she stops, no other Democrat can then get the right to speak? I mean, ignoring the current "point of order on the point of order on the motion to recognize the point of order" thing. The base plan was for her and her alone to speak till midnight - why? What did she do to be able to speak, and why couldn't another Democrat just do that same thing?
posted by Flunkie at 8:51 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

We have this making the rounds on Tumblr - House Davis: We Do Not Sit

It's a pink platform stiletto for some reason, but hey, it's there.
posted by angeline at 8:51 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Nice, but yeah it's silly when the tennis shoe is clearly the iconic footwear symbol here.
posted by Drinky Die at 8:52 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

There aren't a lot of options on the HBO GoT banner generator, unfortunately. I didn't see tennis shoes OR a broken table :(
posted by muddgirl at 8:53 PM on June 25, 2013

Let's not lose sight if the fact that this is a symbolic act, not a legislative one. And as such, let's try to believe that there is hope.

Thanks for this. I have been feeling downhearted about being at this point at all, about having to stand and fight in this lousy place for such basic things. You're right, it has symbolic weight.
posted by Miko at 8:53 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

zug, the President of the Senate ruled her out (for drawing a third "strike"). Then Kirk Watson, another Democratic Senator, appealed that ruling and seemed set to fillibuster it.

There were a whole bunch of parliamentary inquiries and points of order, and the (new) chair recognized a motion to table. But Sen. Watson raised a point of order that the motion to table was out of order, which they are now conferring on (with the mic off).
posted by QuantumMeruit at 8:53 PM on June 25, 2013

Who wants to bet they debate this point in silence for oh about an hour, come back to session, trump everything by saying "we're right, STFU and sit down" and pass it anyway?

Takers? I'll be glad to lose but the cynical me can't help but... well be cynical.
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:53 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Yeah, but there's something perversely appropriate about the highly feminized shoe.
posted by maudlin at 8:53 PM on June 25, 2013

Flunkie, any other Senator could have done the same - she was just the one with the courage to. She has the floor and keeps it until parliamentary procedures take it from her.
posted by mudpuppie at 8:54 PM on June 25, 2013

Seeing reports that the rules are three strikes for germaneness will end filibuster, whereas the second strike was for assistance - different nature. Not sure if that will matter, but hey.
posted by Phire at 8:54 PM on June 25, 2013

During which Willie Nelson sent food and whiskey, I believe

He did indeed, and this is why my father-in-law hates Willie Nelson to this day. Really.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 8:55 PM on June 25, 2013

What I'm missing from the silent feed is the uproar going on outside the doors. You know it's loud.
posted by wallabear at 8:55 PM on June 25, 2013

Yeah, I saw that two of the three supposed strikes were directly relating to abortion laws or provisions in state abortion law about sonograms. Which is bizarre to me. It really looks like they're going to do their best to steamroll this through no matter what it takes.
posted by zug at 8:56 PM on June 25, 2013

The incredible amount of exploitation that these "special sessions" enable is astounding, more so that Perry is able to call a second one just because his first one didn't go the way he wanted to. What crisis?!
posted by Phire at 8:56 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

If she takes the floor again, can she just say "abortion... abortion... abortion..." on repeat until after midnight, thus thwarting any possible germaneness citations?
posted by Navelgazer at 8:56 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Flunkie, any other Senator could have done the same - she was just the one with the courage to. She has the floor and keeps it Neil parliamentary procedures take it from her.

I don't think I understand. I'm not saying "why couldn't they have done the same". There are obviously plenty of senators who currently want the same thing to be accomplished. So I'm asking: If she stops, or if they rule she must stop, or whatever, why couldn't one of those others just get the right to start?
posted by Flunkie at 8:56 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

I am not sure who to rage-donate to (don't want to leave anyone out). I got Planned Parenthood and NARAL Texas. Lilith Fund has asked to hold donations till they know if they need bail money (!). Who else?
posted by emjaybee at 8:56 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

On twitter it's being said that according to this http://ow.ly/i/2s66A You need three warnings on GERMANENESS?
posted by Windigo at 8:56 PM on June 25, 2013

dianagram on Twitter: "So, it turns out, if its a LEGITIMATE filibuster ... a man has a way of shutting it down."
posted by maudlin at 8:57 PM on June 25, 2013 [11 favorites]

can she just say "abortion... abortion... abortion..." on repeat until after midnight, thus thwarting any possible germaneness citations?

Repetitiveness is not a call for her to be shut down. But I think that ship has already sailed.
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:57 PM on June 25, 2013

What crisis?!

The crisis of saving women from access to medical care! Duh!
posted by rtha at 8:58 PM on June 25, 2013

You know, the Republicans have already said they can just bring the bill back and do another session...

I've been assuming that's true, but would love to know for sure: is there in fact any way the Dems could block this bill from passing in a new special session? I get Phire's point about the way Perry is abusing the purpose of these sessions, which have more lax rules because they're supposed to be about actual crises, but given that calling one seems to be at least marginally legal, is there anything Dems could have done in another session to stop this bill from becoming law? I.e., could they have challenged the calling of the session for a non-crisis? Could they have arranged for a long series of filibusters? Anything?
posted by mediareport at 8:58 PM on June 25, 2013

60 minutes...
posted by deadmessenger at 8:59 PM on June 25, 2013

which have more lax rules because they're supposed to be about actual crises

If this is the case, couldn't this be challenged in the court? I remember one of the early arguments or cases regarding Proposition 8 in California was going to address that by some technicality or other, Proposition 8's passing violated the proper procedures. So even though it had been democratically approved, that they piece of legislation couldn't stand.

Couldn't this whole debacle be taken to the courts, w/r/t Perry's abuse of the special sessions and trying to pass in an irrelevant piece of legislation?
posted by SollosQ at 9:00 PM on June 25, 2013

What I'm missing from the silent feed is the uproar going on outside the doors. You know it's loud.

It's actually pretty quiet out there. My buddy in the rotunda says they were asked to quiet down during the appeal.

Rumor in the gallery is that we're locked in, with no one coming in or out. That probably explains why the troopers herded a bunch if people to the door during the initial outburst, then let them return to their seats after the appeal started.
posted by donajo at 9:01 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

mediareport: Not really. They're pretty hamstrung. They're doing what they are now able to do. Unfortunately, the Texas legislators don't represent the majority of voters like they're supposed to. The bill is not favored by a majority of Texans. (Link upthread.)
posted by mudpuppie at 9:01 PM on June 25, 2013

Yes, they asked us to be quiet in the rotunda.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 9:03 PM on June 25, 2013

Random thought: I wonder if they make coral sneakers in a men's size 13?
posted by deadmessenger at 9:04 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Flunkie: my unauthoritative guess is that there's no guarantee that the next person to hold the floor would be a Democrat, and if any Republican got the floor then the vote would immediately be called. If a dozen Senators shout to be recognized at the same time, the speaker gets to pick someone, I think?
posted by ceribus peribus at 9:04 PM on June 25, 2013

A citation for that "three strikes on germaneness" rule (pdf) - the relevant part is in the last three paragraphs on page 23.
posted by Phire at 9:05 PM on June 25, 2013

Correction: they are letting people go out the back exit (which is behind me), but they can't come back in.
posted by donajo at 9:05 PM on June 25, 2013

Google isn't helping me personally, but look up the 1979 "killer bees" walkout of the Texas Dems. They're the ones who hid in Oklahoma, and who received care packages from Willie Nelson.
posted by mudpuppie at 9:05 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

back on
posted by Miko at 9:06 PM on June 25, 2013

deadmessenger: "Random thought: I wonder if they make coral sneakers in a men's size 13?"

I know from personal experience that I can buy coral pumps in a men's size 13. So it stands to reason that you can buy the Nike's.

...and we're back?
posted by Sphinx at 9:06 PM on June 25, 2013

We have sound...
posted by deadmessenger at 9:07 PM on June 25, 2013

Flunkie: my unauthoritative guess is that there's no guarantee that the next person to hold the floor would be a Democrat, and if any Republican got the floor then the vote would immediately be called. If a dozen Senators shout to be recognized at the same time, the speaker gets to pick someone, I think?

But if it's that simple, then why did the GOP bother letting her speak in the first place? Why not just have called on a Republican instead of her?
posted by Flunkie at 9:07 PM on June 25, 2013

They're back. Section 331 referenced. Relevancy being applied.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:07 PM on June 25, 2013

look up the 1979 "killer bees" walkout of the Texas Dems

But they did it again, for sure. Must have been late 80s, early 90s.
posted by Miko at 9:07 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Is there a parliamentary rule to allow her to propose to settle it with a duel? With the weapons of choice being coathangers in a pit? Because that would certainly work.
posted by stet at 9:07 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

But they did it again, for sure. Must have been late 80s, early 90s.

Killer Ds and Texas Eleven, 2003.
posted by immlass at 9:08 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

He's saying the rules create a circular situation that wouldn't allow for order in the senate.

"with that explanation, your point of order is respectfully overruled, senator watson you are recognized to close."
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:09 PM on June 25, 2013

Here's Wikipedia on the Killer Ds.
posted by Bunny Ultramod at 9:09 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

uh oh
posted by likeatoaster at 9:09 PM on June 25, 2013

So, yea, they're changing the rules. Zaffarini is bringing up the germanness rule now? Last ditch effort (number 804040343).
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:09 PM on June 25, 2013

no no no no no no that does not sound good
posted by WidgetAlley at 9:09 PM on June 25, 2013

Here's the sonogram germaneness argument.
posted by Miko at 9:10 PM on June 25, 2013

Zaffirini has read Twitter, it seems.
posted by running order squabble fest at 9:10 PM on June 25, 2013

yeah, not looking good.
posted by aka burlap at 9:10 PM on June 25, 2013

Zaffarini is asking about the three germaneness points. Maybe she reads twitter too....
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:10 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Coral sneakers, available in a men's 13
posted by booksherpa at 9:10 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

They should just give the woman in white the mic, 'cuz she's running the show...
posted by HuronBob at 9:11 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

But they did it again, for sure. Must have been late 80s, early 90s.

2003: http://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2003-05-23/161001/
posted by mudpuppie at 9:11 PM on June 25, 2013

'03. Yeesh, I'm getting unstuck in time.
posted by Miko at 9:11 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

"Two rulings on germanness and one on aid, is that correct"

President: "thats correct."
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:11 PM on June 25, 2013

Looks terrible. I feel sick.
posted by studioaudience at 9:11 PM on June 25, 2013

Zaffarini isn't giving up.
posted by maudlin at 9:12 PM on June 25, 2013

I mean, he can basically sweep all this away by saying "That's not valid" and then just moving along. That's what's looking likely.

Zaffarni is raising the twitter point though.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:12 PM on June 25, 2013

Zaffrini: "Did you read the syllabus?"
posted by Phire at 9:13 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

@feministkanye
YO IF I WERE CHAIR IMMA LET YOU FINISH @WendyDavisTexas #standwithwendy #letherspeak
posted by Miko at 9:13 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

They're going to shut her down just before midnight. Send me booze if I'm correct. I'll send you booze if I'm wrong.
posted by mudpuppie at 9:13 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Parliamentarian in white seems to be throwing serious shade at Z.
posted by maudlin at 9:14 PM on June 25, 2013

Pres: "Three infractions are sufficient to move the senator from the floor."
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:14 PM on June 25, 2013

When they cover this 2 seasons from now on The Newsroom this is going to be INCREDIBLE.
posted by deadmessenger at 9:14 PM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

mediareport: Not really. They're pretty hamstrung.

Yeah, that's what I gathered from following this today. I definitely appreciate what Davis has done, not just the courage and stamina and brains and intensity, but also the publicity and fundraising and galvanizing effect in general; that seems hugely important in the same way I think the North Carolina NAACP's weekly Moral Monday protests have been against a similarly reactionary legislature in our state. But given that (if what you're telling me is correct) the bill's passage was basically a done deal even before the filibuster began, I'm gonna go ahead and refuse to be too depressed about tonight and just focus on what I can do next.

Help register folks in my state to vote, for instance, or something like that.
posted by mediareport at 9:15 PM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

Pres: "I'm referencing the procedure that brought us to where we are."

TL;DR - STFU, I'm right.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:15 PM on June 25, 2013

"What rule are you referencing?" Repeated. And he's stonewalling.

Ball in Watson's court. He is unhappy.
posted by maudlin at 9:15 PM on June 25, 2013

Man, if Dewhurst has gone away to let this shithead close things, he's a total dick.
posted by mudpuppie at 9:15 PM on June 25, 2013

But if it's that simple, then why did the GOP bother letting her speak in the first place?

They weren't attempting to shut out Democrats from the debate back then, because it was still Tuesday morning when Davis took the floor. I don't know if that was during some mandatory debate period or not which would otherwise have ended hours ago. Forgive my ignorance, I was taught about the House of Commons in school.
posted by ceribus peribus at 9:15 PM on June 25, 2013

She bought Watson some time, let's see what he does.
posted by Miko at 9:16 PM on June 25, 2013

Watson is mentioning this is the fucking inception movie with regard to loopholes at this point.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:16 PM on June 25, 2013

"It comes down to a motion to table an appeal of a point of order related to germaneness raised to stop a filibuster" ... brilliant.
posted by dendrochronologizer at 9:17 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

WatSON WatSON WatSON.
posted by mudpuppie at 9:17 PM on June 25, 2013

Watson, talk slower. You can kill more time that way.
posted by cmyk at 9:18 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Will Watson try to hold the floor for 42 minutes? This is amazing.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 9:18 PM on June 25, 2013

"If we're honest -- intellectually and otherwise" Well, good luck with that with the GOP.
posted by scody at 9:18 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

In germane news, the unfortunate reactionary reprisals have begun.
posted by TheNewWazoo at 9:18 PM on June 25, 2013

YouTube, you stupid piece of monkeyshit, STOP STOPPING.
posted by dirtdirt at 9:18 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

There's less than 45 minutes of play left. It's all parliamentary procedure from here, not politics.
posted by mudpuppie at 9:18 PM on June 25, 2013

Er, oops, that was the wrong "Tuesday night". Sorry.
posted by TheNewWazoo at 9:19 PM on June 25, 2013

In germane news, the unfortunate reactionary reprisals have begun.

That happened back in 2012.
posted by artemisia at 9:19 PM on June 25, 2013

In germane news, the unfortunate reactionary reprisals have begun.

Well, that was over a year ago, and my understanding is that the man arrested for the crime was a homeless man prone to ranting about aliens, so I don't think it's particularly relevant, but still scary nonetheless.
posted by zachlipton at 9:19 PM on June 25, 2013

He's holding up pretty well. Wonder how the'll silence him when the clock runs down, and if the Dems have a good option to counter.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:19 PM on June 25, 2013

Holy crap, I think Watson's going to try and run out the clock. Forty-one minutes...
posted by RakDaddy at 9:20 PM on June 25, 2013

Wendy Davis' Wikipedia page has also been...creatively edited.
posted by Phire at 9:20 PM on June 25, 2013 [7 favorites]

It's too bad they're being so strict about germaneness. We're not going to get any fishing stories.
posted by Miko at 9:20 PM on June 25, 2013

I don't really understand why Watson has the floor...?
posted by too bad you're not me at 9:20 PM on June 25, 2013

(Also, I really wish that farting the alphabet was germane the this discussion, because Kirk Watson could do it. He's Texas's Joe Biden.)
posted by mudpuppie at 9:20 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

I would love to see the smartphone text strings between the TX Dems right now.
posted by Miko at 9:20 PM on June 25, 2013

Miko: "I would love to see the smartphone text strings between the TX Dems right now."

You know the PRISM guys have their popcorn ready.
posted by Sphinx at 9:21 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Watson has the floor because the President of the Senate ruled Wendy Davis was out of order because she drew a third "strike" -- which was that talking about the sonogram requirement wasn't "germane" to SB5.

And Watson appealed that ruling. He's "closing on the motion to table", though -- lots of procedural back-and-forth to get to that stage.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 9:21 PM on June 25, 2013

Y'all hear how slow Kirk Watson can talk? He's *my* senator.
posted by donajo at 9:22 PM on June 25, 2013 [7 favorites]

oh metafilter, I can't quit you. Came back for this liveblogging. xxoxxo
run out the fucking clock.
posted by Theta States at 9:22 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Quantum Meruit, by what mechanism did the floor then pass to Watson?
posted by Miko at 9:22 PM on June 25, 2013

I bet it ends in an utterly shameless way. Perhaps "Just kidding, it isn't really 12:01, let's vote!"
posted by Flunkie at 9:22 PM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

yeah, I'm a little confused too. They've been arguing about whether his appeal of the out of order ruling needed to be dealt with before the other senator's motion to table his appeal. and i thought they decided to accept the motion to table it, so not sure why he can talk at length now?
posted by aka burlap at 9:23 PM on June 25, 2013

I don't really understand why Watson has the floor...?

I think it's because he appealed Dewhurst's unilateral ruling that Davis was out of order. That appeal brought the present dude (Duncan?) to the chair to hear the appeal that Watson is making.
posted by muddgirl at 9:23 PM on June 25, 2013

I think that because it's Watson's appeal being tabled, he gets a closing argument.
posted by misskaz at 9:23 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Miko, Watson appealed the chair's ruling on the third strike. On preview -- yeah, what muddgirl just said.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 9:23 PM on June 25, 2013

and i thought they decided to accept the motion to table it,

No, I think they overruled the motion to table it.
posted by muddgirl at 9:23 PM on June 25, 2013

Or something, I don't know, it's magic.
posted by muddgirl at 9:23 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

I think it's because he's awesome.
posted by WidgetAlley at 9:23 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Getting your ass kicked by these sort of ramrodding legislation through a special session over and over again has definitely left Texas Democrats masters of parliamentary procedures.
posted by vuron at 9:24 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

No, I think they overruled the motion to table it.

Oh, good, okay. I was confused about that.
posted by aka burlap at 9:24 PM on June 25, 2013

Did they actually overrule the motion to table the motion to table? I need a flow chart.
posted by muddgirl at 9:24 PM on June 25, 2013

As I understand it, Watson laid down the "motion to table an appeal of a point of order related to germaneness raised to stop a filibuster." As such, he gets to make a closing argument. I'm not aware of a rule that limits how long that can go on. Does anyone know?
posted by zachlipton at 9:24 PM on June 25, 2013

No, I think they overruled the motion to table it.
posted by muddgirl at 12:23 AM on June 26 [+] [!]

It was sustained, but Watson still gets a chance to make his closing argument.
posted by deadmessenger at 9:24 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

He's debating the motion with closing argument to table the motion to appeal the motion to remove Davis due to the germaneness infractions.
posted by TwoWordReview at 9:24 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

how does this work? can Watson keep talking till midnight? Can he be challenged or taken off the floor by the chair or another member? Can there be 'germaineness' objections to him if he strays off message of his appeal?
posted by notesondismantling at 9:25 PM on June 25, 2013

misskaz has it, I think, in combination with muddgirl. That's why they gave it to him "to close."
posted by Miko at 9:25 PM on June 25, 2013

Omg, he's reading the rule book. This is amazing.
posted by inara at 9:26 PM on June 25, 2013

At this point, I am confused as hell, but go Zaffrini. It definitely goes back to Watson after her, right? So Zaffrini is buying time? Thirty-four minutes...
posted by studioaudience at 9:26 PM on June 25, 2013

OK, is this an easier question? What happens if/when Watson stops talking?
posted by muddgirl at 9:27 PM on June 25, 2013

"Now stick with me on this...."

heh...
posted by HuronBob at 9:27 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Thanks for the 101, Kirk.
posted by Miko at 9:27 PM on June 25, 2013

Watson is speaking now.
posted by gingerbeer at 9:27 PM on June 25, 2013

He should go into the history of germaneness as a concept within parliamentary procedures
posted by vuron at 9:28 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

At this point, I am confused as hell, but go Zaffrini. It definitely goes back to Watson after her, right? So Zaffrini is buying time? Thirty-four minutes...

Watson has the floor now. He's Watson, She's Zaffirini. if that helps.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:28 PM on June 25, 2013

When I worked for the Louisiana legislature, the rule wasn't "work must be finished by midnight", the rule was "work is finished when the House clock reaches midnight." If they got into a situation like this, they'd just unplug the clock at 11:55pm. Really. And it was legal.
posted by ColdChef at 9:28 PM on June 25, 2013 [18 favorites]

What happens if/when Watson stops talking?

Another point of order?
posted by ceribus peribus at 9:28 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

He's even reading the examples! I love this guy.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 9:29 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

He's busting their chops regarding germaneness incidents in history.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:29 PM on June 25, 2013

I'm sure this is absolutely the opposite reaction the GOP are going for, but all this fear and panic-based legislating they do to try to control my body makes me feel like some kind of powerful mythical creature.

DRAGON BORN, Y'ALL.
posted by cmyk at 9:29 PM on June 25, 2013 [23 favorites]

He's Watson, She's Zaffirini.

Together, they fight loopholes.
posted by scody at 9:29 PM on June 25, 2013 [52 favorites]

Texas regret for slavery day?
posted by gingerbeer at 9:29 PM on June 25, 2013

It sure looks like Watson can expound upon the various interpretations of germaneness -- and how it applies to sonograms and abortions -- for at least a half hour. He doesn't even need to pace himself like Wendy Davis was doing for 12+ hours.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 9:29 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

After all this, anyone who is interested and is in the area should show up at the Cloak Room in downtown Austin. That's where they'll be.
posted by mudpuppie at 9:29 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Keep reading! Keep reeeeeeeading! Do War & Peace next!
posted by mochapickle at 9:29 PM on June 25, 2013

"Germaneness is not a precise concept." - Watson <3
posted by Phire at 9:29 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

If they got into a situation like this, they'd just unplug the clock at 11:55pm. Really. And it was legal.

That should be my sign from the universe to give the fuck up and go to bed.

But I'll start another cup of tea instead.
posted by maudlin at 9:30 PM on June 25, 2013

He might as well just start slapping people. This is awesome.
posted by Cyrano at 9:30 PM on June 25, 2013

Watson has the floor now. He's Watson, She's Zaffirini. if that helps.

The stream I was watching was running behind! I refreshed and now I hear Watson. Whoops. Thanks.
posted by studioaudience at 9:30 PM on June 25, 2013

If they got into a situation like this, they'd just unplug the clock at 11:55pm. Really. And it was legal.

In fairness, this is the state where if you have a piece of paper on top of a straw, you can drive around with a plastic cup full of alcohol.
posted by Bunny Ultramod at 9:30 PM on June 25, 2013 [6 favorites]

While Watson is talking, the other Dems are passing books back and forth and consulting with aides. The Rs are, as they have been all day, looking bored.
posted by donajo at 9:30 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

You're right, though, I think she was buying a little time so he could get this rulebook stuff together.
posted by Miko at 9:30 PM on June 25, 2013

He's going to kill the clock...
posted by Cyrano at 9:31 PM on June 25, 2013

In my innermind, this dude is growing mutton chops larger with each minute passing.
posted by Theta States at 9:31 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

wow, this guy makes closing statements like i wrote my essays in school. it's like a verbal equivalent of double space lines, 1 inch indents and extra wide font.
posted by fuzzypantalones at 9:31 PM on June 25, 2013 [15 favorites]

"I wanna give another example."

Perfect.
posted by wallabear at 9:31 PM on June 25, 2013

Kirk Watson is my senator. Hopefully he's a slow summer upper.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 9:31 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

The Virginia General Assembly used to literally move back the hands on the clock in the legislative chamber to keep going after the session was supposed to have ended.
posted by gingerbeer at 9:31 PM on June 25, 2013

If they got into a situation like this, they'd just unplug the clock at 11:55pm. Really. And it was legal.
posted by ColdChef at 12:28 AM on June 26 [+] [!]

So, I have to ask... what would happen if someone just tried to plug it back in?
posted by deadmessenger at 9:31 PM on June 25, 2013

can they just bar the doors and start playing "Rains of Castamere" now or what
posted by elizardbits at 9:31 PM on June 25, 2013 [35 favorites]

They're reading names to do something. Watson is objecting.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:32 PM on June 25, 2013

Here comes a Republican trying to derail Watson ...
posted by maudlin at 9:32 PM on June 25, 2013

ColdChef: "If they got into a situation like this, they'd just unplug the clock at 11:55pm. Really. And it was legal."

Yes, but the time limit in this case is in the Texas Constitution, not legislative rules. Legislatures have the prerogative to interpret their own rules perversely, but perverse interpretations of constitutions are usually reserved for courts.
posted by dendrochronologizer at 9:32 PM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

Hold your breath folks.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:32 PM on June 25, 2013

Rule 603 being called by (Ellis?).
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:33 PM on June 25, 2013

Haha, now we have to write everything down and read it out!
posted by dendrochronologizer at 9:33 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Holy shit Senator West.
posted by Talez at 9:33 PM on June 25, 2013

Oh, wait, no -- I think that's a Democrat asking for everything to be put in writing?
posted by maudlin at 9:33 PM on June 25, 2013

"I desire that it be reduced to writing"!
posted by Flunkie at 9:33 PM on June 25, 2013

Nice move...
posted by Cyrano at 9:33 PM on June 25, 2013

Yay for writing!
posted by annsunny at 9:34 PM on June 25, 2013

Oh crap, they're on the "reduced to writing." Sounds like clutching at straws right now to me, but who knows.
posted by BungaDunga at 9:34 PM on June 25, 2013

How come Estes got to bust in while Watson was talking? (GO WEST!)
posted by grapesaresour at 9:34 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

"AS BIG AS FONTS AS POSSIBLE" LMAO!
posted by NorthernAutumn at 9:34 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

"It needs to be in as big of font as possible."
posted by inara at 9:34 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

No wait, we needed it in Comic Sans, 50-point.
posted by Theta States at 9:35 PM on June 25, 2013

On mute again....
posted by mochapickle at 9:35 PM on June 25, 2013

I am really curious about the personal loyalties and politics and opinions of the parliamentarian, since her advice has so much weight.
posted by aka burlap at 9:35 PM on June 25, 2013

How come Estes got to bust in while Watson was talking? (GO WEST!)

Watson is kicking up a fuss about that. It probably isn't allowed.
posted by dendrochronologizer at 9:35 PM on June 25, 2013

Can we give some appluase to the legislative staff who are fueling all of these little attempts at sanity?

*claps*
posted by mudpuppie at 9:35 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

25 minutes...
posted by Miko at 9:35 PM on June 25, 2013

Can we choose the writing media? I vote for sun-dried clay bricks.
posted by maudlin at 9:35 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

President is taking the question/role/rule on the grounds of "I said so".
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:36 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Shit.
posted by RakDaddy at 9:36 PM on June 25, 2013

I don't know who that lady in white is, but without her that guy in the suit would be totally lost.
posted by Deathalicious at 9:36 PM on June 25, 2013

Is this a vote?
posted by Miko at 9:36 PM on June 25, 2013

What's with the roll call??
posted by mudpuppie at 9:36 PM on June 25, 2013

Stone tablet. Carved in cuneiform.
posted by inara at 9:36 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

the secretary is calling the roll really slowly, i think only out of tiredness. but still helpful!
!
posted by aka burlap at 9:36 PM on June 25, 2013

Do I detect the lady taking the role to be going a bit slower than before? Wishful thinking perhaps.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:36 PM on June 25, 2013

I'm sorry if this was asked earlier - but does anyone have a link to the senate rules for filibuster that they've been quoting from tonight?
posted by nightwood at 9:36 PM on June 25, 2013

It would seem to be all over now.
posted by rollbiz at 9:37 PM on June 25, 2013

Sooooo if this is found in total contravention of Roberts' Rules and that the president had no fucking clue about the correct proceedings, can the vote be invalidated?
posted by WidgetAlley at 9:37 PM on June 25, 2013

Successful or not, it's moments of political theater like this that can really galvanize people. I'm always so happy to see two-fisted democrats.
posted by Bunny Ultramod at 9:37 PM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

they're voting on estes' motion to "recall the previous question" not sure what the previous question was though.
posted by aka burlap at 9:37 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

shit shit shit "Duncan rules that vote can proceed. Ignores other senators who want to ask questions. Roll being called. Senators angry. #txlege" - Twitter
posted by Phire at 9:37 PM on June 25, 2013

Texas Senate Rules
posted by zachlipton at 9:37 PM on June 25, 2013

25 minutes short. They killed it?
posted by mudpuppie at 9:38 PM on June 25, 2013

17 ayes and 11 nays. And another inquiry about him changing the rules of the game.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:38 PM on June 25, 2013

...wait
posted by wallabear at 9:38 PM on June 25, 2013

Van De Putte up with a parliamentary inquiry. "Before the roll call, I moved to adjourn. That should take precedence before the senate roll call."
posted by maudlin at 9:39 PM on June 25, 2013

Apparently he ignored her move to adjourn. Selective hearing, not recognized, etc.

"You were not recognized then, you are recognized now."
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:39 PM on June 25, 2013

Not done yet. That vote was just one part of unwinding the crazy-deep Inception-like stack they've gotten themselves into.
posted by zachlipton at 9:39 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Talk slower!
posted by rtha at 9:39 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

The gallery erupts.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:39 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Gallery erupting.
posted by rtha at 9:40 PM on June 25, 2013

Time to take it to the streets...
posted by HuronBob at 9:40 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Jinx.
posted by rtha at 9:40 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

"Did you fail to hear me or did you hear me and fail to recognize?"
posted by maudlin at 9:40 PM on June 25, 2013 [10 favorites]

Apparently they can kill the mics of the senators remotely. I think I just saw that happen.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:40 PM on June 25, 2013

Yeah, looks like they're going to ram it through. Amazing.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 9:41 PM on June 25, 2013

They're calling the roll again. I bet I can guess what the vote count will be.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:41 PM on June 25, 2013

she's talking faster now
posted by likeatoaster at 9:41 PM on June 25, 2013

This is so much fucking shit. Robert's Rules of order should not apply to my vagina, uterus, etc.

And I don't breed.

Fuckers.
posted by mudpuppie at 9:41 PM on June 25, 2013 [7 favorites]

Watson and West voted notably slower
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:42 PM on June 25, 2013

grrr, talk slowly secretary!
posted by aka burlap at 9:42 PM on June 25, 2013

Now I'm really confused. How did Watson get steamrolled? He was still talking, wasn't he?
posted by deadmessenger at 9:42 PM on June 25, 2013

Also, let's not forget that talking about abortion-related bills during a debate on abortion-related bills is pretty darn germane, so everyone saying it wasn't germane is a lying jerk regardless of the jerkiness of the bill under debate.
posted by Deathalicious at 9:42 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Robert's Rules of order should not apply to my vagina, uterus, etc.

They don't even apply to the senate apparently.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:42 PM on June 25, 2013 [6 favorites]

They don't use Robert's. (Just as a point of information). Most states don't.
posted by Miko at 9:43 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

So this is where this is going down. What happened to Davis?
posted by fleacircus at 9:43 PM on June 25, 2013

> Now I'm really confused. How did Watson get steamrolled? He was still talking, wasn't he?

Previous question is a motion to cut off debate. They voted to cut him off and go directly to vote on the motion he was debating.
posted by yuwtze at 9:43 PM on June 25, 2013

Watson has another parliamentary inquiry.

This is KILLING me.
posted by maudlin at 9:43 PM on June 25, 2013

They're just making him go to the rule book to tie his shoes. It may work.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:43 PM on June 25, 2013

Watson!
posted by rollbiz at 9:43 PM on June 25, 2013

Miko, what are they using?
posted by mudpuppie at 9:44 PM on June 25, 2013

Now I'm really confused. How did Watson get steamrolled? He was still talking, wasn't he?

Apparently by the rule of "Republicans want to vote now."
posted by Navelgazer at 9:44 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Motion to reconsider. Yes!
posted by dendrochronologizer at 9:44 PM on June 25, 2013

mudpuppie: They're using Mason's Manual, like most leges.
posted by teferi at 9:44 PM on June 25, 2013

Texas legislature rules.

Everybody gets to make their own parliamentary rules.
posted by Miko at 9:44 PM on June 25, 2013

Parliamentarian in white seems content to just let the President do whatever.
posted by vuron at 9:44 PM on June 25, 2013

Van De Putte jumps in, too. They are going to seriously work this fucker over, win or lose.
posted by maudlin at 9:44 PM on June 25, 2013

"NOT -- hang on a second."
posted by scody at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013

OH VAN DE PUTTE I JUST FELL IN LOVE WITH YOU.
posted by cmyk at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013 [13 favorites]

Yo!
posted by faineant at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013

Fifteen minutes y'all.
posted by WidgetAlley at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013

Bombshell.

"at what point must a female senator raise her hand or her voice to be heard over the male coleauges in the room?"
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013 [48 favorites]

Oh zing. "At what point must a female senator raise her hands." The gloves are off, on both sides.
posted by dendrochronologizer at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Dammmmmmmmmnnnnnnn!
posted by Deathalicious at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013

Holy!
posted by Runes at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013

Burn!
posted by annsunny at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013

"At what point must a female senator raise her hand or voice to be heard over male colleagues in the room?"

MASSIVE cheers from gallery.
posted by maudlin at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013 [10 favorites]

jaw... dropped.
posted by wallabear at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

ooooooooooooooh

nice
posted by Flunkie at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013

This is going to be one for the record books, ayup.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013

God bless van de Putte and West and Zaffirini and Watson, but is it only a handful of them having to take turns finding things to say...
posted by aka burlap at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013

BAM!
posted by donquixote at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013

omg crowd please just cheer for 15 more minutes
posted by likeatoaster at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

"at what point must a female senator raise her voice to be recognized above the male colleagues in the room"
posted by Theta States at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

oh fuck YEAH
posted by duvatney at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Seriously, the Texas Democrats involved int his thing are some of the best people on the planet right now.
posted by WeX Majors at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

They don't have time to empty the chamber...keep up the noise...
posted by HuronBob at 9:45 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

The gallery is overruling the president. They may hold out.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:46 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

HOLY SHIT!!!!
posted by Cyrano at 9:46 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

They are still cheering!
posted by mochapickle at 9:46 PM on June 25, 2013

I think that's worth 15 minutes of applause.
posted by Uncle Ira at 9:46 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

They adopt their own rules every session as a Senate Resolution, but Robert's is frequently consulted on complicated issues where their own rules are unclear.

We ordered 30 some more copies of Roberts' when I worked at the Tx Leg Library in 2003, FWIW. They're probably all checked out.
posted by pantarei70 at 9:46 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

No way the sergeants in the chamber will be able to quiet them.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:46 PM on June 25, 2013

COME ON GALLERY
posted by WidgetAlley at 9:46 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Damn that gavel, you better call the national guard.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:46 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Molly Ivins is smiling from heaven.
posted by jcking77 at 9:47 PM on June 25, 2013 [14 favorites]

van de putte up at the bench importuning the President about something
posted by Miko at 9:47 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

They're voting while we're cheering.
posted by donajo at 9:47 PM on June 25, 2013

This is unbelievable.
posted by rtha at 9:47 PM on June 25, 2013

Ahhhhhhh damnit mute!
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:47 PM on June 25, 2013

Do it gallery!!
posted by aka burlap at 9:47 PM on June 25, 2013

cut sound

cowards
posted by Flunkie at 9:47 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

aaaaaaaaaaand mute.
posted by deadmessenger at 9:47 PM on June 25, 2013

...And mute again.
posted by mochapickle at 9:47 PM on June 25, 2013

That is some beautiful noise coming from the gallery.
posted by byanyothername at 9:47 PM on June 25, 2013

Way to pick your moment for civil disobedience, folks.
posted by Miko at 9:47 PM on June 25, 2013 [13 favorites]

ITS BACK!
posted by WeX Majors at 9:47 PM on June 25, 2013

Wow. Come on forces of good.
posted by fleacircus at 9:47 PM on June 25, 2013

Are they doing the final vote? Or is this another vote on procedure?
posted by RakDaddy at 9:48 PM on June 25, 2013

:)
posted by mudpuppie at 9:48 PM on June 25, 2013

Wow
posted by faineant at 9:48 PM on June 25, 2013

No, you cannot have order in the chamber so that the members can pass their vote, fucker!
posted by aka burlap at 9:48 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

"I DON'T KNOW. I DON'T KNOW!"
posted by SollosQ at 9:48 PM on June 25, 2013

Twelve minutes and I'm headed for the Xanax because I cannot EVEN deal with this right now
posted by WidgetAlley at 9:48 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Way to pick your moment for civil disobedience, folks.

Damn skippy.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:48 PM on June 25, 2013

We're WATCHING, you fucking COWARDS.
posted by scody at 9:48 PM on June 25, 2013 [12 favorites]

procedure, RakDaddy, but after this the actual vote seems imminent
posted by aka burlap at 9:48 PM on June 25, 2013

WILL SUSPEND ROLL CALL VOTE UNTIL THEY CAN GET ORDER IN THE CHAMBER!
posted by maudlin at 9:48 PM on June 25, 2013

Come on senators, say you can't hear her! Come on!

Gallery don't trust him! keep it up!!!!
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:48 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

"We will suspend the roll call vote until we can get order."

Looks like you won't be getting order then.
posted by Deathalicious at 9:49 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Still procedural voting, I think. They're voting to cut off debate and move to voting on the bill.
posted by yuwtze at 9:49 PM on June 25, 2013

I thought he said "If we can get order in the chamber we will suspend the roll call vote."
posted by HuronBob at 9:49 PM on June 25, 2013

If you give up we'll let you win? No don't take that offer.
posted by fleacircus at 9:49 PM on June 25, 2013

Right on! KEEP UP THE NOISE!
posted by Miko at 9:49 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Shit, 10 mins.... they may get ejected.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:49 PM on June 25, 2013

It's the last procedural vote. I am wondering if this "suspend the roll call" that the president is offering is some sort of trick.
posted by dendrochronologizer at 9:49 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

The woman in white, advising the president, is apparently the parliamentarian. (From Daily Kos.)
posted by NailsTheCat at 9:49 PM on June 25, 2013

13 minutes....
posted by mudpuppie at 9:49 PM on June 25, 2013

The mute goes on, the mute goes off. And more cheering
posted by mochapickle at 9:49 PM on June 25, 2013

Oh man, Van de Putte has me in tears. That was incredible.
posted by avocet at 9:50 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Oh my god. Democracy.
posted by Bunny Ultramod at 9:50 PM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

What will "suspend" do? Does that halt the clock?
posted by booksherpa at 9:50 PM on June 25, 2013

It should never be easy to take away someones freedom
posted by bottlebrushtree at 9:50 PM on June 25, 2013 [11 favorites]

This is like out of the 19th century.
posted by Miko at 9:50 PM on June 25, 2013 [6 favorites]

Trust that guy? No way!
posted by emjaybee at 9:50 PM on June 25, 2013

KEEP IT UP! We're cheering with you!
posted by scody at 9:50 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

I don't think I've ever been this moved by witnessing civil disobedience. It's amazing.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 9:50 PM on June 25, 2013 [9 favorites]

The way this is going I would not at all be surprised to see furniture come raining down from the gallery.
posted by cmyk at 9:50 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Looks like the secretary just walked away from her podium. Wonder what the significance is there?
posted by zachlipton at 9:50 PM on June 25, 2013

Not at all Germane: I'd just like to extend thanks to the mods and programmer(s) at MeFi who made instant comment updates available for threads just like this one.
posted by Deathalicious at 9:50 PM on June 25, 2013 [32 favorites]

Keep it up! Keep yelling!
posted by studioaudience at 9:51 PM on June 25, 2013

Time to return to town hall democracy...
posted by HuronBob at 9:51 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

go go go go
posted by Miko at 9:51 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGGHGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 9:51 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

This is absolutely incredible.
posted by faineant at 9:51 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

> This is like out of the 19th century.

I'm thinking a caning might actually be possible.
posted by mrzarquon at 9:51 PM on June 25, 2013

Go, gallery.

So great. You can do this.
posted by notyou at 9:51 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

KEEP IT UP...8 more minutes!
posted by Miko at 9:51 PM on June 25, 2013

8 minutes to go, if we're going by my clock, not their mythical clock.
posted by maudlin at 9:52 PM on June 25, 2013

*starts the wave at Metafilter*
posted by mudpuppie at 9:52 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

FAN- FUCKING-TASTIC!
posted by NorthernAutumn at 9:52 PM on June 25, 2013

I'm thinking a caning might actually be possible.

I can think of a few good candidates.
posted by emjaybee at 9:52 PM on June 25, 2013

I am speechless. And for some reason, close to tears. This is wonderful. I have so much gratitude for all the people who went down to that building - I know some Mefites are among them.
posted by artemisia at 9:52 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Strange - as I read the rules - a filibuster can only be ended after 3 POO on germaneness solely.
posted by nightwood at 9:52 PM on June 25, 2013

KEEP GOING
posted by scody at 9:52 PM on June 25, 2013

8 minutes, by my atomic-synched clock.
posted by deadmessenger at 9:52 PM on June 25, 2013

Friend outside the chambers just tweeted it's pure madness out there.
posted by mochapickle at 9:52 PM on June 25, 2013

Wow.

Tearing up over here.
posted by saul wright at 9:52 PM on June 25, 2013

Sobbing.
posted by mothershock at 9:52 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Allllllll of my love to everyone in the gallery right now, especially those of you joining us in this discussion. My teeth are chattering from the adrenaline, and I'm all the way in DC. Can't imagine how you must he be feeling.
posted by SugarAndSass at 9:53 PM on June 25, 2013 [10 favorites]

If Wendy can stand and talk for thirteen hours, sure as hell the folks in the gallery can shout for ten more minutes. Go go go go go go go.

I have goosebumps.
posted by cmyk at 9:53 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

I'm torn. On the one hand, this is awesome. On the other hand, I rue the precedent that allowing a bunch of people to come to the legislature and yell whenever something is being passed that they don't like.

That said, the current position (that talking about *abortion laws* was not germane during a discussion about *abortion laws*) is insane too, so...
posted by Deathalicious at 9:53 PM on June 25, 2013 [8 favorites]

This is your constituency yelling, pay attention goddammit.
posted by faineant at 9:53 PM on June 25, 2013 [10 favorites]

Right on. I am so inspired and so GLAD so many people physically went down to the statehouse. That shit is real. Way to be!
posted by Miko at 9:53 PM on June 25, 2013

Even just reading about the gallery jumping in to help out has moved me to tears. Texas, you made me cry. Never thought I'd say that.
posted by WidgetAlley at 9:53 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Absolutely incredible.
posted by rollbiz at 9:53 PM on June 25, 2013

Okay, now they're clearing the gallery. Y'all let me know what's happening.
posted by donajo at 9:53 PM on June 25, 2013

DON'T STOP! THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING! THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING!
posted by scody at 9:53 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Strange - as I read the rules - a filibuster can only be ended after 3 POO on germaneness solely.
posted by nightwood at 12:52 AM on June 26 [+] [!]

Not just you - they spent 45 minutes on that issue before this deuce ramrodded the question closed.
posted by deadmessenger at 9:53 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

I haven't been this riveted by a state leg since New York's vote to extend marriage rights. Come on, Texas, you can shut these fuckers down.
posted by RakDaddy at 9:53 PM on June 25, 2013

Link, people, link! Where can I watch this?
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 9:53 PM on June 25, 2013

(opens Date & Time Preferences to see the second hand)
posted by avocet at 9:53 PM on June 25, 2013

Metafilter Inquiry: Will this civil disobedience actually not help in the end? Serious question to Mr. Metafilter-dent...
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013

I rue the precedent that allowing a bunch of people to come to the legislature and yell whenever something is being passed that they don't like.

That has been going on for all of American history, though.
posted by Miko at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

I rue the precedent that allowing a bunch of people to come to the legislature and yell whenever something is being passed that they don't like.

Wasn't that how the Tea Party got started?
posted by Mad_Carew at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Someone on Facebook just compared this to Calvinball, and yeah that seems about right
posted by jetlagaddict at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013 [9 favorites]

Also, Rick Perry's going to have his next special session behind closed, locked doors.
posted by RakDaddy at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2Q8Hr0O20LY
posted by Talez at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013

I rue the precedent that allowing a bunch of people to come to the legislature and yell whenever something is being passed that they don't like.

If the government had followed the will of the voters and its own rules, this would not have happened.
posted by emjaybee at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

What is the chant?
posted by Flunkie at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013

Chanting: WENDY WENDY WENDY
posted by mochapickle at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

Watch live here.
posted by maudlin at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013

What are they chanting?
posted by fleacircus at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013

wendy! wendy!
posted by wallabear at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013

http://www.ibtimes.com/sen-wendy-davis-filibuster-live-stream-watch-texas-senator-try-defeat-abortion-bill-1322501?ft=k82h2
posted by NorthernAutumn at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013

Wendy! Wendy! Wendy!
posted by jokeefe at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013

Andrea Grimes twitter says the Dems had their Mics cut.
posted by annsunny at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013

Not just you - they spent 45 minutes on that issue before this deuce ramrodded the question closed.

Thank you - i had to leave for a while to do my work meetings :(
posted by nightwood at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013

Battleground Texas indeed!
posted by glhaynes at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013

A relevant, use case worth going to jail for. That's for sure.... but they can't arrest you all... and if you do go to jail, it's together with a cool story to follow.


GO!
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Mad_Carew: "I rue the precedent that allowing a bunch of people to come to the legislature and yell whenever something is being passed that they don't like.

Wasn't that how the Tea Party got started?"

Wait, which one? The real one or the shitty one?
posted by Deathalicious at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Strange - as I read the rules - a filibuster can only be ended after 3 POO on germaneness solely.

Yeah, but being able (or not) to present this as a fait accompli tomorrow morning can make up for some procedural sins, sadly.
posted by dendrochronologizer at 9:54 PM on June 25, 2013

Dear Gallery.

Get Arrested.

It's important.
posted by Mad_Carew at 9:55 PM on June 25, 2013 [12 favorites]

Six minutes. Now is a great time to start getting arrested if you can afford it, gallery peeps. Come on!
posted by WidgetAlley at 9:55 PM on June 25, 2013

Everyone's taking cellphone photos on the senate floor.
posted by Miko at 9:55 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Don't stop! Don't stop! Lay down -- don't leave. Scream. Yell.
posted by Surfurrus at 9:55 PM on June 25, 2013

CITIZENS FILIBUSTER
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 9:55 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

I think a fuck of a lot of people in that gallery are VERY willing to get arrested right now.
posted by maudlin at 9:56 PM on June 25, 2013

wow, some of the media and aides and stuff are cheering and clapping too!
posted by aka burlap at 9:56 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

REMEMBER THE ALAMO! REMEMBER SAN JACINTO!!


(That should mean something to some people.)
posted by mudpuppie at 9:56 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Are those Dem Senators on the floor cheering on the gallery? Or staffers? But that last camera shot definitely showed them telling the gallery to keep it up!
posted by QuantumMeruit at 9:56 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Now is a great time to start getting arrested if you can afford it, gallery peeps. Come on!

You can't afford not to. Keep it up. Don't leave on your feet. It might work.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:56 PM on June 25, 2013

whoops ... I was just lurking ...
posted by Surfurrus at 9:56 PM on June 25, 2013

Keep it going! Pour it on! Don't stop now!
posted by Sphinx at 9:56 PM on June 25, 2013

On the other hand, I rue the precedent that allowing a bunch of people to come to the legislature and yell whenever something is being passed that they don't like.

Except this whole thing is couched in legislative and parliamentary fuckery. There are some cases where the only way to win is to join your opponents in the mud.
posted by SugarAndSass at 9:56 PM on June 25, 2013 [7 favorites]

How about a rousing chorus of "THE STARS AT NIGHT...ARE BIG AND BRIGHT..."
posted by Miko at 9:56 PM on June 25, 2013 [7 favorites]

4 minutes. Fuck, I don't know...
posted by deadmessenger at 9:56 PM on June 25, 2013

I am too am incredibly moved - but feel like i've been here before w/ Wisconsin. These bastids have no shame.
posted by madamjujujive at 9:56 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Looks like Dems on the floor are cheering on the gallery. Somebody GIF that with an appropriate caption, please.
posted by maudlin at 9:56 PM on June 25, 2013

I sort of love that with all the last minute saves and crazed parliamentary jujitsu it's going to come down to ordinary Texans refusing to shut up.
posted by The Bellman at 9:56 PM on June 25, 2013 [20 favorites]

Is that an airhorn or is somebody just that damn good???!!
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:56 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Is that a band playing?
posted by likeatoaster at 9:57 PM on June 25, 2013

Shoots, I'm getting all teary.
posted by Surfurrus at 9:57 PM on June 25, 2013

Is that a band playing?

It is Austin...
posted by restless_nomad at 9:57 PM on June 25, 2013

3 minutes. JEE-zus.
posted by maudlin at 9:57 PM on June 25, 2013

If you hadn't been watching the Livestream because it was triggering and enraging, WATCH NOW. You're missing out on history being made.
posted by Phire at 9:57 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

"If I can have some order"

Fuck You.
posted by mrzarquon at 9:57 PM on June 25, 2013 [18 favorites]

This is really incredible. It gives me such hope.

NO YOU CANNOT HAVE SOME ORDER FUCK YOU
posted by rtha at 9:57 PM on June 25, 2013 [17 favorites]

VUVUZELA
posted by Miko at 9:58 PM on June 25, 2013 [7 favorites]

haha, when he asks for order the crowd gets louder. KEEP GOING!!
posted by aka burlap at 9:58 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

KEEP

FUCKING

GOING
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 9:58 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

President: "If I can have some order..."

Gallery: boogaboogawonkwonkwendyblahlahblahalbha increases.
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:58 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

holy shit I think that's an actual airhorn.
posted by deadmessenger at 9:58 PM on June 25, 2013

This is breaking my heart. Can I bear to watch?
posted by jokeefe at 9:58 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

There's no way they could get a whole vote at this point. Honestly I think even with 10 minutes out it would have been close to impossible to get the thing passed. At this point it's about sending a message.

And yeah, sorry jerkface. You get no order tonight.
posted by Deathalicious at 9:58 PM on June 25, 2013

Asking for order just ramped them back up.
posted by Brody's chum at 9:58 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

COME ON GALLLLLERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRYYYYYYY
posted by WidgetAlley at 9:58 PM on June 25, 2013

jokeefe, YES
posted by faineant at 9:58 PM on June 25, 2013

yes! watch!
posted by spinifex23 at 9:58 PM on June 25, 2013

From twitter: Statesmanmike ‏@mikestatesman 5m

Hinojosa: GOP plans to count this chaos as a 'time out,' intends to pass SB5 after midnight. Crowd erupts anew. #txlege
posted by artemisia at 9:59 PM on June 25, 2013

No, you cannot have some FUCKING order
posted by scody at 9:59 PM on June 25, 2013

Oh my god, they're magnificent
posted by faineant at 9:59 PM on June 25, 2013

One minute!
posted by mochapickle at 9:59 PM on June 25, 2013

Ok, seriously. A vote was just announced, but which one was it?
posted by RolandOfEld at 9:59 PM on June 25, 2013

What's the major newspaper in Austin? I have the Statesman up but it hasn't been updated since 10:10 PM (come on.)
posted by Miko at 9:59 PM on June 25, 2013

Wait, what the fuck was that?
posted by RakDaddy at 9:59 PM on June 25, 2013

Props to whoever is directing the feed. They're doing a great job at pointing the cameras at where the action has been happening.
posted by Deathalicious at 9:59 PM on June 25, 2013

Holy shit, I just made it to the end of the thread and had to finally turn on the live stream to see what's going down. Holy shit.

Awesome job, awesome Texas citizens. Awesome job, Senator Davis.

God I hope this works :(
posted by barnacles at 9:59 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

what was the previous question? was that the vote?
posted by likeatoaster at 9:59 PM on June 25, 2013

jokeefe: "This is breaking my heart. Can I bear to watch?"

It's gonna be tough to watch, but you'll love the ride.
posted by Sphinx at 9:59 PM on June 25, 2013

Less than a minute to go ...
posted by maudlin at 9:59 PM on June 25, 2013

YEEEEELLLLLLLL!!! WENDY WENDY WENDY
posted by Surfurrus at 9:59 PM on June 25, 2013

"Wendy, Wendy, Wendy!"
Totally fucking cool.
posted by The Potate at 9:59 PM on June 25, 2013

Well, shit.
posted by Runes at 10:00 PM on June 25, 2013

midnight
posted by Flunkie at 10:00 PM on June 25, 2013

It's midnight.
posted by deadmessenger at 10:00 PM on June 25, 2013

midnight
posted by bottlebrushtree at 10:00 PM on June 25, 2013

Donajo, via message: State troopers dragging people out of gallery.
posted by ormondsacker at 10:00 PM on June 25, 2013

I think the previous question was tabling the appeal?
posted by TwoWordReview at 10:00 PM on June 25, 2013

ROAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted by faineant at 10:00 PM on June 25, 2013

I am amazed that the front pages of the NYTimes and CNN are dead, just absolutely dead, on the end of this.
posted by jetlagaddict at 10:00 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Uh oh! From Twitter: Hinojosa: GOP plans to count this chaos as a 'time out,' intends to pass SB5 after midnight. Crowd erupts anew. #txlege
posted by WidgetAlley at 10:00 PM on June 25, 2013

Midnight!!!
posted by dirtdirt at 10:00 PM on June 25, 2013

Sounds like they think it's midnight in TX. :)
posted by rollbiz at 10:00 PM on June 25, 2013

Session is out. Do they dare to walk away?
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:00 PM on June 25, 2013

One senator is showing another senator how to take photos with his camera/phone. Somehow that goofy family-vacation-esque moment just makes the whole thing that much more surreal.
posted by Deathalicious at 10:00 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Wow.
posted by wallabear at 10:00 PM on June 25, 2013

Utterly incredible.
posted by eyeballkid at 10:00 PM on June 25, 2013

Just keep going until they kick you out, don't stop until you are arrested.
posted by mrzarquon at 10:00 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

We need a really good reworking of Suffragette City here.
posted by cmyk at 10:00 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Donajo, via message: State troopers dragging people out of gallery.

Godspeed my friend.
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:00 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

YESYESYES!!!
posted by NorthernAutumn at 10:00 PM on June 25, 2013

Outstanding.
posted by Sphinx at 10:01 PM on June 25, 2013

Just keep going until they kick you out, don't stop until you are arrested.

fucking seconded!
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 10:01 PM on June 25, 2013

ARe they chanting "Shame?"
posted by deadmessenger at 10:01 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

What are they saying, "stay?"
posted by Miko at 10:01 PM on June 25, 2013

I'm giving $130 ($10 for every hour of Sen. Davis's filibuster, counting the parliamentary shenanigans) to... someone, maybe everyone. I'll figure it out in the morning.
posted by muddgirl at 10:01 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

THey're counting a roll!
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:01 PM on June 25, 2013

Democratic victory lap?
posted by Miko at 10:01 PM on June 25, 2013

They're calling the roll again. OMG.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 10:01 PM on June 25, 2013

But he announced 19 ayes, 10 nos. What question was it to?

The question was, Is the Senate President an ass?
posted by mochapickle at 10:01 PM on June 25, 2013

West, realizing it's 12. Bless you Sen. West.! They are still calling the roll. Fuckers.
posted by dendrochronologizer at 10:01 PM on June 25, 2013

I NEED to hear the clapclapclap deepintheheartoftexas song RIGHT NOW, gallery! DO IT!

(Unless they are treating this as a time out. Bastards.)
posted by maudlin at 10:02 PM on June 25, 2013

I don't see the live stream anymore. Anyone else?
posted by The Potate at 10:02 PM on June 25, 2013

Roll call!
posted by Miko at 10:02 PM on June 25, 2013

it's past 12:01 but they're voting.
posted by Justinian at 10:02 PM on June 25, 2013

They're CALLING THE FUCKING ROLE
posted by WidgetAlley at 10:02 PM on June 25, 2013

What are they doing? Are they voting?
posted by jokeefe at 10:02 PM on June 25, 2013

The vote announced was for "Previous Question" on the bill. That cuts off debate on the bill, now the next thing to do is vote on it, which they're doing right now.
posted by yuwtze at 10:02 PM on June 25, 2013

they're calling the roll
posted by likeatoaster at 10:02 PM on June 25, 2013

No - they're taking a roll count
posted by faineant at 10:02 PM on June 25, 2013

I'm hearing "shame."
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 10:02 PM on June 25, 2013

Roll call? But for what, exactly?
posted by rtha at 10:02 PM on June 25, 2013

But he announced 19 ayes, 10 nos. What question was it to?

Are we human? Or are we dancers?
posted by jetlagaddict at 10:02 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Oh man, at this point it will irk me to no end if they finagle some way of making this go through.
posted by Deathalicious at 10:02 PM on June 25, 2013

I am surprised the Times has nothing but I expect they will in a few minutes. They were probably not prepared for this - was looking procedural.
posted by Miko at 10:02 PM on June 25, 2013

looks like they are treating as an interruption but I don't even FUCKING CARE we won this won fair and square you fuckers and YOU KNOW IT
posted by WidgetAlley at 10:02 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

bottom line...the law, the constitution, federal or state, do not matter to these people... it is really time to take it to the streets and make a change...
posted by HuronBob at 10:03 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Time to get my kid home and to sleep.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 10:03 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Why are my cats fighting NOW arrgh
posted by jokeefe at 10:03 PM on June 25, 2013

it looks on the feed like they're kicking the press out?
posted by deadmessenger at 10:03 PM on June 25, 2013

"We're the people!"
posted by JimBennett at 10:03 PM on June 25, 2013

Why is it suddenly quiet?
posted by decathecting at 10:03 PM on June 25, 2013

I hope the people in the gallery brought some arm locks or handcuffs or something, if they're being forcibly ejected before the vote is cast.
posted by cmyk at 10:04 PM on June 25, 2013

A motion from Senator Whitmeyer to what?
posted by Flunkie at 10:04 PM on June 25, 2013

I mean philly.com's biggest headline is, I kid you not, Vote: What's your favorite hoagie shop?, so I can't really judge...oh but I can.
posted by jetlagaddict at 10:04 PM on June 25, 2013

Why is it suddenly quiet?

Attrition.
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:04 PM on June 25, 2013

What did the fucker chairing this just ask for? "It's after midnight and ..."?
posted by maudlin at 10:04 PM on June 25, 2013

it passed is what my fb feed says.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 10:04 PM on June 25, 2013

They're calling sine die - but did it pass?
posted by deadmessenger at 10:04 PM on June 25, 2013

I think I hear the crowd outside chanting still
posted by bottlebrushtree at 10:05 PM on June 25, 2013

I'm not believing it's over til I see no one in the room.
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 10:05 PM on June 25, 2013

A motion from Senator Whitmeyer to what?

sine die - adjourn.
posted by Miko at 10:05 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

sine die I believe Latin for adjourn indefinitely, or end the session. What I don't know is whether the vote was taken/announced/whatever.
posted by dendrochronologizer at 10:05 PM on June 25, 2013

Roll call? But for what, exactly?

SB5. They're calling the gallery filibuster "time out"

but I don't even FUCKING CARE we won this won fair and square you fuckers and YOU KNOW IT

Yeah, basically. Mudpuppie has had some great insight on this in this thread - preventing SB5 from passing was futile in the short run. That doesn't anyone's actions today futile.
posted by muddgirl at 10:05 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Asked for adjournment sine die = without day, i.e. adjourn with no date set to re-adjourn.
posted by gingerbeer at 10:05 PM on June 25, 2013

You hear the background chanting? Beautiful.
posted by RakDaddy at 10:05 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Wow...the muffled SHAME chant from outside.
posted by saul wright at 10:05 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

you can hear the shame chant going on outside still...
posted by madamjujujive at 10:05 PM on June 25, 2013

So what happens now?
posted by mochapickle at 10:06 PM on June 25, 2013

Sine Die is the term for the closure of the session - they need a motion to call Sine Die, and are asking the seniormost Senator for that motion, per custom.
posted by deadmessenger at 10:06 PM on June 25, 2013

"These guys don't believe in evolution. You didn't think the space-time continuum was going to stop them, did you?"
posted by SollosQ at 10:06 PM on June 25, 2013 [10 favorites]

A motion from Senator Whitmeyer to what?

Sine Die.
posted by The Bellman at 10:06 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

What's going on Americans with your strange procedural things is this good or bad
posted by jokeefe at 10:06 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

What are the chances the law will be found unconstitutional if/when it passes?
posted by Deathalicious at 10:06 PM on June 25, 2013

Times did have something on the front page the whole time - below the fold though.
posted by Miko at 10:06 PM on June 25, 2013

So are we calling it passed?
posted by WidgetAlley at 10:06 PM on June 25, 2013

The sound of gas spraying and thunks?

Oh, thats just the real aesthetic of the court system.
posted by flyinghamster at 10:07 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Mayor Julián Castro ‏@JulianCastro 3m

When Texas turns Blue, tonight may well be looked upon as the beginning. #standwithwendy #sb5 #gopextremism
posted by Drinky Die at 10:07 PM on June 25, 2013 [7 favorites]

It can't be passed, I don't think. I think it's arrested wherever the process was in the untabling procedure.
posted by Miko at 10:08 PM on June 25, 2013

I REALLY want to see a wide-angle shot of what the gallery looks like. Empty?
posted by QuantumMeruit at 10:08 PM on June 25, 2013

So are we calling it passed?

I can't even tell. I didn't hear a vote on anything other than the motion to table the appeal (which passed) and then a roll call. They may well say it passed, but I didn't hear it on the feed.
posted by The Bellman at 10:08 PM on June 25, 2013

From what I can tell, they declared it passed and the Rs turned tail and ran the hell out of the chamber.
posted by deadmessenger at 10:08 PM on June 25, 2013

From Twitter, Texas Tribune reporting that state troopers are refusing to arrest gallery occupants. No idea if that's true but I hope so
posted by WidgetAlley at 10:08 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

WidgetAlley, that would have to be my guess. The official record of all the votes on the bill is here, it is being updated reasonably live with the procedural votes, but not the results. It's what I'll check tomorrow (along with the legislative journal it links to) to find out what the official party line on what went down is. It would take (I believe) court intervention to overturn, if it shows up there as passed.
posted by dendrochronologizer at 10:09 PM on June 25, 2013

I think the dems are caucusing to figure out what to do before adjournment.
posted by nightwood at 10:09 PM on June 25, 2013

Texas Tribune ‏@TexasTribune 1m
Sen. Deuell says they voted on #SB5 17-12. #txlege
posted by Drinky Die at 10:09 PM on June 25, 2013

Not one of the news sites has a freaking clue what happened yet. No one knows where it stands.
posted by Miko at 10:09 PM on June 25, 2013

Did anyone make out what that person just yelled?
posted by Deathalicious at 10:09 PM on June 25, 2013

even if they don't arrest them, they clearly detained them to remove them from the gallery.
posted by flyinghamster at 10:09 PM on June 25, 2013

What's going on Americans with your strange procedural things is this good or bad

Most of our procedure is based on British parliament. And we're not the only ones using it.
posted by elsietheeel at 10:10 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Holy crap. Love this state, even if I wasn't born here.
posted by mrbill at 10:10 PM on June 25, 2013

So it passed or not? All that time and we don't even know... my hatred knows no bounds at the disdain for 'rule of law' exhibited here.
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:10 PM on June 25, 2013

What are the chances the law will be found unconstitutional if/when it passes?

Modest. But getting it to the Supreme Court is going to take time and money and given that this isn't just an academic exercise but rather real, practical and urgent access for women in Texas, that would be an abysmally costly period of time in terms of human despair.
posted by DarlingBri at 10:10 PM on June 25, 2013 [9 favorites]

Damn, I wish I had been reading this informative liveblog from the Texas Tribune all night.
posted by Miko at 10:11 PM on June 25, 2013

Did anyone make out what that person just yelled?

Someone else just yelled, I couldn't make it out but it didn't sound like Merry Christmas...
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:11 PM on June 25, 2013

This is outside the Texas senate right now #standwithwendy pic.twitter.com/xULpofHfwo
posted by Surfurrus at 10:11 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

I.... have no idea what just happened.
posted by subbes at 10:12 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

AP reporting the bill passed on Twitter.
posted by brentajones at 10:12 PM on June 25, 2013

Whoa, Gallery is still there. My poor speakers.
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:12 PM on June 25, 2013

What?
posted by Miko at 10:12 PM on June 25, 2013

No one knows! Groans and shouting from the gallery....
posted by mochapickle at 10:13 PM on June 25, 2013

Booing from the gallery. Doesn't sound good.
posted by maudlin at 10:13 PM on June 25, 2013

Gallery yelling NO. I'm guessing it passed.
posted by deadmessenger at 10:13 PM on June 25, 2013

Holy crow Surfurrus.
posted by faineant at 10:13 PM on June 25, 2013

Here's a report of no vote.
posted by WidgetAlley at 10:13 PM on June 25, 2013

"Let her go!" - chanting in gallery
posted by Surfurrus at 10:13 PM on June 25, 2013

I.... have no idea what just happened.

tbh I don't think anyone does? Is a horse consul in Rome now?
posted by jetlagaddict at 10:13 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Texas Republicans believe that God created the world in 7 days, each of which was apparently 24 hours and 1 minute long.
posted by KathrynT at 10:14 PM on June 25, 2013 [11 favorites]

Looks like they are clearing the gallery? Seeing a lot of legs moving on the stream.
posted by zachlipton at 10:14 PM on June 25, 2013

So it passed or not?

Yes. GOP is saying it passed, Dems are saying that the vote was invalid. I'm following this Twitter which seems most up-to-date with whatevers going on on the floor. Given the typical rules for these proceedings, I'm guessing it's basically passed.
posted by muddgirl at 10:14 PM on June 25, 2013

Report of no vote? That link says the bill passed, WidgetAlley.
posted by Justinian at 10:14 PM on June 25, 2013

Hopefully a lawsuit can progress rather quickly because it should be pretty trivial to show a material cost to this law on the part of the clinics.
posted by vuron at 10:14 PM on June 25, 2013

Yes. GOP is saying it passed, Dems are saying that the vote was invalid.

Oh, that'll be fun.
posted by Miko at 10:15 PM on June 25, 2013

DAAAMMMIIIT it said no vote literally three minutes ago.
posted by WidgetAlley at 10:15 PM on June 25, 2013

Report of no vote? That link says the bill passed, WidgetAlley.
posted by Justinian at 1:14 AM on June 26 [+] [!]

The headline says it passed, but the body text says no vote.
posted by deadmessenger at 10:15 PM on June 25, 2013

Just a heads-up gang, MetaFilter is going to be down briefly for scheduled maintenance tonight.

pb has delayed it to let us see midnight pass, but he may flip the switch in about 15 minutes. We expect to be back up pretty quickly (5-10 min). If the site is unexpectedly down for a while you can check the status blog for updates.
posted by LobsterMitten at 10:15 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

> Here's a report of no vote.

The headline's already updated to say it passed, but the article hasn't been updated yet.
posted by yuwtze at 10:16 PM on June 25, 2013

Holy cow, if I'm seeing via Mr. Blurrycam right, Davis is still on her feet! That is her in the white dress, right?
posted by Runes at 10:16 PM on June 25, 2013

That WFAA story does not make sense.

Headline: "Republicans pass abortion bill as chaotic session ends "

First para: "But the session ended in chaos at midnight with no vote on Senate Bill 5."

Final para: "The clock expired with no further legislative action possible. Gov. Rick Perry could still summon lawmakers back for a second special session."
posted by maudlin at 10:16 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Will chat be up while the site is down lobstermitten?
posted by vuron at 10:16 PM on June 25, 2013

Scheduled maintenance (unless for some reason it's critical) seems like a really bad idea right now.
posted by glhaynes at 10:16 PM on June 25, 2013

pb has delayed it to let us see midnight pass, but he may flip the switch in about 15 minutes. We expect to be back up pretty quickly (5-10 min). If the site is unexpectedly down for a while you can check the status blog for updates.

Don't make us go all TX State Senate Gallery up in here......
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:17 PM on June 25, 2013

"But the session ended in chaos at midnight with no vote on Senate Bill 5."

There was a vote at 12:01, however.
posted by dubusadus at 10:17 PM on June 25, 2013

Twitter feed saying it passed but now they are debating whether a post-midnight vote was unconstitutional.

I have no idea.
posted by mochapickle at 10:17 PM on June 25, 2013

Just a heads-up gang, MetaFilter is going to be down briefly for scheduled maintenance tonight.

THE MATTRIARCHY IN ACTION

sry im a little agitated
posted by elizardbits at 10:17 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

I suspect this will be going to court, since there is so much confusion.
posted by annsunny at 10:18 PM on June 25, 2013

No way that voted finished by 12:01am
posted by Justinian at 10:18 PM on June 25, 2013

Scheduled maintenance (unless for some reason it's really critical) seems like a really bad idea right now.

I think the Texas Senate can have this fight on its own without MeFi's crucial help for 5-10 minutes.
posted by zachlipton at 10:18 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Uh, not the maintenance, obvs
posted by annsunny at 10:18 PM on June 25, 2013

There was a vote at 12:01, however.

Which was sprinkled with fairy dust and unicorn tears AND IT DID SO COUNT, YOU GUYS!

Fuckers.
posted by maudlin at 10:18 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

I suspect this will be going to court, since there is so much confusion.

It's just server maintenance. Relax!
posted by The Bellman at 10:19 PM on June 25, 2013 [14 favorites]

What a dark day - voting rights down, abortion restrictions up. I am so sad tonight.
posted by madamjujujive at 10:19 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Was that a yes or a no to chat being available during site maintenance?
posted by faineant at 10:19 PM on June 25, 2013

And tomorrow, more at stake.
posted by Miko at 10:20 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

No, the vote was definitely well past the deadline for the filibuster. I'm wondering how that meshes with the earlier calls for tradition although hypocrisy hasn't been a feature that's been lacking from many of the senators on the floor.
posted by dubusadus at 10:20 PM on June 25, 2013

faineant: you're supposed to say "parliamentary inquiry".
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:20 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Hope!
posted by Miko at 10:21 PM on June 25, 2013

Cheering?
posted by rtha at 10:21 PM on June 25, 2013

Applause?
posted by sibboleth at 10:21 PM on June 25, 2013

Gallery cheers, but maybe just for Wendy?
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:21 PM on June 25, 2013

Thanks for waiting, mods.

Last words: This thread has been incredible. It is amazing to see all this positive attention turned and focused on Texas.
posted by muddgirl at 10:21 PM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

Hah!
posted by faineant at 10:21 PM on June 25, 2013

Am I hearing chanting from outside the building?
posted by TheNewWazoo at 10:21 PM on June 25, 2013

What was all that happy noise and clapping just now?
posted by booksherpa at 10:21 PM on June 25, 2013

CBS News reporting it passed on Twitter.
posted by brentajones at 10:22 PM on June 25, 2013

"our bodies, not yours"?
posted by fleacircus at 10:22 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

The chanting is from outside the chamber, not outside the building I think.
posted by Justinian at 10:22 PM on June 25, 2013

Jake Silverstein ‏(editor of TX Monthly:) @jakesilverstein
Why is @ap saying #sb5 passed? Still conflicting reports from ppl on floor
posted by Miko at 10:22 PM on June 25, 2013

(Thanks for the head's up, LobsterMitten. I am following this on the livestream, here, twitter and with a fellow Texican. I appreciate the warning. Also: angry roadtrip to Austin time. Never participated in a protest before, but if this has been weaseled through I expect an EXPLOSION of anger. It's worth noting, too, that Texas is damn big. Already my only option for full healthcare is "drive 9+ hours." If clinics here are shut down, there are no alternatives.)
posted by byanyothername at 10:23 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Why isn't the state house on fire right now?

My guess is that there's one heavy discussiongoing on backstage right now. That's why the Democrats haven't left and very few news outlets have called it.
posted by Miko at 10:23 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

I love this thread and I fear running out of favorites. Y'all made my night.
posted by mochapickle at 10:23 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Why isn't the state house on fire right now?

Maybe all the Republicans oh so coincidentally didn't wear pants today.
posted by Sara C. at 10:23 PM on June 25, 2013 [17 favorites]

What's that guy saying? I can barely hear him... something something, lock it up.
posted by cmyk at 10:24 PM on June 25, 2013

I believe that Chat will be down when the site is down; sorry about that.
posted by LobsterMitten at 10:24 PM on June 25, 2013

Even though this isn't 'quite' finished, I'd like to say THANKS to all of you for doing such an excellent job keeping everyone updated as this unfolded.
posted by csox at 10:24 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

The Texas legislature site now says that there was a vote taken on SB5, but the results are unavailable.
posted by Phire at 10:24 PM on June 25, 2013

"wireless microphone, lock it up". Cause, you know. The barricades are going to come up soon? (j/k)
posted by QuantumMeruit at 10:24 PM on June 25, 2013

DFW News 8: CONFLICT: Dem Sen Royce West says #SB5 vote happened AFTER midnight. Dems say they'll challenge it.
posted by Miko at 10:24 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Wireless microphone, I believe
posted by SugarAndSass at 10:24 PM on June 25, 2013

"wireless microphone, lock it up"
posted by HuronBob at 10:25 PM on June 25, 2013

"The wireless microphone? Lock it up."
posted by brentajones at 10:25 PM on June 25, 2013

Well, since MeFi and chat will all be down... y'all can come to my house, the wife is out of town and I have wine in the fridge...
posted by HuronBob at 10:26 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Well, since MeFi and chat will all be down... y'all can come to my house, the wife is out of town and I have wine in the fridge...

Well I never....
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:26 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

I think the conflict goes back to whether the filibuster was successfully ended back around 10PM but I never heard the outcome of Sen. Watson's appeal on the 3d order. Still watching, still waiting. And Sen. Davis is still on her feet and she is to be commended for her efforts today.
posted by PuppyCat at 10:26 PM on June 25, 2013

Update: pb says he will wait another 30 mins to flip the switch.
posted by LobsterMitten at 10:26 PM on June 25, 2013 [12 favorites]

YAY PB!!!!
posted by mochapickle at 10:27 PM on June 25, 2013

Yay! Thanks, guys!
posted by byanyothername at 10:27 PM on June 25, 2013

Update: pb says he will wait another 30 mins to flip the switch.

Is that in normal time or Republican time?
posted by Drinky Die at 10:27 PM on June 25, 2013 [19 favorites]

Update: pb says he will wait another 30 mins to flip the switch.

Aaaaand that's the second time tonight I've burst into tears --- this time, with gratitude. Thank you, pb.
posted by Elsa at 10:28 PM on June 25, 2013

Ultimately, playing procedural games and protests isn't how the law gets made, and I think everyone knows that. If you want 'people power' to win, the only way to do it is to win elections. Everything else might feel good, but it's ultimately going to be futile.
posted by empath at 10:28 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

> wireless microphone, lock it up

Its the next antoine dodson!
posted by mrzarquon at 10:28 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Thanks pb!
posted by SarahElizaP at 10:28 PM on June 25, 2013

Psst. Zeno was a Republican. Pass it on.

(Thanks, pb!)
posted by maudlin at 10:28 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Can anyone wake the guy in charge of the CNN website? I think they feel asleep.....
posted by bottlebrushtree at 10:29 PM on June 25, 2013

If nothing else, I hope this helps legislators grow a bit more of a set [of whatever, a nonsexist set] when it comes time to stand up for women's health. They know they've got some vocal, active backing and we're all watching.
posted by Miko at 10:29 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Is that in normal time or Republican time?

How dare you....


Seriously, pb, thanks.
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:29 PM on June 25, 2013

senator patrick says the vote passed, senator west says the vote is void because they werent in session due to it being after midnight.
posted by Justinian at 10:29 PM on June 25, 2013

Did the President recognize that he's a buttmunch?
posted by fleacircus at 10:29 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Tweet from @mikestatesman: "Whitmire: The Senate may still be in session. There's been no motion to adjourn sine die. This whole thing is crazy. #txlege"

He has a good point. What happens if the session expires at midnight but there was no motion to adjourn?
posted by zachlipton at 10:30 PM on June 25, 2013

> If you want 'people power' to win, the only way to do it is to win elections. Everything else might feel good, but it's ultimately going to be futile.

That doesn't work when the current legislature gerrymanders their way to keep themselves in power. Its hard to change zipcodes to fight the power, sometimes lawyers and civil disobedience are needed.
posted by mrzarquon at 10:30 PM on June 25, 2013 [7 favorites]

Damn, how big are the galleries there? I feel like I keep seeing "clearing the galleries...clearing the galleries..." on Twitter for like an hour, and I still hear people.
posted by Miko at 10:30 PM on June 25, 2013

If you want 'people power' to win, the only way to do it is to win elections. Everything else might feel good, but it's ultimately going to be futile.

Well one way you get people to vote is by getting them pissed off by things like this, so....
posted by fleacircus at 10:30 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

fleacircus: you have to say "parliamentary inquiry" first or it doesn't count.
posted by zachlipton at 10:30 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Shh. CNN's top story right now: muffins!
posted by maudlin at 10:30 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

empath: "Ultimately, playing procedural games and protests isn't how the law gets made, and I think everyone knows that. If you want 'people power' to win, the only way to do it is to win elections. Everything else might feel good, but it's ultimately going to be futile."

Except isn't that now close to impossible based on how states have been gerrymandered? If I read it somewhere correctly it's going to be impossible to have a Democratic majority in the (US) house. Isn't that also probably true on the state level too?
posted by Deathalicious at 10:30 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Sometimes the only way to get the people you elected to listen to you is to speak up.

Sorry, guys, I can't hear you what with "Fight The Power" being stuck in my head and all...
posted by Sara C. at 10:31 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

There's been no motion to adjourn sine die.

I thought there was, and I thought Whitmire made it. We discussed it because the term wasn't familiar.
posted by Miko at 10:31 PM on June 25, 2013

We have had egregious gerrymandering in Texas. I'm proud that Sen. Kirk Watson represents me, but a whole bunch of Texans got screwed in the last round.
posted by PuppyCat at 10:31 PM on June 25, 2013

Miko, here's a view of the galleries.
posted by maudlin at 10:32 PM on June 25, 2013 [6 favorites]

Yep. Pretty big!
posted by Miko at 10:32 PM on June 25, 2013

Ultimately, playing procedural games and protests isn't how the law gets made, and I think everyone knows that. If you want 'people power' to win, the only way to do it is to win elections. Everything else might feel good, but it's ultimately going to be futile.

I agree with this, but my hope is that these kinds of events do lead to a greater investment overall in political education, civic engagement, and perhaps even voter turnout. Do tumblr reblogs count for anything? I don't know. But for every fifteen teenage girls see reports about what happened today, maybe five of them will read up on the bill, and maybe one of them will be the next State Senator Davis. Maybe their parents will have a talk about the bill, and about abortion. I don't know how viral incidents like this will play out in actual elections. But today? Someone stood up for the reproductive rights of women in Texas. And I'm okay with that feeling great.
posted by jetlagaddict at 10:32 PM on June 25, 2013 [11 favorites]

Except isn't that now close to impossible based on how states have been gerrymandered? If I read it somewhere correctly it's going to be impossible to have a Democratic majority in the (US) house. Isn't that also probably true on the state level too?

Not really. Texas is going to go blue in a few years just due to hispanic voters.
posted by empath at 10:32 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

empath: "Ultimately, playing procedural games and protests isn't how the law gets made"

The Republicans seem to employ gaming the system as their MO, which they tried to do here as well as many other state legislatures across the country. I think it's perfectly OK to push back as hard as possible within legal means to shut their shenanigans down.
posted by krinklyfig at 10:32 PM on June 25, 2013 [8 favorites]

I heard someone ask for a motion to adjourn sine die, and then someone (presumably a Dem Senator) saying, "No, don't do that." It was amidst all the disruption from the gallery.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 10:33 PM on June 25, 2013

The presiding guy said he was expecting such a motion from Whitmire, but I didn't hear anything about it past that besides one (unknown to me) person saying "No, don't do that!"
posted by Flunkie at 10:33 PM on June 25, 2013

Miko: There was a discussion of the term because the acting president asked for the motion, but as far as I know, no motion to adjourn was made.
posted by The Bellman at 10:33 PM on June 25, 2013

Thanks flunkie. I thought he was actually recording the motion.
posted by Miko at 10:34 PM on June 25, 2013

They didn't show Whitmire making it unless I missed that part.
posted by inara at 10:34 PM on June 25, 2013

Another question is can the Gov. make hay over this?
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:34 PM on June 25, 2013

Not really. Texas is going to go blue in a few years just due to hispanic voters.

Not if SCOTUS has anything to say about it.
posted by Flunkie at 10:34 PM on June 25, 2013 [6 favorites]

Hell, at this pace, pb just shut'er down, we'll be here when it's back up.....
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:35 PM on June 25, 2013

my hope is that these kinds of events do lead to a greater investment overall in political education, civic engagement, and perhaps even voter turnout.

Hence an onslaught of voter suppression tactics over the past several elections, which conveniently enough were just made legal today.
posted by scody at 10:35 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

I'm guessing they've gone quiet on that for fear of a riot. Imagine all those protesters suddenly learning that there's a vote going on right in that room over there, after hours, illegally.
posted by cmyk at 10:35 PM on June 25, 2013

If you want 'people power' to win, the only way to do it is to win elections.

Battleground Texas. Texas County Democratic Campaign Committee. Raise our bench depth and take the state.
posted by immlass at 10:35 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Via Twitter: Khaleesi Davis
posted by nicebookrack at 10:35 PM on June 25, 2013 [9 favorites]

> Isn't that also probably true on the state level too?

Republicans have been playing the long game of getting the Governor positions and the state house positions, which assign districts and voting rules. Those influence the small game US house seats, which influence what goes into senate, and allow for the gerrymandering to happen.

Then push for repeal of the voters rights act (just had ruling that it "isn't needed") was another thread as well. This is a well orchestrated attack at ensuring a republican legislative majority by abusing legislative decisions made in the 1700s out of fear of urban immigrants swaying the power away from rural land owning citizens.

Also: I'm descended from Elbridge Gerry, and I'm sorry.
posted by mrzarquon at 10:35 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Do I hear sirens? So faint, not sure...
posted by mochapickle at 10:35 PM on June 25, 2013

Didn't VanDePutte make a motion to adjourn after 11? dunno if that one can count.
posted by Mad_Carew at 10:36 PM on June 25, 2013

Well, if the world is to be saved it won't be tonight, so I'm off to sleep. I'm glad I got to experience this with all of you. Night y'all!
posted by Miko at 10:36 PM on June 25, 2013

Let's reboot.
posted by bottlebrushtree at 10:37 PM on June 25, 2013

Sirens are possible. The protesters/spectators have now filled the capitol rotunda shouting "hell no we won't go".
posted by PuppyCat at 10:38 PM on June 25, 2013

Didn't VanDePutte make a motion to adjourn after 11? dunno if that one can count.

No, she tried, and was ignored, then several levels of something else happened, then she was recognized, and then (after some back and forth) she said she no longer wanted to make such a motion.
posted by Flunkie at 10:38 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

It's the top story on google news right now.
posted by annsunny at 10:39 PM on June 25, 2013

‏@mikestatesman on Twitter says, "Gallery cleared by troopers. Senate plans to reconvene in a while. West plans to question validity of SB5. Senate has not adjourned. #txlege"
posted by QuantumMeruit at 10:40 PM on June 25, 2013

According to @mikestatesman: "Gallery cleared by troopers. Senate plans to reconvene in a while. West plans to question validity of SB5. Senate has not adjourned."

Not sure how they can reconvene since it's after midnight, but there you have it.
posted by zachlipton at 10:40 PM on June 25, 2013

Muffins?!!

Hey, NBC, CBS, CNN, et al: PENGUINS??!! Seriously????
posted by Surfurrus at 10:40 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

@mikestatesman update.

Whitmire: The vote did not start until 12:02, after midnight. It's in the journal. Vote on SB5 doesn't count. #txlege
posted by SarahElizaP at 10:41 PM on June 25, 2013

Hey, NBC, CBS, CNN, et al: PENGUINS??!! Seriously????

Yep. Now I have an instant rebuttal to any time a relative complains about the liberal media.
posted by mochapickle at 10:41 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

"Gallery cleared by troopers. Senate plans to reconvene in a while.

I was worried about this, the senate giving them another loophole to work with that is... oh well, not much else they could have done.
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:42 PM on June 25, 2013

Top 3 Things That Scare or Infuriate Republicans: 1) Women; 2) Science; 3) Clocks
posted by scody at 10:42 PM on June 25, 2013 [24 favorites]

"@JasonWhitely (3m ago) Dem Sen. Royce West says he'll raise a Pt of Order when Dewhurst re-enters saying the #SB5 vote is void bc it happened after midnight."

There has been no motion to adjourn and it is "uncertain" where Dewhurst went. (Yeah.)
posted by The Bellman at 10:44 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Fuck 'em, at this point it's not worth losing my Xanax-driven beauty sleep over to hear a bunch of idiots dithering about how they can't read a damn clock but that it shouldn't matter because those mean constituents interrupted them. I hope Wendy has seventeen cheeseburgers and the world's greatest beer waiting for her after this. 'Night all.
posted by WidgetAlley at 10:45 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Behind a paywall, but the Chronicle is reporting that it passed.
posted by OHSnap at 10:46 PM on June 25, 2013

I hope Wendy has seventeen cheeseburgers and the world's greatest beer waiting for her after this

lean all the things
posted by fleacircus at 10:46 PM on June 25, 2013 [5 favorites]

Feed died for good?
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:47 PM on June 25, 2013

Feed's dead.

@PB, thanks for the extra time!
posted by mochapickle at 10:47 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Feed looks kaput.
posted by Pudhoho at 10:48 PM on June 25, 2013

Must be time for the crucial step in the sausage-making.
posted by fleacircus at 10:48 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

The guy livestreaming has moved to whoever is speaking to the crowd.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/christopherdido
posted by Big_B at 10:49 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

If I were a Texas lawmaker, chants of "Come and take it" would scare the Bejesus out of me the most.
Good luck on your next election, boys.
posted by jcking77 at 10:49 PM on June 25, 2013

Uh oh. Troopers.
posted by Big_B at 10:51 PM on June 25, 2013

Be sure to turn your speakers down before you switch from the youtube stream to the ustream stream.
posted by Brody's chum at 10:52 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

WHAT? I CAN'T HEAR YOU. WHY IS THERE BLOOD POURING FROM MY EARS?
posted by donquixote at 10:53 PM on June 25, 2013 [8 favorites]

Well, it's late, the Texans have cut us off from their amusing feed...

Earlier this evening, as the storms rolled over Michigan, and the rain beat on the roof, I searched "rain" on spotify, and have now switched to that audio...

Rain songs seem to be peaceful, I invite you all to find your zen there (James Taylor, "Fire and Rain" at the moment for me).... peace to all of you, and know that it is your attention and passion for these events that will change this world. I'm proud to be part of this community...
posted by HuronBob at 10:54 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Direct link to chamber feed (rtsp / quicktime required)
posted by mrzarquon at 10:55 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Good night, MeFi. I want to buy all the meats and cheeses for the mods and staff and everyone who makes discussing anything worthwhile.
posted by RakDaddy at 10:55 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards is addressing the crowd on the ustream feed now. Saying she's not leaving until the Senators do.
posted by zachlipton at 10:56 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

ugh i have to be up in 4 hours

fuck you texas i want tacos
posted by elizardbits at 10:56 PM on June 25, 2013 [4 favorites]

Holy crap the woman who was just dual-language speaking on the ustream stream is talking about the Real Texas. So weird to see my part of the world actually...being recognized. That was incredible and she's right: not having access to a local clinic is a HUGE problem when "travel 1000 miles and/or leave the country" is your only other option.
posted by byanyothername at 10:57 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Top 3 Things That Scare or Infuriate Republicans: 1) Women; 2) Science; 3) Clocks

you forgot chairs!
posted by sexyrobot at 10:58 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

He tweeted that hours ago. (I kept getting excited thinking he had more to say.)
posted by mochapickle at 10:58 PM on June 25, 2013

Pb is going to go ahead with the reset in a couple minutes; we shouldn't be down long, and this will let him continue some other work he needs to do.
posted by taz at 10:58 PM on June 25, 2013

Yes, Obama did. I call jinx.
posted by oneswellfoop at 10:59 PM on June 25, 2013

See you on the flip side
posted by faineant at 10:59 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

amandad214 Amanda D 16m
All the guess work is over. The Senate has updated the vote time and the vote on #SB5 was taken on the 26th. #txlege pic.twitter.com/GAJwVk61dk
posted by Drinky Die at 11:07 PM on June 25, 2013

Lots of cheers....!
posted by ApathyGirl at 11:09 PM on June 25, 2013

I'm all done tinkering with the servers for tonight. Thanks for your patience everyone.
posted by pb at 11:09 PM on June 25, 2013 [16 favorites]

They edited that page to record the vote on the 25th.
posted by Justinian at 11:09 PM on June 25, 2013

see: Texas Legislature Online.
posted by Justinian at 11:09 PM on June 25, 2013

The senate stream here is still working for me with VLC. Bit choppy and freezy though and I have no idea if there is anything left to see.
posted by Drinky Die at 11:09 PM on June 25, 2013

Alterations in the timestamp: https://twitter.com/JairusKhan/status/349771266988847104/photo/1/large
posted by Theta States at 11:13 PM on June 25, 2013 [6 favorites]

The people outside the chambers -- I don't think they understand right now that SB5 has "passed", according to the Republicans in control of the Senate.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 11:14 PM on June 25, 2013

XQUZYPHYR is right.
posted by HuronBob at 11:16 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Maureen Johnson on Twitter: Do you think someone should tell these assholes that EVERYONE CAN SEE THEM THROUGH MAGIC SCREENS?
posted by KathrynT at 11:18 PM on June 25, 2013 [8 favorites]

The people outside the chambers -- I don't think they understand right now that SB5 has "passed", according to the Republicans in control of the Senate.

They understand. They're just pissed right off.
posted by donajo at 11:20 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

As many have already noticed on Twitter, they've changed the site to say the vote happened on the 25th.

If this is true, someone should go to jail for it.
posted by Flunkie at 11:22 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

> If this is true, someone should go to jail for it.

This looks pretty definitive.
posted by mrzarquon at 11:23 PM on June 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Statesmanmike ‏@mikestatesman 4m

Sen. Uresti: Senate Journal clerk has the vote on SB5 started at 12:02. #txlege

Statesmanmike Statesmanmike ‏@mikestatesman 6m

Hinojosa: Travis County prosecutors should look into the date change on SB5 vote #txlege
posted by Drinky Die at 11:24 PM on June 25, 2013

It's true. Screenshots all over Twitter.
posted by emjaybee at 11:24 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

Calling the Public Integrity Unit...
posted by Mad_Carew at 11:25 PM on June 25, 2013

Stuff happening in Senate again, the good stream is back up.
posted by Drinky Die at 11:29 PM on June 25, 2013

Updating now from an all night diner...

I'm pretty sure they voted to end the debate after Van De Putte's inquiry about the rights of women senators, while the gallery started cheering for 15 minutes straight. All of the Republicans went forward to the podium to make sure the secretary recorded their votes, and the Democrats congregated around Davis, raising their two-fingered "no" votes to the gallery. After that, I'm pretty sure I heard Dewhurst call the session "suspended" until the gallery was cleared. (By the way, the link upthread is of the interior of the rotunda, not the gallery).

I was politely asked to leave the gallery at about 11:50, and I did. I saw troopers drag people kicking and bucking to the door, and in some cases, shoving them down the three stairs to the 3rd floor of the Capitol, because they weren't going to leave otherwise. I never saw the guy I was sitting next to for the last three hours of the session come out. I hope he's okay.
posted by donajo at 11:29 PM on June 25, 2013 [12 favorites]

Just to let you know, Wendy Davis and the chaos of the end of the session made the front page of the guardian website, and the previous story on it while it was happening (which now seems to have disappeared) was top of the most read articles. So at least this side of the pond, some press is paying attention.
posted by ArkhanJG at 11:30 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

If it happens after the East Coast is asleep, the US press gives nary a shit.
posted by fleacircus at 11:32 PM on June 25, 2013 [3 favorites]

Actually I think I was wrong about the other stream being back.
posted by Drinky Die at 11:37 PM on June 25, 2013

Looks like I might have called it.
posted by Flunkie at 11:38 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

What surprises me is that Governor Perry hasn't already stepped in to immediately sign the bill and make a grand statement about "the rule of law over mob rule" to be quoted all over the morning-after media coverage. Considering how shameless he has been in the past, could it be he may not want to be fully endorsing what his party did tonight?
posted by oneswellfoop at 11:45 PM on June 25, 2013

They are caucusing behind closed doors now.
posted by emjaybee at 11:53 PM on June 25, 2013

Sec. 37.10. TAMPERING WITH GOVERNMENTAL RECORD. (a) A person commits an offense if he:

(1) knowingly makes a false entry in, or false alteration of, a governmental record;
posted by dirigibleman at 11:54 PM on June 25, 2013 [9 favorites]

I hope Wendy Davis is finally getting to sit.
posted by donajo at 11:55 PM on June 25, 2013

Holy shit Dewhurst says it's dead?
posted by emjaybee at 11:59 PM on June 25, 2013

I hope Wendy Davis is finally getting to sit.

I can't decide whether I like the idea of her sitting in a bar with her feet up being fed drinks by her admirers, or the idea of her still caucusing and hammering things out with other Democrats.
posted by OHSnap at 11:59 PM on June 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

The livestream is back up, but no sound.
posted by SugarAndSass at 12:01 AM on June 26, 2013

I can't decide whether I like the idea of her sitting in a bar with her feet up being fed drinks by her admirers, or the idea of her still caucusing and hammering things out with other Democrats.

I don't see why she can't do both.
posted by donajo at 12:03 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Fair enough.
posted by OHSnap at 12:04 AM on June 26, 2013

I hope she's doing both.
posted by faineant at 12:04 AM on June 26, 2013

Presidential veto does not work this way.
posted by Drinky Die at 12:04 AM on June 26, 2013

The livestream is back up, but no sound.

And no one's there, except some senate staffers and some of the press (that's them at the table in the far corner.)
posted by donajo at 12:05 AM on June 26, 2013

I would buy Wendy Davis many drinks but since she is in Texas and I am in California I will just have to drink them all myself. Which I have begun.
posted by Justinian at 12:06 AM on June 26, 2013 [2 favorites]

There may be a riot tonight. Most of my friends are not in jail AFAIK. My friend Alli is missing and may be in jail. I can't take this. I love my friends, if anyone hurts a single hair on their heads... This is too much. Please just let the people I love be safe.
posted by DecemberBoy at 12:07 AM on June 26, 2013 [3 favorites]

emjaybee, what are you looking at?
posted by donajo at 12:07 AM on June 26, 2013

50 were jailed already. GetEqual TX is using all contributions for bail. Please, please help us! GetEqual TX
posted by DecemberBoy at 12:08 AM on June 26, 2013

You don't have to live in TX
posted by DecemberBoy at 12:09 AM on June 26, 2013

Donajo, the Texas Tribune and NaralTx twitters I believe.
posted by emjaybee at 12:10 AM on June 26, 2013

I would be there, but they told me to stay away because I would only be violent and they locked the chamber long ago.
posted by DecemberBoy at 12:10 AM on June 26, 2013

Wow. The gallery filibuster worked, then. I honestly don't know how I feel about that.
posted by donajo at 12:11 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

There's literally nothing anyone not already there can do but help bail others out
posted by DecemberBoy at 12:11 AM on June 26, 2013

Not official yet, reputable sources but unconfirmed.
posted by emjaybee at 12:14 AM on June 26, 2013

DecemberBoy, ask them to update their very-out-of-date site with current info on how donations will be used.
posted by migurski at 12:14 AM on June 26, 2013

My thoughts on the evening.
posted by mrbill at 12:15 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

A senate staffer I know says it's dead.!
posted by jaksemas at 12:16 AM on June 26, 2013

It's dead. Crowd's exploding again.

<3
posted by byanyothername at 12:17 AM on June 26, 2013

Wendy Davis just told the crowd in the gallery that SB5 is dead
posted by faineant at 12:17 AM on June 26, 2013 [9 favorites]

Well, pleasant surprises shocks still happen!
posted by oneswellfoop at 12:18 AM on June 26, 2013

Wow.
posted by OHSnap at 12:19 AM on June 26, 2013

For real? For really real?
posted by cmyk at 12:19 AM on June 26, 2013

Here is a conservative source:

Matt Mackowiak ‏@MattMackowiak 16m

Source inside TX Senate caucus tells me #SB5 will be ruled to have been voted late #txlege
posted by Drinky Die at 12:20 AM on June 26, 2013

damn.
posted by striatic at 12:20 AM on June 26, 2013

Yes, watching a live USTREAM
posted by faineant at 12:20 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

"CORREX I know Planned Parenthood telling crowd bill is dead, that may be. Senators in meeting, I have to wait and be sure #txlege #sb5" - https://twitter.com/cltomlinson/status/349790244696109056

posted by striatic at 12:25 AM on June 26, 2013

GetEqual TX on Facebook, probably more current than the website
posted by DecemberBoy at 12:26 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Yes, the Texas Tribune is also saying no official word
posted by faineant at 12:26 AM on June 26, 2013

SB5 is dead
posted by krinklyfig at 12:27 AM on June 26, 2013

Uresti says it hasn't been fully killed yet.

Sen. Carlos Uresti ‏@CarlosUresti 2m
We're still in caucus. Some in #txlege fighting hard to keep #sb5 alive.
posted by Mad_Carew at 12:28 AM on June 26, 2013

THE PEOPLE UNITED WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED <3
posted by speicus at 12:29 AM on June 26, 2013 [2 favorites]

I managed to keep from really crying, but the cheering in the rotunda undid me. I am so pleasantly surprised; I was sure it was over.
posted by nuala at 12:29 AM on June 26, 2013 [2 favorites]

I can't tell if it is over or not; no official word makes me uneasy.
posted by faineant at 12:30 AM on June 26, 2013

"The people, united, will never be defeated!"

It feels so strong to shout that in the streets, and it feels so strong now to hear that coming from the statehouse in Texas.
posted by cmyk at 12:30 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

A thank-you email from Wendy Davis to supporters:

Wow. What a day.

I cannot believe the amazing outpouring of support and encouragement that you delivered over the course of my 12 1/2 hour filibuster on the Senate floor.

This may seem hard to believe but I only have a few additional words to share at this time. First, I want to say an incredible and heartfelt thank you to the ten of thousands of Texans and Americans that offered their support and wishes of kindness throughout the day. Your presence at the capitol and your calls, emails, Facebook messages and tweets have sustained us and gave me the opportunity to make your voice heard.

Most importantly, I simply have no words to express my gratitude to those who lent their voice in the over 12,000 personal stories that you bravely and selflessly shared with me to object to this dangerous legislation.

Although I was the one with the microphone on the floor of the Senate today, it was your voice and your words – it was your filibuster.

Now we can’t fool ourselves. Governor Perry and the legislative leadership see their own political livelihood tied to denying women their full rights to make their own health decisions, and they won’t stop here.

I will admit I am a bit tired. But I’m ready to keep fighting and assure you I won’t stop. And, without a doubt I know you will never stop fighting for the Texas we love.

Thank you with all my heart and we will be back to fight another day.
posted by headnsouth at 12:33 AM on June 26, 2013 [48 favorites]

May well not be over. Apparently still meeting behind closed doors to determine its fate. Official minutes edited to reflect a pre-midnight vote.

If I were the TX Congress, I don't think I'd be willing to commit fraud with that many witness, but hey.
posted by Archelaus at 12:41 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Clinton/Davis '16!
posted by PenDevil at 12:41 AM on June 26, 2013

Joe Deshotel ‏@RepJoeDeshotel

Caucus over, Sens returning to floor to announce SB5 did Not Pass #txlege #standwithwendy
posted by Drinky Die at 12:44 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Statesmanmike ‏@mikestatesman
West on SB5: It's dead. We're just arguing over the language
posted by faineant at 12:46 AM on June 26, 2013

Whhhaaaaaa!! In Australia here, so really not relevant to me, but it's great to see people really making an effort to resist this corruption of democracy. Well done people!
posted by estuardo at 12:48 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Texas Tribune ‏@TexasTribune
RT @AP: BREAKING: Texas lt. gov. reverses himself, declares vote on tough abortion bill came too late to pass.
posted by faineant at 12:48 AM on June 26, 2013

I'll be damned.
posted by faineant at 12:49 AM on June 26, 2013

Hooray!
posted by Jubal Kessler at 12:50 AM on June 26, 2013

Tx Tribune livestream's back on and the Senators are going back on the Senate floor to talk to people: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q8Hr0O20LY
posted by feets at 12:54 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

"Statesmanmike ‏@mikestatesman 1m
TexasSens say timestamp issue proved the end of SB5. No way around it. #txlege" - https://twitter.com/mikestatesman/status/349797348655906816

posted by striatic at 12:55 AM on June 26, 2013

Why are they doing this? Do they figure that they can just pass it again soon enough in a new special session and the court fight over today's events isn't worthwhile?
posted by zachlipton at 12:55 AM on June 26, 2013

Well, fuck me. Some days you actually do win, if only for a moment.

I'm just delighted and I may cry now.
posted by DarlingBri at 12:56 AM on June 26, 2013 [7 favorites]

zachlipton - yes. probably easier to do a new special session than lose a court battle with the evidence against them.
posted by striatic at 12:58 AM on June 26, 2013

Just so. There's no way it would stand if they tried to ramrod this through as though it had been voted for in time.

So they'll come back to it again later. Probably ASAP, knowing how things have been shaking up in TX.

Tough to say what happens next try, but I have a feeling they'll pass it sooner or later. Plenty of opposition in the actual state, but not enough in the legislature, thanks to ol' Gerry Mander.
posted by Archelaus at 1:00 AM on June 26, 2013

HEY YOU GUYS SHE RIDES BIKES I mean I don't even
posted by OHSnap at 1:02 AM on June 26, 2013 [4 favorites]

via youtube stream - speaker[?] announcing that "regrettably" the bill had not been voted on in time. "its been fun, see you soon."
posted by striatic at 1:04 AM on June 26, 2013

WAITWAITWAIT I've been sleeping with an earbud in and I just woke up and thought I heard "time has expired and the bill cannot be signed." DID I HEAR THAT RIGHT?
posted by SugarAndSass at 1:04 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

jackass.

(the guy who just gavelled out.)
posted by ApathyGirl at 1:05 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

You heard it right, SugardAndSass.

Apathy: wasn't watching. What'd he do?
posted by Archelaus at 1:06 AM on June 26, 2013

"jackass.

(the guy who just gavelled out.)"

he seriously said "its been fun, see you soon."

what an ass.
posted by striatic at 1:06 AM on June 26, 2013

Wendy's live on Dido's ustream feed, right now.
posted by ApathyGirl at 1:07 AM on June 26, 2013

Wendy in the Rotunda now via Ustream
posted by striatic at 1:07 AM on June 26, 2013

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/christopherdido
posted by striatic at 1:07 AM on June 26, 2013

Yeah, even that was tasteless.

Sen. Davis et al are speaking to the crowd now on the ustream: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/christopherdido
posted by byanyothername at 1:07 AM on June 26, 2013

Triple jinx!
posted by byanyothername at 1:08 AM on June 26, 2013

He can be as sore a loser as he wants! WE FUCKING WON ONE
posted by SugarAndSass at 1:09 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

How can she still be standing after all that - seriously.. what a hero!
posted by estuardo at 1:09 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Archelaus: The man who was speaking to gavel the session out and declare that 'regrettably, the bill could not be enrolled due to time" or something to that effect..
then he smirked and said, " it's been fun, see you soon."
posted by ApathyGirl at 1:10 AM on June 26, 2013

the quasi-sarcastic "its been fun, see you soon." thing is really bugging me.

it's like it is a giant game for these people.
posted by striatic at 1:10 AM on June 26, 2013 [6 favorites]

It is a game to them, and it's disgusting, but something like this gives people strength to keep fighting.
posted by SugarAndSass at 1:11 AM on June 26, 2013

Well, like I pointed out earlier: they -are- just going to do it again.

So while this does represent a victory, keeping it that way is gonna be a rough fight.
posted by Archelaus at 1:13 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

ApathyGirl: "it's been fun, see you soon." was said by Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, who was too moderate for Texas Primary Voters to send to the US Senate, settling on Ted Cruz instead.

I expect a new special session called to start July 8
posted by Mad_Carew at 1:17 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

So, I know nothing about Texas Senate procedures - assuming the GOP attempts to pass this bill again in the same form, could it be filibustered again? And again after that? Is there a limit to the number of times it can be filibustered assuming enough votes for cloture don't exist?
posted by OHSnap at 1:17 AM on June 26, 2013

Thanks, Mad_Carew! I was away most of the day and didn't get to watch the stream earlier when people were being ID'd.
posted by ApathyGirl at 1:19 AM on June 26, 2013

that was a roller-coaster evening.
posted by striatic at 1:21 AM on June 26, 2013

There are various technical and practical reasons why the final vote on this bill came down to the final 13ish hours of the special session. Presumably that wouldn't be the case in a future special session; even a marathon 48+ hour filibusterer would have to end long before the session expires.
posted by zachlipton at 1:22 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

estuardo: "How can she still be standing after all that - seriously.. what a hero!"

Not to diminish what she did. But I worked door at a movie theater for three years and doubles were common. 12 hours standing in the same spot (I was permitted two 15 minute breaks and a 30 for lunch). I was also paid 4.25 per hour to do it. So this isn't really all that physically challenging. She could have always pissed where she stood and had someone bring her water.

But good on her for standing up and doing what was best for Texas.
posted by johnpowell at 1:26 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

What surprises me is that Governor Perry hasn't already stepped in to immediately sign the bill and make a grand statement about "the rule of law over mob rule" to be quoted all over the morning-after media coverage.

But now he gets to play the part of the righteous avenger. He'll probably claim that democracy and the rule of law were thwarted by the mob, and call a special session to rectify this terrible injustice.
posted by homunculus at 1:26 AM on June 26, 2013

My friend is safe at home. We're joking about building him a giant dick shaped cannon to launch himself out of, since that's the logical reason he'd be jailed. :) I'm really happy how this turned out
posted by DecemberBoy at 1:39 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

I think it's pretty close to inevitable that this bill will pass, either exactly as it is, or with only the tiniest changes.

I also think that people won't forget this. People who cared about this are going to remember what happened tonight, and they're going to work that much harder because of it. I'm not often optimistic about the future of abortion rights in the US, but nights like this at least make me feel like there are a lot of people willing to fight for them with all their hearts.

Anyway, I'm donating to Emily's List, an organization that is partially responsible for Wendy Davis's spot in the Texas State Senate, and then i'm going to sleep. Sleep well, folks.
posted by SugarAndSass at 1:42 AM on June 26, 2013 [3 favorites]

I very strongly suspect she's going to do it or faint trying.

In the end, it was far more awesome than either of my options. Wendy, supporting Democratic Party Representatives, and the people of Texas did it together.
posted by jaduncan at 1:56 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Oh, and I hope the date change gets *heavily* followed up on. That cannot become a thing.
posted by jaduncan at 2:01 AM on June 26, 2013 [4 favorites]

Macleans already has a pictorial summary of the filibuster.

[Click on "clean reading mode" for a mobile-esque layout that doesn't have any ads or comments. They do this with some kind of CSS trickery to prevent linking to that view directly.]
posted by ceribus peribus at 2:24 AM on June 26, 2013

(Oh, they're using Storify! This is a direct link to the clean view. I'll behave and not edit the above link)
posted by ceribus peribus at 2:29 AM on June 26, 2013 [2 favorites]

Kristen Bell (all-around cool lady, occasional sloth ALL THE FEELS sufferer, and actress of, among other roles, Veronica Mars) tweeted this last night:

Wendy of the house Davis “@katethegreat: you know how wendy do. #mother #standwithwendy pic.twitter.com/1BV0Tm0S9y"

I think that works better than the crest, IMO.
posted by zombieflanders at 3:15 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Wow, the New York Times daily headline summary doesn't even mention this today.
posted by wenestvedt at 3:35 AM on June 26, 2013 [2 favorites]

I know it's likely to pass in the long run. I also know that in the even longer run, time doesn't run backwards and eventually, even in Texas, the good guys will win. But I think it matters, at the same time, to have wins like this. To say: You guys do not get to just waltz through this. You don't get to spend months pretending to be peaceable about it and then sneak stuff through in the night. If you want a fight, fight.

The regrettable part, to me, is the way the media has softballed it. The way it softballs everything. Legislators make new laws without having any idea what they're talking about and indeed trying to bypass any discussion and public review? That can't possibly be important! The media is what creates this lack of expectation of informed decision-making, by talking about the legislative process as though it's anonymous and distant. Senate votes 66-34 to do X. Here's a few soundbites. The process is too complicated; you, gentle viewer, cannot be expected to understand.

But we can understand, and we can care, and if we care, the process is going to work a lot better than if we pay no attention to the men behind the curtain.
posted by Sequence at 3:58 AM on June 26, 2013 [8 favorites]

"...even in Texas...."

Please please try and stop with the Texas still sucks reflexive stuff this morning. I know that's a small one, and maybe I'm even taking it wrong, and I'm beating a dead horse and all night there has been amazing support all over this thread from the wonderful world, but my emotions are RAW right now. Raw. As a 5th generation Texas woman I am so so proud to be Texan right now! And I am so sensitive and I'm sorry - I know that makes the anti Tex stuff even more whatever.

But dammit today we were loud and we were heard! It's been my whole adult as did my mother and my mother's mother and two generations before that where we have had to fight against the dumbest over the top bullshit.

I love Metafilter so much and it breaks my Texas heart when y'all say mean things. I know, I'm ridiculously sensitive and there's been less of that significantly in this thread. But I'm also fucking loud, and I vote, and I have this nice victory in my oh so recent history and it is awesome. Truly Texas myth-size awesome. Hope this isn't some dumb derail, thank you kindly. I love everybody right now.
posted by dog food sugar at 4:33 AM on June 26, 2013 [31 favorites]

Yeah, there are goddamn ton of Texans today who are my new heroes. Starting with Wendy Davis and those who helped her on the Senate floor, but wow, to the people in the gallery, thank you for putting yourselves out there to protect American women. Even if the fix is quite temporary, someone in New York City appreciates you.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 4:49 AM on June 26, 2013 [2 favorites]

The Grey Lady ain't what she used to be, I guess…

Texas Vote Passing Abortion Bill Is Rendered Moot, Manny Fernandez and Erik Eckholm, The New York Times, 26 June 2013 5:38 AM ET

Hours after claiming success in passing some of the country’s toughest abortion restrictions, Republican lawmakers reversed course, citing a procedural flaw.

posted by ob1quixote at 4:52 AM on June 26, 2013

So, so proud of Wendy Davis & Kirk Watson. We had friends down there on the floor & my wife sent in our daughter's story at about 9:30 pm for her to read. Don't know if she read it or not, but if it even bought her a minute, there's that. What amazing tenacity & fortitude. Truly heroic.
posted by Devils Rancher at 5:08 AM on June 26, 2013 [6 favorites]

The Grey Lady ain't what she used to be

This is in part what happens when revenues go down, budgets get cut cut cut, and there is no regular statehouse coverage to speak of any more. However, on the Texas Report page of the NYT, I noticed they have this arrangement:

The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit news organization founded in 2009, is providing local coverage of Texas to The New York Times. Under its agreement with The Times, The Texas Tribune has pledged that its newsroom will be strictly independent, nonpartisan and apolitical. Donors and board members can have no influence over news decisions, which must be made solely by news professionals. Click on the links for more information about The Texas Tribune's staff and founders. Readers may contact The Texas Tribune at [e-mail].

...and the Texas Tribune was livestreaming and liveblogging last night. Still, looks like most of the reporting was forensic and it is not getting much front-page play in the Times. I can kinda see it, news-judgment-wise, as a regional story with a complicated legislative future and not definitive at the moment, but kinda not because it reveals such a bias against women's issues being important news.
posted by Miko at 5:33 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

So, so proud of Wendy Davis & Kirk Watson.

And Leticia Van de Putte! If she hadn't done anything more last night than say "At what point must a female senator raise her voice to be heard over her male colleagues here?" I would still want to high-five her.
posted by rtha at 5:41 AM on June 26, 2013 [28 favorites]

And various photos of the gallery crowd are starting to pop up on my fb, with "Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose!" appended. This is from people who are not in TX and as far as I know, have never been to TX. A whole lot of people everywhere were watching last night.
posted by rtha at 5:43 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

My tears of joy.

My tears of anger and sadness:

Let's also pause to note that Texas Republicans also tried to redistrict Davis out of a job, but their plans were thwarted -- by the Voting Rights Act conservatives on the Supreme Court gutted last night.

posted by zombieflanders at 5:54 AM on June 26, 2013 [7 favorites]

dog food sugar: Half my family lives in Texas--more than half, given that that's the side that tends towards having children in numbers that cannot be counted on one hand. Don't live there myself, but might yet at some point. It is, however, a state that has been quite solidly in the hands of idiots for awhile now, as you yourself allude to. It has many lovely people in it, quite a number of whom I am related to, and they deserve better government than they've gotten. I have no problem with Texans; I have a lot of problems with Texas politics. If it can come around, I figure anything can.
posted by Sequence at 5:54 AM on June 26, 2013

It becomes ever more clear that Republicans / Conservatives are using The Handmaid's Tale as a blueprint for society.
posted by seanmpuckett at 5:57 AM on June 26, 2013 [5 favorites]

What a thread. I'm in Louisiana (where they post these yard signs that say "Planned Parenthood = More Abortion"), and these bills keep popping up in state after state. The south has so much to offer, but my God, the backwards-ness is astounding...
posted by polly_dactyl at 5:59 AM on June 26, 2013

Any video of the exciting bits last night when us losers were off to bed?
posted by Think_Long at 5:59 AM on June 26, 2013

But now he gets to play the part of the righteous avenger. He'll probably claim that democracy and the rule of law were thwarted by the mob, and call a special session to rectify this terrible injustice.

Cue scene where Wendy is seen doing sit ups and lat pulls getting ready for the special session while the theme from Rocky plays. She comes in to the Senate on the first day with a freaky GIANT back ready to stand for 19 day filibuster.
posted by Ironmouth at 6:04 AM on June 26, 2013 [5 favorites]

The power of one: 1 Twitter user caught a rule that 31 senators missed

Well, the assistive power of one informing someone else about a rule missed by yet another one.
posted by Joe in Australia at 6:23 AM on June 26, 2013 [9 favorites]

Well this is nice to wake up to.
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:29 AM on June 26, 2013 [2 favorites]

Well, the assistive power of one informing someone else about a rule missed by yet another one.


Well, that and it was ruled that the spirit of the rule involved three infractions of any kind, and the description of that particular example was only coincidentally one in which all three of those infractions were related to non-germane subject matter. Raising the question helped to run down the clock, but it wouldn't have made a difference.
posted by running order squabble fest at 6:32 AM on June 26, 2013

As I mentioned last night, I think the "assisted by another user" wasn't warnable at all, according to the rule they were citing. Dewhurst could have easily argued that the filibuster was over then.

As we learned in Wisconsin, legislative rules of order aren't laws.
posted by muddgirl at 6:53 AM on June 26, 2013

Welp, I just filed an open records request for the transaction logs and backups for the vote recording software and webpage, for the hour spanning 11:30 PM to 12:30 AM June 25/26. I am sure I am not the only one. See what we get.
posted by dirtdirt at 7:11 AM on June 26, 2013 [10 favorites]

The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit news organization founded in 2009, is providing local coverage of Texas

I know that I just found a new top bookmark for my "News" folder.
posted by mrbill at 7:11 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

As we learned in Wisconsin, legislative rules of order aren't laws.

And even when they are laws, the legislature is free to ignore them.

How I love IOKIYAR jurisprudence.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 7:13 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

(Meanwhile, the Supremes have struck down DOMA. Coming to your MeFi front page shortly, I'm sure.)
posted by maudlin at 7:14 AM on June 26, 2013

Maybe I'm just sleep-deprived from staying up so late to watch this all unfold, but talking to my kids about it this morning, I couldn't even get through it without crying. I was okay until I got to the part about how one person's voice was silenced but then the collective voice of the people took over, literally. I was explaining how the people cheered and made noise and raised their voices to run out the clock, and how important it was that people were watching, but I got choked up and trailed off after saying, "They cheered and cheered and it was just..." And my 10yo son finished for me: "Beautiful?"

Yes.
posted by mothershock at 7:16 AM on June 26, 2013 [27 favorites]

Not to diminish what she did. But I worked door at a movie theater for three years and doubles were common. 12 hours standing in the same spot (I was permitted two 15 minute breaks and a 30 for lunch). I was also paid 4.25 per hour to do it. So this isn't really all that physically challenging. She could have always pissed where she stood and had someone bring her water.

Except she wasn't allowed to eat, drink, lean on anything, or (apparently) have a colleague touch her. No breaks at all. It was damn impressive that she was still on her feet at 1 AM.
posted by donajo at 7:40 AM on June 26, 2013 [4 favorites]

Plus she was required to speak fluently and on topic for all that time, plus she under intense public scrutiny all that time. The mental and emotional load she was under significantly compounded her physical load, I think.
posted by maudlin at 7:43 AM on June 26, 2013 [3 favorites]

And except that movie-ticket taker was probably a young-un and Senator Davis is 50 and what maudlin said.
posted by notyou at 7:43 AM on June 26, 2013

For those who missed the nail-biting last hour of the drama last night, here are a few clips and a link to a good summary. The people's filibuster clips is particularly inspiring.

I had a daydream this morning that Rick Perry woke up this morning, heard the news, and said, "I gave that damn fool congress a chance to pass this and they mucked it up. They can try again next year." This really was a monumentally epic screwup on the part of a state GOP that is usually so good at minimizing the damage from this sort of bill (although we can probably point fingers all the way back to Perry's office, as some GOP congresspersons are doing).
posted by muddgirl at 7:48 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

I think it was a very hard thing to do, and I'm impressed, but I do also think there's a little too much made of the physical effort. It's a performance feat, no doubt, but it's also true that nurses routinely do 12 hour shifts on their feet, as do service workers, sometimes teachers, etc. Yes, they can get occasional relief, but they are also doing a lot more physical labor during that time. It's not the standing that's hard, even for people who don't do it a lot, it's the focused intent, the constant talking in an intelligible way, and the having to observe all the constraining rules while under the eye of the state and nation. In a way I think emphasis on this as a physical feat undermines it as a moral, intellectual, emotional feat.

I also suspect she had a Stadium Buddy or similar going on. I noticed one of her office staff had at one point responded to the question "but what if she has to go to the bathroom?" with the phrase "It's taken care of."
posted by Miko at 7:53 AM on June 26, 2013 [4 favorites]

I think your summary link is borked, muddgirl.
posted by Miko at 7:55 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

a moral, intellectual, emotional feat.

I am proud of her and thankful to her for all these things. A truly heroic stand, literally & figuratively.
posted by Devils Rancher at 7:56 AM on June 26, 2013 [4 favorites]

Someone just earned free Bouldin creek tofu scramble tacos for life
posted by Teakettle at 7:57 AM on June 26, 2013 [6 favorites]

I had a daydream this morning that Rick Perry woke up this morning, heard the news, and said, "I gave that damn fool congress a chance to pass this and they mucked it up. They can try again next year." This really was a monumentally epic screwup on the part of a state GOP that is usually so good at minimizing the damage from this sort of bill (although we can probably point fingers all the way back to Perry's office, as some GOP congresspersons are doing).

If only! The lege doesn't meet again until January 2015, though, unless Perry calls a special session, so there's no chance that he will let it sit that long. There were also two other bills that were unresolved yesterday (one about transportation funding and one about mandatory prison sentences for minors), so that's all the more reason to call them back asap. But as Mad_Carew pointed out up thread, Perry will wait until after July 4 at this point.

Also, let's not discount the Democratic strategizing in both the House and the Senate that pushed this to the end of the agenda, making it filibuster-able. (Although, I may just prefer to believe that we outsmarted 'em, than that the GOP is just inept.)
posted by donajo at 7:58 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

My link should have pointed to here. The people's filibuster clip is short but demonstrative.
posted by muddgirl at 8:04 AM on June 26, 2013 [2 favorites]

On a much more frivolous note, I am pleased that the sneakers I picked up at the thrift a few weeks ago are Mizunos, the same brand Senator Davis wore. Mind-bogglingly comfy, too.

I have hero sneakers! Whee!
posted by cmyk at 8:40 AM on June 26, 2013 [6 favorites]

Wendy Davis should get free Mizunos for life.
posted by donajo at 8:52 AM on June 26, 2013 [3 favorites]

You know, on a minor issue, I'm really looking forward to The Daily Show this evening. John Oliver genuinely seems to hate the sonoscope crowd, and between this and DOMA it's going to be a fun show to do.
posted by running order squabble fest at 9:01 AM on June 26, 2013 [4 favorites]

We have a hard road ahead. They'll do another session and it will be as filibuster-proof as possible. I wouldn't be surprised if they kept as much as possible away from the public going forward, too. The SCOTUS VRA decision struck down the one provision that allowed Davis to keep her seat last election so now she is vulnerable. SCOTUS also decided on an environmental case that makes it harder for local governments to protect against development. The DOMA decision has definite limitations. Gerrymandering and vote suppression are going to come down on all of us hard. Texas is, by and large, a state in complete denial about how bad things really are.

The vindictive, racist, sexist, anti-environmental old white guys and their enablers are still running everything. They will lash out again, and keep spilling as much blood and money as they can for every inch of ground we gain.

But I keep coming back to this: If we do nothing, we have zero chance of change. If we fight, we have slightly more than zero chance of change. All our incentive is to fight.

I was blown away by the passion and courage of the folks at the Capitol. I had no idea there was so much support for any progressive idea here. I am inspired and have a tiny bit more hope for this effed-up state than I did yesterday.
posted by emjaybee at 9:28 AM on June 26, 2013 [5 favorites]

I wouldn't be surprised if they kept as much as possible away from the public going forward, too.

I think last night, we pretty much guaranteed that the gallery will be cleared immediately next time there's a filibuster. Which is why I'm pretty ambivalent about what went on last night. We won this battle, but the war rages on.
posted by donajo at 9:32 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

So. I'm still coming down from the late-night spent watching the Texas Senate livestream (and this thread), not to mention euphoria from this morning's SCOTUS rulings.

I am cynical about next steps in Texas, but, upon further reflection, I'm convinced that Wendy Davis should be catapulted onto the national stage. Jokes of "Clinton/Davis 2016" aside, we have a politician who is intelligent and sharp, who has an amazing personal story ("single mom at age 19") and impressive academic credentials (Harvard law).

And -- forgive me for even mentioning this, but it is germane to the national stage -- she's an attractive woman. But the difference between her and Sarah Palin is that Davis proved last night that she can string sentences together coherently without embarrassing herself (even when physically exhausted).

I also see a rising star in Leticia Van de Putte. At 59, she is older than Davis, but she has the combination of "wise Latina" and "small business owner" and the advantage that she already had state-wide (and even national) attention before last night's events. (Van de Putte was a DNC co-chair.) Her zinger that started off the "people's fillibuster" is also an easier soundbite to explain than Davis' marathon.

All joking aside, both women clearly channeled the spirit of Ann Richards and Molly Ivins and other strong Texas women. They look to have the potential for both critical demographic appeal as well as substantive depth and passion.

So what's next for them, career-wise?
posted by QuantumMeruit at 9:32 AM on June 26, 2013 [7 favorites]

I think last night, we pretty much guaranteed that the gallery will be cleared immediately next time there's a filibuster. Which is why I'm pretty ambivalent about what went on last night. We won this battle, but the war rages on.

We have to model ourselves on the mighty virus. When one method is blocked, you find another way in.
posted by emjaybee at 9:33 AM on June 26, 2013 [2 favorites]

I was expecting them to clear it last night! It was a pretty unique situation and I don't think the Dems are expecting to win every fight with a 13-hr filibuster.

When one method is blocked, you find another way in.

Exactly.
posted by muddgirl at 9:34 AM on June 26, 2013

Yeah I was kind of thinking that my Mizunos, which are old and now sort of out of vogue what with the Minimalist Running Shoe trend, maybe needed to be replaced with some of those sweet Nike Frees or something.

But now? Doubling down on the Mizunos. Because they really are ridiculously comfy.

My prediction for Wendy Davis is that she runs for governor or a congress/senate seat in the next electoral cycle.
posted by Sara C. at 9:35 AM on June 26, 2013

We have a perpetual problem in Texas with not having Democrats with a state-wide profile to generate a viable campaign to make it into the US Senate, let alone trying to unseat Perry. State-wide elections here are all but settled in the Republican primaries. (Which are open primaries, so anyone can vote in them.) Now we have Julian and Joaquin Castro, Wendy Davis, Kirk Watson, etc. Things are getting a little better in that regard.
posted by donajo at 9:40 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Unfortunately on a state level it's really really difficult for a Democrat to win state-wide office and the Republicans have done an excellent job of making it really really difficult for a Democrat to go to Congress except in minority districts. The way they've effectively gerrymandered Austin out of existence can be used for the Metroplex unfortunately.

Davis on the other hand could definitely get raised to national stature by getting a series of Administration posts that keep her in the limelight long enough for the demographics to make the terrain in Texas more hospitable
posted by vuron at 9:42 AM on June 26, 2013

I concur Wendy Davis might have to look at running for Mayor of Fort Worth as her next step up the political ladder. The traditional route up the political ladder is AG-Lt Gov.-Gov./Senator in Texas but those positions are safely Republican at least for a couple more election cycles.
posted by vuron at 9:45 AM on June 26, 2013

I wonder if what Davis (and Van de Putte) did yesterday is enough to get her noticed nationally. I think the thing working most against that, unfortunately, is the timing of the SCOTUS decision for the media cycle.

Is Mayor of Fort Worth a higher rung on the ladder than Texas State Senator, though?
posted by QuantumMeruit at 9:47 AM on June 26, 2013

We have to model ourselves on the mighty virus. When one method is blocked, you find another way in.

Sanity interprets retrograde douchebaggery as damage and routes around it!
posted by kengraham at 9:56 AM on June 26, 2013 [2 favorites]

I got woken up at 3:45 by insomnia, but seeing Republicans admit they didn't vote in time was the one good side effect.
posted by tavella at 10:10 AM on June 26, 2013

The invalid vote was, I think I saw, 17-11 in favor. Is there a snowball's chance in hell that the Democrats could caucus to make up the votes?
posted by Sara C. at 10:12 AM on June 26, 2013

Ha, no. These are the same Republicans that voted that Roe v. Wade isn't germane to a debate about an abortion bill. There's no switching sides now.
posted by donajo at 10:15 AM on June 26, 2013

I really, really, really wish there was a Republican senator in Texas who had the balls to oppose the majority, but there just isn't. It'd be career suicide.
posted by donajo at 10:16 AM on June 26, 2013

Honestly this is just a holding action, eventually this bill or something like it will get passed but the high profile nature of this will help spotlight this kinda of crap and hopefully get the relatively complacent citizenry of Texas thinking maybe these sorts of wingnuts shouldn't be in charge.

Plus there will be a significant warchest of donations directed at keeping people like Senator Davis in office during the next election.
posted by vuron at 10:18 AM on June 26, 2013

So it's strictly along party lines, and no Democrats voted for it, then?
posted by Sara C. at 10:18 AM on June 26, 2013

@ppppolls: In January we found Wendy Davis trailing Rick Perry just 47-41 despite- at that time- pretty low name recognition.
posted by zombieflanders at 10:24 AM on June 26, 2013 [2 favorites]

There are 12 Dems in the Texas Senate. Eddie Lucio is pro-life and presumably voted in favor (he was one of the Senators giving hostile questions to Davis during her fillibuster). I can't tell who the other Dem who voted in favor was -- looks like the journal's not published yet?
posted by QuantumMeruit at 10:30 AM on June 26, 2013

I wonder if what Davis (and Van de Putte) did yesterday is enough to get her noticed nationally.

The national democrats are terrified of this sort of bravado and ovarian fortitude. It scares the shareholders.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 10:31 AM on June 26, 2013 [7 favorites]

Ann Richards was state Treasurer prior to being governor, which was then an elected position. She actually defeated the AG in 1990. George W Bush didn't even hold state office. I don't think that Democratic candidates for state office are inherently unelectable - I think we keep putting up boring, moderate, unobjectionable candidates. If a candidate doesn't piss off republican voters, they're not going to fire up Democratic and Independent ones. It's like we keep trying to replay the 1994 campaign to find someone to out-GWB GWB, without providing the candidate with an equivalent Karl Rove.
posted by muddgirl at 10:31 AM on June 26, 2013 [3 favorites]

I'm curious why nothing is being done about changing the time of the vote in the records. Isn't messing with the records illegal?
posted by Runes at 10:38 AM on June 26, 2013

Not to diminish what she did. But I worked door at a movie theater for three years and doubles were common. 12 hours standing in the same spot (I was permitted two 15 minute breaks and a 30 for lunch). I was also paid 4.25 per hour to do it. So this isn't really all that physically challenging. She could have always pissed where she stood and had someone bring her water.

No.

I work at a standing desk and I'm used to standing for a good 10 hour stretch. On Monday nights, after work, I teach a 3 hour and 45 minutes college class. In other words, I'm trained for the rigors of long hours on my feet. In my 14 hours standing on Monday I had ample time to walk around, go to the bathroom, sit when required (driving) and stretch. She wasn't just on her feet, it's that she wasn't able to really walk around and fight off fatigue.

On Monday I stood for 14 hours. I still think that her physical endurance is amazing. Pretending that a normal on your feet job is the same as standing in one spot for hours is sort of silly.
posted by 26.2 at 10:40 AM on June 26, 2013 [12 favorites]

I'm curious why nothing is being done about changing the time of the vote in the records. Isn't messing with the records illegal?

The way I read it this morning, an "unknown Senate staffer" made the change, and then of course it was changed back. That guy is probably fired now.
posted by donajo at 10:42 AM on June 26, 2013

That guy is probably fired now.

Yeah, but for not waiting till nobody was looking.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 10:46 AM on June 26, 2013 [3 favorites]

dog food sugar, I hear you. I lived in Dallas for a decade and voted for Royce West who made me so proud yesterday that I could spit!

Most of the Texans I know - on either side of the bill - would have deep respect for Senator Davis' sheer grit. Also, they'd feel deep shame in seeing the Republicans scurry out the Senate chamber like cowards to go and change the time of the vote.

My only quarrel with Texans is they keep electing such mean-spirited fuckers.
posted by 26.2 at 11:04 AM on June 26, 2013

donajo: The way I read it this morning, an "unknown Senate staffer" made the change, and then of course it was changed back. That guy is probably fired now."

Hmm. If voting records can be changed without any record of who made the change that seems like pretty bad design.
posted by Runes at 11:12 AM on June 26, 2013 [4 favorites]

... I still think that her physical endurance is amazing...
posted by 26.2 at 1:40 PM on June 26

eponysterical
posted by I am the Walrus at 11:12 AM on June 26, 2013 [4 favorites]

If voting records can be changed without any record of who made the change that seems like pretty bad design.

That's a feature, not a bug.
posted by 26.2 at 11:13 AM on June 26, 2013

looks like the journal's not published yet

In my experience with the Texas Legislature web site, the journal is not placed on the web site until the house in question approves it, so I wouldn't expect the journal to be published until the next session.

If voting records can be changed without any record of who made the change that seems like pretty bad design.

The Texas Legislature has one of the better-designed legislative record systems. I think it's likely that there are records of who changed the name but the people talking to reporters just didn't know who it was. Expect it to come out regardless.
posted by grouse at 11:15 AM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

There's a reason a lot of these same laws keep getting proposed throughout the country -- they're generally being drafted by one organization in Washington.

"All of these laws—and much of the anti-choice legislation making the rounds today—are a product of Americans United for Life, a group dedicated to ending access to safe and legal abortion across the entire country. The organization's website offers visitors the opportunity to order model legislation of their very own. Just fill in a name and address, tick off a few boxes, and cookie-cutter model legislation attacking reproductive rights suitable for proposing in your state legislature will soon be on the way.

It's bad enough that politicians feel perfectly comfortable imposing their own ideologies on women. But to rely on an organization headquartered 1,300 miles away, in Washington, DC, is even more shameful. Perhaps that's why they won't cop to it. "I think if you were to ask sponsors, they would say they're motivated by their hearts, by the children. They'll say, 'I want to help women,'" Tammi Kromenaker says. "I don't think they'd admit that they took it out of the playbook." "
posted by jaguar at 11:23 AM on June 26, 2013 [4 favorites]

If voting records can be changed without any record of who made the change that seems like pretty bad design.

Vote early, vote often, and vote in pencil so we can correct your mistakes!
posted by Mad_Carew at 12:09 PM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

TX Lt. Gov. Accuses Abortion Bill Protesters Of Using ‘Occupy Wall Street’ Tactics
posted by homunculus at 12:14 PM on June 26, 2013

In case you missed it, Think Progress is citing this MSNBC article from June 6 as describing how Wendy Davis' seat was saved by the use of the Voting Rights Act. Which has been made a lot more difficult following the Supreme Court's decision in Shelby County yesterday.
posted by QuantumMeruit at 12:16 PM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Sequence: The regrettable part, to me, is the way the media has softballed it. The way it softballs everything. Legislators make new laws without having any idea what they're talking about and indeed trying to bypass any discussion and public review? That can't possibly be important! The media is what creates this lack of expectation of informed decision-making, by talking about the legislative process as though it's anonymous and distant. Senate votes 66-34 to do X. Here's a few soundbites. The process is too complicated; you, gentle viewer, cannot be expected to understand.

This. This, a thousand times, plus all of the kind things that have been said about regional journalism organizations like the Texas Tribune.
posted by cobra libre at 12:19 PM on June 26, 2013 [4 favorites]

TX Lt. Gov. Accuses Abortion Bill Protesters Of Using ‘Occupy Wall Street’ Tactics

I laughed when I saw that. If by "Occupy Wall Street Tactics", he means completely unorganized and motivated by individual and personal desire to participate in the legislative process, then yeah, that's what it was.
posted by donajo at 12:32 PM on June 26, 2013 [5 favorites]

I mean, there was some organization in that someone decided that the anti-SB5 folks should wear orange while sitting in the gallery, but the actual protest was completely organic and reactive to the debacle happening on the floor of the Senate.
posted by donajo at 12:34 PM on June 26, 2013 [4 favorites]

I just called Senator Davis's office, to thank her for her courageous actions. She reminded the world that there are liberal Democratic women in Texas, and reminded all the liberal Democratic women in Texas -- and from Texas -- that they are not alone. I am not an anomaly; there are thousands of women like me in Texas, and they can move mountains when they work together.

I spent 14 years in Texas, and did not feel particularly welcome there. I left 20 years ago, and have felt like I dodged a bullet for most of that time. But today -- today I feel like I can say that I am from Texas, that I am proud to be from Texas, and that I am one of many righteous, vocal, liberal, Democratic women from Texas who are willing to do what it takes to get shit done.
posted by KathrynT at 12:39 PM on June 26, 2013 [15 favorites]

TX Lt. Gov. Accuses Abortion Bill Protesters Of Using ‘Occupy Wall Street’ Tactics

I Accuse TX Lt Gov Of Using Hateful Sexist Shitbag Tactics
posted by elizardbits at 12:47 PM on June 26, 2013 [11 favorites]

donajo, my takeaway was "by which you mean people actually dared to speak up."

I don't know if this is true for Texas specifically, but in my experience/observation, it seems like any outside-the-system political participation outside of a few major cities that are used to seeing it is going to get compared to Occupy, just because A) it's shorthand for "dirty leftist protester types", and B) it's one of the few American political movements in the last half-century that has taken outside-the-system political action beyond a few major cities and to places like state houses.

These guys aren't used to people watching them. Occupy is the only movement that has even lifted a finger in their direction. Therefore anybody who stands up on state and local issues is obviously just a dirty leftist Occupier.
posted by Sara C. at 12:59 PM on June 26, 2013 [6 favorites]

Time to play Spot the Mefite! Here's a fantastic slideshow of last night, put together by the Texas Observer. I'm in one of the pics. :)
posted by donajo at 1:42 PM on June 26, 2013 [2 favorites]

the actual protest was completely organic and reactive to the debacle happening on the floor of the Senate.

I was wondering about that, donajo. I am really impressed with the number and visibility of people who showed up, and I wondered if it was grassroots/independent, or whether organizations had participated in putting buses together, or what. It felt really special last night to know you were there and have you in the thread too (along with one or two other MeFites I think I saw saying they were there). Can you say more about how people made the decision to be present for the filibuster, and what it was like to be part of it?
posted by Miko at 2:11 PM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Governor Perry just called for another special session to look at abortion restrictions.
posted by jaguar at 2:23 PM on June 26, 2013

Here's some context on special sessions in Texas. Also look at the included link that shows their frequency.
posted by mudpuppie at 2:27 PM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Maniacs.

These sessions may last no more than thirty days and may only consider agenda items specified by the Governor.

Thirty days in Austin? Doesn't sound bad. I think that could get...kinda big.
posted by Miko at 2:34 PM on June 26, 2013

The AP is reporting:

Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday called a second special session of the Texas Legislature to pass widespread abortion restrictions, after the first attempt by Republicans died overnight following a marathon one-woman filibuster.

Perry ordered lawmakers to meet again on July 1 to act on the abortion proposals, as well as separate bills that would boost highway funding and deal with a juvenile justice issue. The sweeping abortion rules would close nearly all abortion clinics and impose other widespread restrictions on the procedure across the nation's second-largest state.
posted by jaguar at 2:34 PM on June 26, 2013

Miko, I heard about it through friends, various social media channels, and the Austin mainstream media. As donajo says, it was very organic. Talking to other people in attendance at the filibuster, some of whom drove from eight hours away across the state, this was just the tipping point for them. There didn't seem to be a "get on the bus" effort, it was a lot more like "well fuck this, pack a lunch, we're driving all day tomorrow to get to Austin."

The eruption after van de Putte's comments was completely spontaneous. It was really chaotic in the rotunda, which is naturally an echo chamber anyway. We were pretty confused for a while, with some people trying to get us to quiet down so we could begin to organize something and other people doing the MAKE SOME NOIZZZ! thing.

The only organization was with regards to the "people's flilbuster", whereby they said they were going to try to disrupt the proceedings if she got her 3rd warning. That happened, but it wasn't really organized. People knew it was an option and just sorta ran with it.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 2:35 PM on June 26, 2013 [4 favorites]

Looking at the slideshow, my guess is that earlier in the day a lot of the observers were organized political groups who had specifically come out for the day. However, the photos of the crowds around and just after midnight make it seem like the numbers had really swelled, mostly by people who don't look like the typical "state house lobby day with NARAL" folks.

For example the gender ratio of the crowd seems to have changed a lot over the course of the day. The early photos show what I've experienced anytime I've attended some kind of mundane-yet-vital government thing as an organized protestor on a pro-choice issue. Lots of women, many who look like young politically active feminists. The later photos have a lot of young men, which in my experience is pretty rare for an event like this, and everyone is packed into the rotunda like sardines.

Granted, those observations could be due to the way the Tribune chose to take photographs, or due to the way the State Troopers attempted to clear the observation area, or due to random circumstance. But my guess based on looking at pictures of the event is that this became more and more of a grassroots thing and less formally organized the later the hour got.

Not to answer for anyone who was actually there, of course.
posted by Sara C. at 2:41 PM on June 26, 2013

donajo: I mean, there was some organization in that someone decided that the anti-SB5 folks should wear orange while sitting in the gallery, but the actual protest was completely organic and reactive to the debacle happening on the floor of the Senate.

I'm sure you didn't intend to diminish the hard work of the activists and volunteers with Planned Parenthood Action, NARAL, and other activist groups, who have been busting serious ass to organize people since SB5 and HB60 hit the lege. Without them, the Senate filibuster would have needed to begin much earlier, and the Capitol wouldn't have been filled to the rafters with protesters last night.
posted by cobra libre at 2:46 PM on June 26, 2013 [3 favorites]

A quick note to those who were in the galleries: the rotunda is an acoustically perfect dome, designed to help people on the floor be heard by all and sundry in the era before amplification. I've had this demonstrated on my own tour of that very building when I was in high school. The thing about acoustics is, though, that works both ways. . . if everyone in the galleries makes a hell of a noise, that gets reflected up and off the dome and focused down on the floor, like a magnifying glass does for sunlight.

If y'all think you were making a hullabaloo up there last night, the noise would have been crushing down on the floor. So, you know, way to go.
posted by KathrynT at 2:53 PM on June 26, 2013 [4 favorites]

In my experience it would be very rare for the usual suspects to have thousands upon thousands of people at a thing like this.

When I was doing activist organizing around the first push to get the Morning After Pill over the counter back in Bush's first term, I was working with NOW and we got maybe two NOW-funded 15-pass vans full of people and a few more people who packed into cars and tagged along for the drive to DC. And we were the only large group of activists who showed up for the hearings. There were a few NARAL and Planned Parenthood folks, but not a "get on the bus" effort from them. I would say that, all told, there were under 100 observers from the general public at those hearings.

That said, it's now a decade later and these incremental reproductive rights fights are a much bigger deal. Also, I have to say, if NARAL, the political wing of Planned Parenthood, NOW, Feminist Majority, etc. are bussing thousands of people in for things like this lately, that is HUGE and AMAZING and I think it could represent a sea change in how feminist organizing is done. (Also probably a sea change in how engaged people are on this stuff!) I'd be very curious about how things got to this point, organizationally speaking, because a decade ago when I was more involved they really weren't interested in grassroots organizing aside from the big marches on Washington and the like.
posted by Sara C. at 2:53 PM on June 26, 2013 [2 favorites]

If y'all think you were making a hullabaloo up there last night, the noise would have been crushing down on the floor. So, you know, way to go.

Except that the House and Senate galleries are in separate chambers and aren't under the dome....
posted by mudpuppie at 2:56 PM on June 26, 2013

The Onion: Texas Abortion Opponents To Cheer Up Selves With Execution
posted by dry white toast at 2:59 PM on June 26, 2013 [3 favorites]

I have to say, if NARAL, the political wing of Planned Parenthood, NOW, Feminist Majority, etc. are bussing thousands of people in for things like this lately, that is HUGE and AMAZING and I think it could represent a sea change in how feminist organizing is done. (Also probably a sea change in how engaged people are on this stuff!)

I'd love to see that. I've generally been thinking that the era of "get on the bus" is over, but this was a pretty great visibility. I participated in the 1989 march on Washington for abortion rights. It was electrifying - half a million people\. What's depressing is we felt like abortion rights were under attack then - it's far, far worse today, and yet it's hard to see the activism. I don't really think Washington marches do anything, so I didn't go to any more, but the idea of being directly visible during legislative action is one I am liking a lot.
posted by Miko at 3:36 PM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday called a second special session of the Texas Legislature to pass widespread abortion restrictions, after the first attempt by Republicans died overnight following a marathon one-woman filibuster.

Perry ordered lawmakers to meet again on July 1 to act on the abortion proposals, as well as separate bills that would boost highway funding and deal with a juvenile justice issue. The sweeping abortion rules would close nearly all abortion clinics and impose other widespread restrictions on the procedure across the nation's second-largest state.

What does this mean? A redo of last night all over again?
posted by hapax_legomenon at 3:45 PM on June 26, 2013

Miko, Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America definitely had a presence on Tuesday but I have no idea if they bussed people in.

PP organized the people's filibuster that happened in the TX House last Thursday, in which they lined up hundreds of women to testify against the bill until 3:30 AM (link in the FPP). Then there was the final House debate on Sunday, which also ran into early Monday morning and delayed the bill long enough to make a filibuster in the Senate possible. There were a ton of people at the Capitol that night too. I would guess that some of the people who came to town specifically to testify before the House stayed around to watch the Senate filibuster, but this was on the radar of politically-minded people in Austin and in Texas. It seems like there are *always* protests at the state capitol about abortion, both pro- and anti-, regardless of whether a bill is under debate, so it's not really surprising to me that there were so many people there. I think the added spectacle of the filibusters probably helped, though.

If you look through the pictures, you'll see people in burnt orange shirts that say "I stand with Texas women". I think those are the Planned Parenthood folks. At least, one of them tried to get me to sign up for a PP email list. Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood and Ann Richards' daughter, was greeting people going into the gallery throughout the day. (I didn't see her when I arrived, though). The PP folks were also handing out fliers letting us know what rules of decorum in the gallery were: no standing, no food or drink, no signs, no outbursts, no flash photography. We were all very aware that if the gallery responded audibly to the debate, we could all be removed. More about that in a minute. There were some overflow viewing rooms in other parts of the Capitol, and I know that some people went straight there instead of getting into the gallery line, because they would be able to react and have food and bathroom breaks and whatnot. Once you were in the gallery, if you left you had to give up your seat.

I was motivated to go when I saw pictures a friend posted on Twitter from the gallery on Tuesday morning. Despite being a Longhorn, I don't own any orange clothing, so I went out on my lunch break to get something. I ended up at Old Navy and the only thing in the orange range that I might wear again was a peach shirt with pink stripes. I also found a orangey red cardigan. The two clashed completely, both in color and in pattern, but I didn't care, I just wanted to show up in orange. I was later grateful for the cardi, because the Senate chamber is cold. I only work about three blocks from the Capitol, so I got there at about 5:20, waited in a line that only wrapped around the rotunda once at that point, and got in at about 5:45. My friend had left earlier in the day to go to work, and I'm glad that I didn't wait until the evening to go with her, because she got in line at about 7:00 and didn't make it back in to the gallery.

As you can see from the pictures, there were a lot of people wearing a lot of shades of orange. Mostly t-shirts, of course, but also dresses, other tops, and a few suits. I had the impression that the majority of people in the actual gallery were not with PP or NARAL, they were just people who showed up and wore what they had. I saw a couple of other women wearing the other (brighter) orange shirt that Old Navy had, so I'm guessing it was a quick purchase for them as well.

I found a seat in the gallery behind the sound booth and could only see Wendy Davis if I stretched waay to the left. None of the people around me were there with an organization. We had a lot of time to chat during the parliamentary inquiries, and we were comparing notes and trying to figure out what was going on. For most of the night, we all stuck to the rules of decorum. If people reacted or laughed (Senator Ellis had a few zingers), they were shushed almost immediately. We didn't want the gallery to be cleared.

It was super tense in the room during the back-brace POO. We thought it was over at that point. After the ruling came down to give Davis a second warning, maybe a third of the people in the gallery got up and left. (I think it was about 8:30 PM at that point?). The guards were slow to let people from the line trickle in until the room was full again.

When I said that the protest was organic, I was talking specifically about the gallery, and it was. There was one big outburst of protest after Dewhurst ruled on the third warning (regarding the germaneness of the TX law that requires a sonogram be performed 3 days prior to an abortion), and the troopers started ejecting people. Some entire rows of the gallery were cleared, and some people were targeted specifically for clapping or yelling. That didn't last too long because we wanted to stay, so we quieted down and the doors were locked so no one else could come in. And then the big protest, the one that lasted from 11:45 until after midnight, was in direct response to Dewhurst failing to call on Sen. Van De Putte and then her question about when women senators would be recognized. As you can imagine, it was extremely tense in the room and the clock was ticking down and it was clear that the Dewhurst was ignoring the Dems in favor of going directly to the vote, so when the clapping and cheering for Van De Putte started, it just didn't stop. I suppose that there could have been organizers in the room who had planned to cause a ruckus in the gallery to stop the debate, but from where I was sitting, it was a crowd reaction to protest the silencing of Democrats on the floor. No one was directing anything. I only heard about the people's filibuster that spikeleemajortom is referring to here on MetaFilter. One the cheering gained momentum, it was clear that we were going to be kicked out so there was no reason to stop.

This is by far the longest thing I've typed on MetaFilter.

I'm sure you didn't intend to diminish the hard work of the activists and volunteers with Planned Parenthood Action, NARAL, and other activist groups, who have been busting serious ass to organize people since SB5 and HB60 hit the lege.

Not at all.
posted by donajo at 3:46 PM on June 26, 2013 [21 favorites]

What does this mean? A redo of last night all over again?

This means the bill will get passed.
posted by Theta States at 3:48 PM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

This is one of the few times I've genuinely felt the meaning of the slogan "The Whole World Is Watching", and especially felt the power of the internet and grassroots media to document the truth so that it can't be easily massaged later. I've heard that talked about for years, but I've never really seen it be true until now.

This absolutely wouldn't have gone down the same way without the crowds of observers, the live feeds streaming online, and things like liveblogging, social media, and wherever the hell we'd put this thread. It would have been too easy to shut Davis out earlier in the evening, and too easy to pretend that a vote that actually happened at 12:02 really happened at 11:52. Even the ability for people to email in testimony for Davis to read as part of her filibuster so as to be able to stay germane is HUGE.

The whole world really was watching last night, and it was probably the decisive factor that enabled us to win.
posted by Sara C. at 3:49 PM on June 26, 2013 [10 favorites]

This means the bill will get passed.

I should've been clearer: I realize that is most certainly the outcome but I'm curious if anyone thinks we'll see protests, etc. like we did last night.
posted by hapax_legomenon at 3:52 PM on June 26, 2013

What does this mean? A redo of last night all over again?

The actual bill from yesterday is dead, so a new bill will be introduced and it will have to be passed in the House and the Senate. Since this is the only legislation on the agenda for this special session (although Perry can add other things later), they have 30 days to get it through. There will be protests, surely, but it will pass.
posted by donajo at 3:58 PM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Well the nice thing about it being July 1 and not July 8 or 15 or something is that some of the people who drove to Austin to take part in this will likely stick around a few more days if at all possible.

It's also enough time to go home, water the plants, check the mail, pack a bag, and get back to Austin by Monday with undiminished momentum, if you're from out of town but not so far out of town.

I'd also like to say it's in a nice window for the MSM to truly pick up the ball, and Monday is a great day in terms of the news cycle. It's also nicely placed in terms of today and yesterday's SCOTUS opinions. But then again, who can say on that? Also, even if the media covers it this time, that won't actually change the vote.
posted by Sara C. at 3:59 PM on June 26, 2013 [2 favorites]

this is the only legislation on the agenda for this special session

I understand Perry has also put the transportation bill and the juvenile justice bill that were timed out by the filibuster on the call for the new session too.
posted by immlass at 4:00 PM on June 26, 2013

I'd also like to say it's in a nice window for the MSM to truly pick up the ball, and Monday is a great day in terms of the news cycle.

The MSM doesn't need a window to pick up the ball. They had access to the internet yesterday just like everyone else did. The MSM has developed a three-point formula to cover fast-moving but complicated issues that really affect and matter to people:

1. opening with "wow that issue really had social media going yesterday"
2. saying how many likes the largest related facebook page has
3. reading off a related celebrity tweet

And then on to the next story.
posted by headnsouth at 4:14 PM on June 26, 2013 [6 favorites]

It's that the jackholes in the penthouse suites look at the issue and say "no matter what we say about this we'll lose half our audience so we won't say anything at all."

For which they deserve to lose all of their audience.
posted by seanmpuckett at 4:21 PM on June 26, 2013

I understand Perry has also put the transportation bill and the juvenile justice bill that were timed out by the filibuster on the call for the new session too.

You're right. The article that I read earlier said it was only about abortion, and it was wrong.
posted by donajo at 4:27 PM on June 26, 2013

One thing that I forgot to mention above was the coat hangers. At the House debate on Sunday and the Senate debate yesterday, there were women walking around giving out coat hangers. You know, for after they close down all of the abortion clinics in the name of women's health. It was awesome.
posted by donajo at 4:35 PM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Came across this on Jezebel: Reviews of Wendy Davis' Mizuno shoes, on Amazon.
posted by annsunny at 7:37 PM on June 26, 2013 [6 favorites]

I think the problem for the media is that none can authentically understand this or present this in terms of the major genres of political story. Is this a "trend piece?" Hard to say, because after a few years of constant rain of anti-abortion-legislation stories, this is a bit of anomaly ad may be a one-off. Is it nationally significant? Not at this time - it's super TX-specific. Is it a turning point/watershed in the reproductive rights battle? To be determined - if so, one event in TX won't make it so. Is it an internet/social-media type story like headnshouth cites? Yes, but maybe more, and the social-media-liked-it angle alone is not a story. Unfortunately, from the perspective of national political news, it's one big slosh in the back-and-forth wave of women's rights legislation. It's hard to justify giving it more play than just "filibuster attempt ends in late night standoff with active citizen protest, ultimate outcome delayed."

As much as I'm super psyched about this from a personal-feminist-activist perspective, if I were a national news editor, I would have a really hard time deciding how much play to give this story. I think it's a remarkable moment to discuss in op-ed and long-form, long-term development pieces. I'm not sure it's a multi-day front-page news story. I'm not sure it's a regional story beyond Texas. It is a women's rights story, but if an organization isn't already interested in doing a strong women's rights beat, it might not get additional play.

It's hard for me to run your basic "MSM sucks" evaluation on this one. It's a bit of a rarity, and, though it was impressive, at this moment it's hard to determine what long-term, national significance it has. Much like the events in Wisconsin over the last few years: they were exciting and heartening, and yet they did not really predict a trend or make a long-term impact on the nation's political directions, and they weren't ultimately successful either. I think I can understand that if this is going to be a major story, this is just the first set of hints of it. It's not an A1 above the fold kind of thing yet, even though it is a very very important event for those of us who care deeply.
posted by Miko at 7:49 PM on June 26, 2013

I'm not sure it's a multi-day front-page news story. I'm not sure it's a regional story beyond Texas. It is a women's rights story, but if an organization isn't already interested in doing a strong women's rights beat, it might not get additional play.

And yet all of America is talking about what it means that Paula Deen said the N word.

(I do see your point, Miko. I just hate that it's true.)
posted by Sara C. at 7:56 PM on June 26, 2013

Those Amazon reviews are great, annsunny.

Particular favorite:

Even though...

1) I am a man and these are clearly women's shoes
2) I have never gone through the experience of wearing them
3) These shoes are not designed for my feet; and
4) They are of a color I would never wear...

I feel somehow compelled to decide for the shoe's female target market whether or not they should own them.

Don't.

Thank you.
posted by gaspode at 7:56 PM on June 26, 2013 [7 favorites]

I do, too. It's ridiculous and it makes me sad. But I still I get why it's not more visible in the major news media.

I make a distinction, too, between TV like Fox and CNN and the more serious news outlets. The Paula Deen thing has abundant video, a Greek-myth fall-from-grace thing, and celebrity cachet- I get why that plays big on TV. It makes sense to me that in the broadcast media, she's been the big big story. But broadcast media really are biased to stuff that happens in their world, which is the world of their audience, a very disconnected and circular place. I don't understand the decisions in TV news very well, and I don't think it's very good, so I often just don't give it much attention because I know the world of print better - though of course, the majority of people get their "news" via TV. With the TX story, I'm really looking at print/web and radio news outlets that cover politics, where we might expect to encounter serious analysis of such an event, where the Deen story is getting a lot less space, and actually the TX story getting more. It's secondary/opinion/lifestyle that are really milking the Deen thing, but I think it makes sense to expect the print/web-based media to make more thoughtful attempts at tracking and analyzing political news in ways that make sense of complicated legislative events.

That's a fundamental problem about the bias of American broadcast media that's bigger than Deen or Davis (though there's probably a great op-ed to be written about the curious week in which two blonde-headed Southern* women commanded all the news bandwidth across the nation - that's special!) But when I think strictly in terms of political reporting and what would make topline national political news this week on NPR or in the Times or Tribune, I get why this gets a certain amount of play but not massive banners and high placement.

*I understand that it's debatable whether "Texan" and "Southern" can be conflated like that, but if I were writing the op-ed I'd give it a shot.
posted by Miko at 8:07 PM on June 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Yeah, I mean I get why NPR or the NYT give it the space that they give it and not more. For something like the Times, this is definitely front-page-below-the-fold territory, or maybe above the fold on the "national" page. For one day, one story, until it becomes part of a larger narrative.

What I don't get is what CNN was doing covering how many calories are in a muffin while this was breaking at midnight last night.
posted by Sara C. at 8:21 PM on June 26, 2013 [3 favorites]

Yeah, it was stupid. And maybe not least because it was kinda great TV, had they had the perspective to recognize it. I mean, even on hiccupy livestream the damn thing had great market share.
posted by Miko at 8:23 PM on June 26, 2013 [4 favorites]

Wendy Davis Gets the Taiwanese Animation Treatment
posted by homunculus at 8:25 PM on June 26, 2013 [3 favorites]

Wendy Davis Takes Post-Filibuster Victory Lap, Tells Anderson Cooper ‘I’m Running On Adrenaline Today’
posted by homunculus at 8:51 PM on June 26, 2013 [2 favorites]

John Oliver Flies The Rainbow Flag Of Freedom And Slams Texas GOP ‘Determined To Abort’ Epic Filibuster
posted by homunculus at 9:30 PM on June 26, 2013 [3 favorites]

From the John Oliver link, re: the post-midnight shenanigans: "They simply believe that if late one night when you’re swept away by your emotions [and] you make a stupid mistake, you should always have a chance to fix it later and not have to live with the consequences.”

BRILLIANT.
posted by mochapickle at 9:55 PM on June 26, 2013 [17 favorites]

Texas’ Abortion Restrictions Failed, But Other States Are Successfully Advancing Them
posted by homunculus at 10:09 PM on June 26, 2013

Looks like Perry's calling another special session to address "unfinished business." The embarrassing spectacle begins anew on Monday.
posted by Thorzdad at 5:10 AM on June 27, 2013

I want this Clinton/Davis meme to happen in real life.
posted by zombieflanders at 6:13 AM on June 27, 2013

Wendy Davis' Filibuster By The Numbers
posted by the man of twists and turns at 7:52 AM on June 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

I was just reading this recap of the events on Tuesday in the Austin Chronicle (highly recommended), and I got chills at this paragraph:

The crowds at the Capitol were the biggest that had come to Austin to oppose SB 5. People dressed in orange to show their solidarity with Davis were spread out throughout the building, but an estimate of 2,000 wouldn’t be unrealistic. They got there early – the Senate gallery’s 500 seats were completely full by the time she began her filibuster – and they stayed late. They ate the pizzas and cookies from around the world that had become a hallmark of the SB 5 opposition, and they watched from the Capitol Auditorium and the Legislative Conference Center once more. They brought their kids. Some came from as far away as Oklahoma, a reminder that Texas’ abortion services serve more than just Texans. (emphasis mine)

I remember speculating with someone that day about how far West Texas women would have to go for an abortion after this passes. Could they go to New Mexico? Colorado? Surely not all the way to Louisiana? But it didn't occur to me that women from surrounding states are probably coming to Texas for abortions. Now I'm all riled up again. Fuck this bill.
posted by donajo at 8:10 AM on June 27, 2013 [6 favorites]

donajo, some west and south Texas women will go to mexico, which has patchy abortion laws, but where it is possible to find a safe, illegal abortions (as well as cheap, unsafe ones).
posted by Mad_Carew at 9:03 AM on June 27, 2013

They could go to New Mexico or Colorado, but they must also consider transportation cost, lodging, food, and time off from work or childcare for travel. Because many women who choose abortion do so due to resource limitations or obligations (finances, employment, school, caring for their other children), this becomes yet another barrier. This is what Perry's counting on -- that the complexity of gathering resources and figuring out logistics will roadblock many women who otherwise would choose abortion. Women who are living paycheck to paycheck simply will not be able to afford the trip. Obviously, it's even more complicated for minors.

On Twitter, some followers are saying that the bill would actually make abortion safer due to the requirement to be near a higher level of medical services. But in reality, it'll just drive desperate women to take desperate measures.
posted by mochapickle at 9:49 AM on June 27, 2013 [3 favorites]

Governor Rick Perry's address to the National Right to Life Convention.

"Until the day Roe v. Wade is nothing but a shameful footnote in our nation's history books, we won't give up the good fight."

Christ, what an etc.
posted by running order squabble fest at 9:53 AM on June 27, 2013

There aren't many clinics in NM that perform abortions, either. When I lived in Las Cruces, you had to go to El Paso, TX.
posted by annsunny at 10:01 AM on June 27, 2013

Good point, annsunny. On a quick search, I think it's just ABQ and Santa Fe. Barriers.
posted by mochapickle at 10:06 AM on June 27, 2013

Gov. Perry "What if her mom had said, 'I just can’t do this, I don’t want to do this. At that particular point in time I think it becomes very personal for us."

What is this I don't even....
posted by anastasiav at 10:09 AM on June 27, 2013

On Twitter, some followers are saying that the bill would actually make abortion safer due to the requirement to be near a higher level of medical services.

I am a doctor, and no matter what one's feelings are on abortion, in my professional opinion this is the wrongest most stupidest wrong dumb thing anyone could possibly believe. Anyone who knows anything about the abortion mortality and morbidity statistics from the pre-Roe era knows that this doesn't hold water. Policies that will require considerable travel to access abortion services will harm women, and poor women disproportionately so. For a decent review of the statistics, see here. I need to fight the urge to slap anyone who thinks this sort of policy will protect the health of women. Grar.
posted by drpynchon at 10:10 AM on June 27, 2013 [18 favorites]

Shit is on:

@Forrest4Trees: Sen. @WendyDavisTexas: "Rick Perry's statement is without dignity and tarnishes the high office he holds." #sb5 #txlege
posted by zombieflanders at 10:15 AM on June 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

"What if her mom had said, 'I just can’t do this, I don’t want to do this. At that particular point in time I think it becomes very personal for us."

Given that Davis' parents divorced after she was born, I think that might have come under murder, rather than abortion.

Although I guess Rick Perry may not observe that distinction, so YMMV.

Seriously, though. What an asshole.
posted by running order squabble fest at 10:27 AM on June 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

Poll: Half of American women support 20-week abortion ban. Voters 18-29 years of age support a ban by 52 to 39
posted by republican at 10:28 AM on June 27, 2013

But it didn't occur to me that women from surrounding states are probably coming to Texas for abortions.

i tweeted when it seemed like they were going to just change time and pass the damn law anyway, "the crushing realization of if I need an abortion, it's more than likely a plane ride away. my 5 state area looks bleak. #flyoverstateblues" - and it's not that i couldn't get one in state or in the neighboring states - but when the issue is so fraught, so the central focus, so restricted, i just don't feel safe if i needed an abortion getting here.

i am extraordinarily privileged because i could, with some planning and some belt tightening, go to a place more accommodating. less privileged women will just have to roll those dice and hope that it all turns out ok. i've seen what 15 year old women will do to inspire a "spontaneous" miscarriage though, so i'm worried. every new restriction ripples out, be it kansas, ohio, oklahoma, texas, etc.
posted by nadawi at 10:30 AM on June 27, 2013 [3 favorites]

the anti-choice jerkwads have won the PR war on late term abortions. it's incredible to me to watch, but it's totally true. with all their lying and smearing and focusing on late terms to try to restrict all abortion, they have convinced people that late term abortions are women who wake up one more and just go "lolz, gonna give birth in two weeks! better murder this thing while i have the chance!!" when the truth is that a majority of them are gut wrenching decisions by people who really, really want their child.
posted by nadawi at 10:35 AM on June 27, 2013 [6 favorites]

Poll: Half of American women support 20-week abortion ban. Voters 18-29 years of age support a ban by 52 to 39

Only 1.5% of abortions happen after 20 weeks. Those procedures are more medically risky for the mother, they're harder to get, and they're much more expensive. Women who undergo abortions after 20 weeks are not doing it because they're lazy or it's fun or they don't care. They're doing it because it's a medical necessity or because it was not possible beforehand. I don't think most people have read the heartbreaking stories of why women go through later term abortions. I don't want voting polls to determine the limits of a (sometimes) life-saving medical procedure.
posted by jetlagaddict at 10:37 AM on June 27, 2013 [19 favorites]

Poll: Half of American women support 20-week abortion ban. Voters 18-29 years of age support a ban by 52 to 39

Thankfully our constitution isn't and shouldn't be majority rules.
posted by muddgirl at 10:41 AM on June 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

GOP plan to appeal to millennials: “Make abortion funny”. Young Christian-right leaders think the answer to their problems with young voters lies in more snark
posted by homunculus at 10:51 AM on June 27, 2013

yo, fuckheads - you want less abortion, you want to prove that's your aim instead of controlling women? stop fighting free birth control, stop classifying emergency contraception as abortion, get rid of abstinence only education, provide more social services, and reform maternity and paternity leave. also, if your base concern is saving all those babies, put your efforts and money towards miscarriages and infant mortality rates.
posted by nadawi at 10:58 AM on June 27, 2013 [11 favorites]

GOP plan to appeal to millennials: “Make abortion funny”. Young Christian-right leaders think the answer to their problems with young voters lies in more snark

The level of contempt that the leaders have for the voters they're trying to court is incredible.
posted by ogooglebar at 11:08 AM on June 27, 2013

Abortion has to be made funny, the thinking goes, because funny sells on social media, and that’s where one goes to court young people.

I just...this sounds like a scrap of material left on the cutting room floor, crushed by the heel of Colbert's shoe. You know what's not funny? Septic wounds. Rape. Scared teenagers. Women raising kids in poverty. Abortion is not a funny joke.
posted by jetlagaddict at 11:08 AM on June 27, 2013 [2 favorites]

Abortion can be joked about, but "Abortion is murder and women who have abortions are murderers" isn't really a wellspring of comedy.
posted by muddgirl at 11:21 AM on June 27, 2013 [4 favorites]

"Edging closer to a new review of state power to restrict the right to abortion, the Supreme Court on Thursday added to its docket a case from Oklahoma, while indicating that it would not move ahead until it gets some answers from that state’s Supreme Court."

This court ruling on state power to restrict abortion worries me.
posted by gladly at 11:30 AM on June 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

Wendy Davis by Austin's Bright Light Social Hour, includes their own footage from the protests.
posted by Mad_Carew at 11:33 AM on June 27, 2013 [2 favorites]

Dallas Morning News: Texas ranks among worst 10 states to be a kid
posted by mochapickle at 11:48 AM on June 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

The Economist: Democracy In Texas

Occupy Wall Street could certainly use the publicity, but Mr Dewhurst has misdiagnosed the situation. He personally incited the crowd by making a travesty of the Texas senate. Ms Davis's filibuster was going to succeed, in compliance with the senate's demanding rules, so Mr Dewhurst threw out the rules. If the president of the senate cannot see fit to observe minimum standards of decent sportsmanship, much less statesmanship, he can hardly expect the audience of the senate to behave as if they are in the presence of an august deliberative body meriting deference and respect.

posted by the man of twists and turns at 11:48 AM on June 27, 2013 [18 favorites]

Poll: Half of American women support 20-week abortion ban.

"The survey of 1,005 adults was conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International from June 20 to 23, via both landlines and cell phones. "

Yep, those 1,005 adults absolutely and without question represent 1/2 of all American women! Let's ban abortion forever!
posted by elizardbits at 12:33 PM on June 27, 2013 [3 favorites]

And let's make sure poor people and young people who would be most harmed by restrictions because they have the least means to seek alternatives are adequately represented by surveying landlines!
posted by Phire at 1:20 PM on June 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

A few of the memes inspired by this incident here. via jezebel
posted by annsunny at 2:01 PM on June 27, 2013

Does anyone know if there are any legal avenues to challenge the bill once it becomes law? It will likely go into effect on September 1.
posted by mudpuppie at 3:08 PM on June 27, 2013

Just a mountain of legislation, mudpuppie:

Even if the restrictive measure passes, it will be tied up in litigation, as many legal experts believe that bills trying to outlaw abortions after 20 weeks’ gestation conflict with the Supreme Court’s 1973 ruling that states may not restrict a woman’s right to end a pregnancy before viability, or when the fetus can live outside the womb. -Los Angeles Times

posted by mochapickle at 3:26 PM on June 27, 2013

Yep, those 1,005 adults absolutely and without question represent 1/2 of all American women! Let's ban abortion forever!

Not to be all, whatever. But, abortion rights don't have anywhere near the popular appeal that they once did - the right has been amazingly effecting at moving public opinion on that.

The republicans keep doing this stuff because it works. It gets them elected.

Pisses me off, too, but there isn't any point denying the reality of the polls. Lots of people think women should not the right to choose. Not enough disagree.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 3:29 PM on June 27, 2013

Cool, mochapickle. I'd hoped that was the case, but hadn't seen any cites.
posted by mudpuppie at 3:31 PM on June 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

I've been reading a lot of pro-birth material these past few days. They really think they're right and fighting for justice. They really think abortions are about murdering babies. And they really think women think it's an easy decision.

And I can say this out of experience: It's incredibly personal. And it's not an easy decision. It's been years now but I still think about it almost every day. I am grateful I had an option. And I'm reminded now that I need to do more to support this option for other women.

I hope that pro-birth advocates can understand that NOBODY wants to murder a child. I hope that they understand that the way to reduce (or even end) the number of abortions in America is to build better education, create stronger communities and families, offer meaningful sex education and birth control options, and start an open conversation without slut-shaming or superiority.

So while I am excited about the groundswell of pro-choice support, I'm concerned that the frenzy of voices we are hearing now from both sides will drown out meaningful conversation.
posted by mochapickle at 3:42 PM on June 27, 2013 [4 favorites]

Then you get into people willing to say, "Sure I'd support a law for X" but if you ask them about enforcing and prosecuting X they are like, "Err...." And of course, in this particular case, the 20-week part of the bill is fronting for the punitive restrictions on clinics.

Regardless, when fundamental rights are involved it doesn't matter much what % of people think what. I'm sure the anti-choicers would agree—though conservatives sure get morally relativistic in a hurry when they think they're in the majority.
posted by fleacircus at 3:56 PM on June 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

I'm concerned that the frenzy of voices we are hearing now from both sides will drown out meaningful conversation.

What meaningful conversation? Where was this meaningful conversation occurring? It doesn't actually make any sense for anti-abortion advocates to engage meaningful conversation on this issue. If they truly believe that abortion is cold-blooded murder, then it would be disgraceful for them to do so.
posted by muddgirl at 4:00 PM on June 27, 2013

Politifact (yeah, I know…) says the supposed support is being oversold by Republican politicians. Shocker, I know.


http://www.politifact.com/texas/statements/2013/jun/27/jerry-patterson/jerry-patterson-says-majority-texans-support-faile/
posted by Mad_Carew at 4:02 PM on June 27, 2013

Some 46 percent of Texas voters say it should never be permitted or permitted only in cases involving incest, rape or when the woman's life is in danger," the article said

And when strict "You must be a Republican" Voter ID laws are passed, 85% of Texas voters will say it should never be permitted!
posted by muddgirl at 4:06 PM on June 27, 2013

Seriously, though. What an asshole.

You're being too kind.

At this point it becomes impossible for me to comprehend the level of evil required to make such a comment. He basically suggested that perhaps it would have been better for him and his gang if she had been aborted but at least her mother made the "right" choice (which was probably illegal in Texas at the time anyway).

Yep, those 1,005 adults absolutely and without question represent 1/2 of all American women!

I'd be curious to know the wording of the question(s) asked, the ages of the respondents, and where the people polled were located.

What meaningful conversation? Where was this meaningful conversation occurring? It doesn't actually make any sense for anti-abortion advocates to engage meaningful conversation on this issue.

In my experience, the "meaningful conversation" very quickly deteriorates into them blindly quoting Scripture. From their perspective you can't argue with Scripture and the conversation is effectively over.
posted by fuse theorem at 4:08 PM on June 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

What meaningful conversation? Where was this meaningful conversation occurring?

Hey muddgirl, I mean the potential for meaningful conversation. In the current atmosphere, it's all talking and no listening.

It doesn't actually make any sense for anti-abortion advocates to engage meaningful conversation on this issue. If they truly believe that abortion is cold-blooded murder, then it would be disgraceful for them to do so.

I agree that yes, many pro-birthers will pretty much always think it's cold-blooded murder. I don't think it's reasonable to expect them to change that opinion, as it's ingrained into their specific perception of faith and morality.

There's so much talk about stopping abortions, but what we really need to stop is accidental pregnancies. By applying resources and creating better communities and healthcare, we can prevent accidental pregnancies, which by and large make up the lion's share of abortions in America (source). Many (but not all) pro-life advocates have demonstrated that they are willing to make considerations for abortions as a response to medical emergencies or pregnancies resulting from rape or incest. Heck, even my most confident pro-life friends think Savita Halappanavar's death in Ireland was barbaric and unnecessary.

By creating an environment that requires fewer abortions, everyone wins.
posted by mochapickle at 4:24 PM on June 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

Politifact (yeah, I know…)

What's wrong with Politifact?
posted by donajo at 4:30 PM on June 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

(Of course, I say all this knowing I am being completely idealistic here. There will always be a true need for accessible, safe, and legal abortions.)
posted by mochapickle at 4:36 PM on June 27, 2013

There's so much talk about stopping abortions, but what we really need to stop is accidental pregnancies.

Planned Parenthood, IMO, does an amazing job trying to get this message out in the face of strenuous legal opposition. Here in Texas, we have abysmal teen pregnancy rates and yet abstinence-only education. We are cutting public health funding for women, specifically targeting Planned Parenthood. It almost sounds like you're arguing that reproductive health advocates just aren't trying hard enough to get people to like us?

Anti-abortion advocates don't hold that opinion in a vacuum. They have a myriad other religions and political views that make them very resistant to contraceptives and government aid for poor women and mothers.
posted by muddgirl at 4:37 PM on June 27, 2013 [3 favorites]

Ohio Lawmakers Are Using Their State Budget To Try To Restrict Abortion And Redefine Pregnancy
posted by homunculus at 4:42 PM on June 27, 2013 [2 favorites]

It almost sounds like you're arguing that reproductive health advocates just aren't trying hard enough to get people to like us?

No, not at all, muddgirl -- sorry, I am on the most boring concall ever and drifting a bit. I completely agree with you, and it's a tough fight with not enough resources and uphill all the way.

When it all boils down, I just wish the general population on both sides could find a way to discuss practical solutions with the same level of enthusiasm they're using to sling zingers.
posted by mochapickle at 4:55 PM on June 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

My perspective is that one side IS trying to discuss practical solutions with a higher level of enthusiasm than they're using to sling zingers. That side supports, for example, public funding for basic sexual health and contraceptive services; science-based outcome-oriented sex education; allowing non-"traditional" families such as same-sex couples and single persons wider access to foster parenting and adoption; support for undocumented immigrants to have better access to health care, including reproductive health care; etc.
posted by muddgirl at 5:32 PM on June 27, 2013 [10 favorites]

In the current atmosphere, it's all talking and no listening

This has been the "atmosphere" since the 80s. When the anti-abortion movement's leadership starts advocating science-based outcomes for preventing unwanted pregnancy and stops talking about women carrying an unwanted child to term as bearing the consequences of their actions, then I will believe that they really do love babies (and, you know, the people who carry them). Until then, I will do as askme so often advises: believe someone when they tell you something about themselves, and the anti-abortion movement has been loud and clear for decades: It is about controlling women's bodies and sexuality.
posted by rtha at 5:49 PM on June 27, 2013 [11 favorites]

So this is from Rick Perry's actual mouth: "the louder the opposition screams, the more we know we're doing something right."
posted by seanmpuckett at 5:56 PM on June 27, 2013

The inroad isn't through Perry and anti-abortion leadership. Those people have a totally different agenda.

It'll need to be person by person, on a small level, with neighbors, family, friends. Take, for example, the huge strides we have made in gay rights even over the last ten years. Who here hasn't witnessed a committed opponent of gay rights who changed their position when they realized they had a gay relative or neighbor, someone they cared about? Sometimes they didn't. But often, they did.

Pro-choice advocates have every right to be furious with anti-abortion leadership. I know I am. I'm just speaking from a place of talking with compassionate, progressive pro-lifers who are able to get past the Abortion Is Wrong argument. It's not surprising to note that the solutions they come up with are the same ones that reproductive health advocates promote. Funny how that works.

I think those people are the key to bridging this impossible gap.

(I'm heading out for evening. Thanks again for the thread and the perspectives, especially from muddgirl.)
posted by mochapickle at 6:30 PM on June 27, 2013

Who here hasn't witnessed a committed opponent of gay rights who changed their position when they realized they had a gay relative or neighbor, someone they cared about?

The difference between this approach for homosexual relationships and for abortion is that abortion is, often, a one-time event. It's not a continuing fact of someone's existence. There are many anti-abortion women who have had abortions - my mother is one of them. Looking at the statistics, it's incredibly likely that most male anti-abortion advocates have had girlfriends, wives, or daughters who've had abortions. Knowing people who've had abortions in the past or will have them in the future can be "excused away" much easier - every case is an exception.

And again, sharing personal experiences with abortion is already part of the left-wing strategy. But we can't magically erase the stigma of abortion - it's a vicious cycle where stigma leads to silence leads to stigma. In that respect I think we're losing - abortion seems more stigmatized now than it was in the late 70s. Being willing to openly talk about abortion not just as a necessary evil but as a public good, the way Sen. Davis was this past week, is one way to break through that stigma.
posted by muddgirl at 7:17 PM on June 27, 2013 [5 favorites]

What Happens to Women Who Are Denied Abortions? Recent story in the Times.
posted by Miko at 8:03 PM on June 27, 2013 [3 favorites]

So, y'all know the Senate Whisperer from the SB5 fight night? Parliamentarian Karina Davis was appointed by Republican Dewhurst, she has no legal experience, and is a proven partisan. And that's the person who decides obscure points of order in the Texas Senate.
posted by dejah420 at 8:52 PM on June 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

According to the Texas Tribune's Texplainer, the parliamentarian of the Senate "is elected by the body at the recommendation of the lieutenant governor" and offers advice to the presiding member of the house, but it's non-binding. Karina Davis may be partisan, but the buck stops with the Lieutenant Governor, David Dewhurst.
posted by donajo at 9:03 PM on June 27, 2013

Aha! Thank you. I spent a long time squinting at her in her white suit the other night and wondering 1) what exactly Rachel Weisz was doing in Austin and 2) why she was acting so damn snippy.
posted by mochapickle at 9:10 PM on June 27, 2013

This makes me particularly sad because parliamentarians feel to me like political archivists or Speakers - people whose value lies in their abstraction from party politics.

Also, I really liked her outfit - initially I assumed it was some sort of parliamentarian's uniform, but on reflection that's probably just women's business dress in Texas...
posted by running order squabble fest at 9:30 PM on June 27, 2013

Miko's last link is to a very substantial newspaper article that really deserves a FPP of its own, if anyone is up to it.
posted by Joe in Australia at 11:19 PM on June 27, 2013 [2 favorites]

It's A Wendy Davis Nation Now

At the Texas Capitol Wednesday, Republicans seemed caught off guard. They didn’t seem to have expected to need reinforcements: Eyewitnesses saw few antiabortion protesters, who wore blue shirts, among the orange throngs. And if they were aware of the nearly 200,000 people watching on the livestream, it didn’t prevent them from trying to shut down the process, whether with spurious points of order or by changing the time stamps to make it seem the vote had taken place before midnight, which ultimately sank the bill for the time being. That livestream mattered not just for the outside world, but for the protesters who couldn’t fit into the gallery and snaked around every stairway and crevice in the building.

“I know the GOP wants to take us back to the policies of the ’60s, but they also seem to think we still have the technology they had in the ’60s,” said Andrea Grimes, who was covering the events for RH Reality Check.

And Rick Perry is a font of ass-hattery, and frighteningly enough, it's self-serving ass-hattery. One of Perry's political strong suits has been his effective use of other politicians as foils, and Davis has helped prolong his time in the national spotlight, bringing him back to prominence for conservatives nation-wide. Given the fact that so much of Texas votes Republican, I fear Frank James of NPR is right:

While she may be riding high in terms of name recognition and fundraising, she has fired up Texas and national conservatives.

That, in turn, could make it harder for her to win re-election to her state Senate seat or to win the bigger prize she is thought to be interested in: the governorship. So it could all prove a Pyrrhic victory. Or maybe it was more like the Alamo.

Indeed, even Davis' victory in stopping a vote on the anti-abortion bill was probably only a speed bump to its final passage in a very Republican legislature.

There's a lot of conservative people to sway before Texas becomes more blue.
posted by filthy light thief at 10:40 AM on June 28, 2013 [1 favorite]

While she may be riding high in terms of name recognition and fundraising, she has fired up Texas and national conservatives.

I hate this sort of concern-troll bullshit.

So... we're not allowed to put up ANY fight at all, because then that will "rile up" conservatives and all liberals will be unceremoniously punted from office and everything will be bad forever and it's all the fault of the people who dared speak up?

Fuck that noise.

The only way to win is to fight.
posted by Sara C. at 11:11 AM on June 28, 2013 [27 favorites]

Female Ohio Democrat Introduces Bill to Regulate the Reproductive Health of Men

According to the Dayton Daily News, State Senator Nina Turner introduced SB 307, which requires men to visit a sex therapist, undergo a cardiac stress test, and get their sexual partner to sign a notarized affidavit confirming impotency in order to get a prescription for Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs. The bill also requires men who take the drugs to be continually “tested for heart problems, receive counseling about possible side effects and receive information about “pursuing celibacy as a viable lifestyle choice.”"
posted by Miko at 11:12 AM on June 28, 2013 [51 favorites]

I wish I could favorite that 10 more times.
posted by donajo at 11:47 AM on June 28, 2013

Nice follow-up piece by the blogger immlass linked to way earlier in the thread.
posted by aka burlap at 12:21 PM on June 28, 2013

The wife & I are going down there Monday. No idea what we're in for, yet. Maybe just milling around on the lawn, or maybe a good tear-gassing. Who knows what lies ahead? I haven't been to the barriers in about 30 years, but I'm getting back up for this.
posted by Devils Rancher at 3:07 PM on June 28, 2013 [5 favorites]

I grew up in Texas and it's really nice to see interest and support for this fight from lots of people across the country. For instance - this Twitter map of #StandWithWendy instances.
posted by aka burlap at 3:50 PM on June 28, 2013

There's a rally on Monday at 12:00 noon at the Capitol, if any other Mefites are interested in turning out. I'm going to try to pop over on my lunch break.
posted by donajo at 9:43 AM on June 29, 2013 [2 favorites]

Just Have the Baby? A New Mom Reveals Why There Is No ‘Just,’ and Not Necessarily Any Justice Either

Just have the baby? Only if you want to. Because no one else can take on any of the pain or risk, and it’s rare that you’ll be helped significantly with the costs—something I think anyone capable of becoming pregnant understands all too well and that forced pregnancy activists work very hard not to acknowledge.

posted by Miko at 8:14 AM on June 30, 2013 [8 favorites]

The San Francisco Chronicle has an article about the negative effect this may have on Dewhurst's political career, FWIW. It seems a bit vague, since they aren't naming his critics.
posted by annsunny at 2:38 PM on June 30, 2013

Dunno if they updated the article, annasunny, but it lists Dan Patrick and Jerry Patterson, his two announced rivals for the Lite Governorship.

In Texas electoral politics, that's the definition of his critics.
posted by Mad_Carew at 9:55 AM on July 1, 2013 [1 favorite]

For anyone who doesn't know, Natalie Mains, she of the infamous ashamed-of-GWB Dixie Chicks, is performing at the rally. She has a Twitter. She is pretty damn feisty on it to random haters.
posted by emjaybee at 10:39 AM on July 1, 2013 [2 favorites]

Surrounded By Men, Ohio Governor Signs Stringent Abortion Restrictions Into Law
posted by homunculus at 12:49 PM on July 1, 2013

Texas Women’s Health Advocates Gear Up For Another Fight: ‘A Fuse Has Been Lit In Austin’
posted by homunculus at 12:49 PM on July 1, 2013

I didn't make it to today's rally, but from the accounts and pics on Twitter, it was pretty awesome.
posted by donajo at 1:37 PM on July 1, 2013

I can't believe that shit in Ohio, either. #StandwithOHwomen
posted by donajo at 1:43 PM on July 1, 2013

I'm starting to become very disheartened. I really feel the place of women in the minds of many Americans has been terribly degraded over the last decade.
posted by Miko at 2:23 PM on July 1, 2013 [1 favorite]

So after WiFi and power in the area around the Lege were (allegedly) cut off so that protestors and media couldn't access data or charge their devices, they decide to recess for the week and will schedule public hearings?

The Texas Legislature has recessed for the week, less than an hour after convening its second special session. That was just long enough to refer abortion legislation to committees for public hearings. ...

Although there will be no further action on either floor until next week, committees will be in session this week. The chairman of the House State Affairs Committee said he’d cut off testimony on the bill at midnight Tuesday and expects the full House to get it next week.

posted by maudlin at 2:28 PM on July 1, 2013

Can someone closer to the situation than I am explain what happened today and what the road going forward on this is like? Is the failure to pass SB1 today good or bad? What's the prognosis? What does the timeline for passing this look like? Is there a point where, if it's not passed, it's not going to be passed? Does the public hearings thing mean that it's possible this bill will never get "out of committee"?
posted by Sara C. at 2:40 PM on July 1, 2013

That's almost the most sensible thing to do in this nonsensical situation, maudlin. Neither body can do anything until the bill comes back from its House and Senate committees (I think the public hearings will take place during the House committee meeting), so there's really no reason to keep the entire legislature in the chambers during this phase.

The next point of potential fuckery is at the committee level -- cutting off public testimony at midnight Tuesday is a shitty thing to do.

And one thing I didn't realize until now is that this bill, the one regulating abortions and access to them, is being heard IN THE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE and not the PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE.

Here's the charge to the State Affairs committee:

The committee shall have 13 members, with jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to:
(1) questions and matters of state policy;
(2) the administration of state government;
(3) the organization, operation, powers, regulation,
and management of state departments, agencies, and institutions;
(4) the operation and regulation of public lands and
state buildings;
(5) the duties and conduct of officers and employees
of the state government;
(6) the operation of state government and its agencies
and departments; all of above except where jurisdiction is
specifically granted to some other standing committee;
(7) access of the state agencies to scientific and
technological information;
(8) the regulation and deregulation of electric
utilities and the electric industry;
(9) the regulation and deregulation of
telecommunications utilities and the telecommunications industry;
(10) electric utility regulation as it relates to
energy production and consumption;
(11) pipelines, pipeline companies, and all others
operating as common carriers in the state;
(12) the regulation and deregulation of other
industries jurisdiction of which is not specifically assigned to
another committee under these rules; and
(13) the following organizations and state agencies:
the Council of State Governments, the National Conference of State
Legislatures, the Office of the Governor, the Texas Facilities
Commission, the Department of Information Resources, the Inaugural
Endowment Fund Committee, the Sunset Advisory Commission, the
Public Utility Commission of Texas, and the Office of Public
Utility Counsel.

Here's the charge to the Public Health committee:

The committee shall have 11 members, with jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to:
(1) the protection of public health, including
supervision and control of the practice of medicine and dentistry
and other allied health services;
(2) mental health and the development of programs
incident thereto;
(3) the prevention and treatment of mental illness;
(4) oversight of the Health and Human Services
Commission as it relates to the subject matter jurisdiction of this
committee; and
(5) the following state agencies: the Department of
State Health Services, the Anatomical Board of the State of Texas,
the Texas Funeral Service Commission, the State Committee of
Examiners in the Fitting and Dispensing of Hearing Instruments, the
Texas Health Services Authority, the Texas Optometry Board, the
Radiation Advisory Board, the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, the
Interagency Obesity Council, the Texas Board of Nursing, the Texas
Board of Chiropractic Examiners, the Texas Board of Physical
Therapy Examiners, the Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical
Examiners, the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, the
State Board of Dental Examiners, the Texas Medical Board, the
Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers, the Dental Hygiene Advisory
Committee, the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas,
the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners, the Health
Professions Council, the Office of Patient Protection, and the
Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

Which one seems more appropriate?

Sara C., on preview, nothing big happened today, and the bill ostensibly could have been held up in committee if the public comment period was allowed a natural lifespan, but the chair's act of limiting it to some hours tomorrow effectively negates that possibility. Committee meetings aren't subject to the same sort of parliamentary procedure that meetings of the entire body are, so there aren't any delay tactics that I'm aware of.

Maudlin, do you have a link to the thing about wifi and power being shut off?
posted by mudpuppie at 2:50 PM on July 1, 2013 [3 favorites]

I believe it wasn't possible to pass SB 1 today unless the rules were suspended, which the Democrats wouldn't allow. It has to go to committee first. The Republicans say they are going to ram it through the committee this week and I see no reason to think that they won't. We're early in the game though. Compare the actions taken on SB 5 from the first special session to SB 1 from the second.

The Texas House has an article on How A Bill Becomes A Law explaining the process.
posted by grouse at 2:55 PM on July 1, 2013 [1 favorite]

Maudlin, do you have a link to the thing about wifi and power being shut off?

Nothing properly sourced. I saw a few comments in various blogs about this, but I couldn't find any links. I'd expect to see more discussion if this had been a real problem, but I posted here with (allegedly) in the hope that someone else had some references.

I did just find this mention on Twitter (and a couple of similar accounts from the same time), but it's only about power outlets, not wifi. I think there may have been a game of telephone going on by the time the story got to blog comments.
posted by maudlin at 3:09 PM on July 1, 2013

A little more from Twitter about wifi access being down here, with Dewhurst denying any deliberate cutoff.
posted by maudlin at 3:11 PM on July 1, 2013

Ah, interesting. Back when I worked there -- which admittedly was long enough ago that things might have changed -- there was only one place in the Capitol to get decent reception, and that was the open-air rotunda in the Capitol extension. We called it the lobbyists' patio.
posted by mudpuppie at 3:16 PM on July 1, 2013

Some pics of the protest today.

(Personal favorite: "Texas is led by a bunch of RICKS.")
posted by mudpuppie at 3:24 PM on July 1, 2013 [1 favorite]

Here's a summary of the day's events from the Texas Observer.

Please not the part where the lt governor, David Dewhurst, decided to throw out the rule requiring a 2/3 vote of the senate to bring a bill forward.

Regarding the power outage/wifi issue, I know at one point the Texas Tribune's live feed went down due to connectivity issues. So that's concerning.
posted by donajo at 4:22 PM on July 1, 2013

Well, the whole thing was over by the time I got there at 5:30 or so, what with the adjourning and all, but there were a few stragglers, and I snapped a few pics, including The Most Adorable Protesters Ever.
posted by Devils Rancher at 5:50 PM on July 1, 2013 [4 favorites]

I put together a storify of tweets from today, mostly from local journalists, as a way to document this feeling that something is happening here, and perhaps the tide is turning. It's on my now-resurrected tumblr in my profile, if y'all want to see it. I wish I'd thought of it last week.
posted by donajo at 6:07 PM on July 1, 2013

Here's my pictures (self link to instagram). It was pretty awesome to be there. The counter protest was small and fairly quiet. I know this will pass in some form, but the volume of people motivated to speak out against this was impressive and encouraging.

Plus I ran into Mefite Mamapotomus inside who is always a pleasure.

My favorite posters:
Can't believe I'm still protesting this shit.
Think outside my box.
And the women dressed up as suffragists.
posted by dog food sugar at 6:36 PM on July 1, 2013 [4 favorites]

Mudpuppie, what do the words "jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to" mean in this context? Because State Affairs ostensibly has no jurisdiction in this matter.
posted by Joe in Australia at 6:39 PM on July 1, 2013

Joe in Australia, I think the meaning of "jurisdiction over all matters" is up for debate. During a regular session, any bill dealing with abortion or other medical procedures would go to the Public Health committee. (By glancing at the names on the committee, which I linked to above, I think it's probably bluer. I'm only familiar with about half of them, though, so I could be wrong.) As far as I can tell, looking at the bill's (or bills') history/histories, it wasn't even introduced in the regular session, so it didn't go to the Public Health committee.

The governor has the authority to call a special session "on extraordinary occasions" that are of importance to the State of Texas. (Apologies for the incomplete quote and citation. I found a reference to the importance bit, but now can't find the link.) I don't have much experience with working on special sessions -- all of my experience is in regular sessions -- but I'm extrapolating that since the very nature of the reason a special session is called is of utmost importance to the State, the State Affairs committee is the designated reviewer, given numbers 1, 2, and 3 of its charges (listed above).

My listing their charges/jurisdictions above was meant to point out the fact that, even if this were a matter of grave importance to "the State of Texas," the people with the (policy) expertise to review it aren't the ones who will be conducting/allowing the public testimony tomorrow.

I will again use the word fuckery, because that's what this is.
posted by mudpuppie at 7:43 PM on July 1, 2013 [5 favorites]

The suffragettes were awesome.
posted by donajo at 8:15 PM on July 1, 2013 [2 favorites]

The night shift on MSNBC have been doing some fine (albeit preaching to the choir) coverage on TX and other states. Good job Chris Hayes, Laurence O'Donnell and Rachel Maddow. One of my favorite statements delivered with real passion came from @MarchStephanie! "Make no mistake, if we were here today legislating what men could so with their penises, they'd lose their minds!"

There's been some real regression in Ohio: again with the vaginal probes, is this stuff even believable???? And rape crisis centers have a gag rule - they will lose funding if they suggest abortion. Plus, MDs have a script to follow - they have to suggest a woman listen to the fetal heartbeat. Plus, defunding PP. And Rachel Maddow says that the way the law is written, it looks like women may need to have a mandatory ultrasound to get birth control. Snuck all this in without debate under the guise of budget! All men, of course, as homunculus points out.

Meanwhile, NC also had a sneaky out-of-the-public-eye session that passed a measure mandating school health teachers have to tell 7th graders that if you have an abortion, you hurt your chance of safe future pregnancies. No scientific basis to this. No debate.

I don't remember who said it, but where are the doctors and the medical people? They need to be speaking up loudly and often.

The only silver lining is that the right winger republicans may be so overplaying their hand that they will get voted out (unless they rig the elections as they are doing in TX). The bad news is in the interim, women will suffer -- particularly poor women -- and we will spend decades undoing this stone-age legislation.

It is freaking unbelievable that this is happening - what country do I live in, what century is this?
posted by madamjujujive at 9:19 PM on July 1, 2013 [8 favorites]

And Rachel Maddow says that the way the law is written, it looks like women may need to have a mandatory ultrasound to get birth control.

This isn't completely crazytown. I mean, it's not medically indicated at all, and it's some bullshit that a state law would require such things. It's obviously meant to make getting birth control more rather than less complicated. (It especially seems designed to make birth control less attractive to teenage girls, which seriously words cannot express...)

That said, my OBGYN has a vaginal ultrasound in the office, and it's a standard part of the Well Woman Exam these days. Though last time I was asked whether it was OK to do. I can't even imagine being told I have to undergo that in order to be prescribed birth control. It really isn't a big deal at all, but again, I imagine it would seem horrific to a 14 year old girl.
posted by Sara C. at 9:35 PM on July 1, 2013

That said, my OBGYN has a vaginal ultrasound in the office, and it's a standard part of the Well Woman Exam these days.

I have never, ever, ever had a transvaginal ultrasound as part of my normal gynecological check-up, nor have I seen any statements from ACOG saying that such a procedure was a now a recommended part of a preventative exam. I would find the procedure extremely invasive. Google is not turning up any documentation for an ACOG recommendation. Do you have citations for that assertion?
posted by jaguar at 10:22 PM on July 1, 2013 [3 favorites]

Ummmm.... my OBGYN's office?

I didn't get the impression that it was some kind of con.

And again, it was strictly voluntary. I absolutely DON'T think it should be required to be prescribed birth control.

(FWIW it's no more invasive than a pelvic exam. Though, again, I'll say that no state has any business requiring it under any circumstances, for any reason.)
posted by Sara C. at 10:27 PM on July 1, 2013

I think your assertion that it's somehow now a standard part of an exam is overreaching. I can't find any medical recommendations for it, other than for very specific circumstances. And claiming that it's somehow a normal thing for women to undergo at every gynecological exam makes it seem much less invasive or extreme than it really is.
posted by jaguar at 10:31 PM on July 1, 2013 [3 favorites]

I don't remember who said it, but where are the doctors and the medical people? They need to be speaking up loudly and often.

In Texas, at least, they are issuing statements opposing these measures and sending representatives to the hearings, who aren't being called to testify. Because the Republicans don't want the testimony of actual health care workers on the record. They just want to tell us that they're doing this to "improve" women's healthcare.

The Texas Medical Association, which is a professional organization for doctors in Texas and is extremely conservative, has issued statements saying that they don't like how the bills in Texas insert government into healthcare decisions being made between doctors and patients. The TMA hasn't officially opposed these bills (see above, extremely conservative), but they are a very powerful and deep-pocketed lobby in Texas. It's confounding how the lege is just ignoring them.
posted by donajo at 5:53 AM on July 2, 2013 [1 favorite]

ACOG strongly opposes SB1.
posted by mudpuppie at 10:02 AM on July 2, 2013 [4 favorites]

I think your assertion that it's somehow now a standard part of an exam is overreaching.

Yeah, when I needed one I had to make a special appointment at a radiology place because neither my usual gyn nor my GP's office does that kind of exam. If they are trying to phase it in as a part of the regular annual exam then my assumption would be that it's something along the lines of insurance bill padding, unless you have a condition that requires regular monitoring.
posted by elizardbits at 10:31 AM on July 2, 2013

Well, the pro-lifers have finally got their shit together. I went over to the Capitol on my lunch break to register my opposition to HB 2 on one of the official kiosks, and there are blue shirts all over the place. Probably 4-to-1 for every orange shirt. Rumor has it that there were 200 blue shirts there at 11 when the kiosks opened (which is suspiciously early for a hearing that doesn't start until 3:30). PP and NARAL have been asking their supporters to arrive at 1:30.

To testify at the hearing, you have to find an iPad kiosk in the Capitol, and register whether you are for, against, or neutral on the bill, and whether or not you want to testify. Then the committee chair can call from the list of people registered, in the order of his choosing. And he's already said that he will cut off testimony at midnight, regardless of how many people have had a chance to speak. (Unlike the hearing that took place on June 20, where he let it run on until 3:30 AM). It looks like the pro-life crowd have figured out what the pro-choicers figured out two weeks ago, that they can come en masse and run out the clock.
posted by donajo at 11:32 AM on July 2, 2013

The State Affairs committee meeting and public hearing begins at 3:30 Central time. Here's everything you need to know, including a link to the House's live feed.

I've also read, donajo, that they'll be taking public testimony in alphabetical order by speaker's last name, so hopefully they do that instead of first-come, first-served.
posted by mudpuppie at 11:38 AM on July 2, 2013

The only silver lining is that the right winger republicans may be so overplaying their hand that they will get voted out (unless they rig the elections as they are doing in TX).

Luckily, they haven't figured out a way to gerrymander voting districts by gender. (Although I'm sure they have their best people working on it.)
posted by Atom Eyes at 12:12 PM on July 2, 2013

Also filed yesterday, HB 17, which restricts abortions based on gender.
posted by donajo at 12:17 PM on July 2, 2013

Texas Tribune will be live streaming committee meeting. (The House's own feed requires RealPlayer, which I didn't even know still existed.)
posted by mudpuppie at 1:03 PM on July 2, 2013 [1 favorite]

My friend who is down there said the pro-choice people were told the kiosks to register to speak would open at 1:30, but then they opened at 11am and the anti-choice people apparently knew this and had mysteriously arrived early. Shady happenings afoot.
posted by misskaz at 1:09 PM on July 2, 2013

Live stream has started. Reps and staffers filtering into the room, along with a seriously paunchy DPS officer. Looks like about half the seats in the room are reserved, and the crowd will mostly be funneled into six overflow rooms.

They also have several printed poster boards and an easel, but I can't read what they say.
posted by mudpuppie at 1:21 PM on July 2, 2013

Committee chair is warning everyone that any outbursts might result in adjournment.
posted by mudpuppie at 1:38 PM on July 2, 2013

Dear Representatives Cook and Giddings, we don't care that you've already heard testimony on this issue. It didn't pass previously, and yet, we are here again. You have to hear testimony again. Sincerely, the people of Texas.
posted by donajo at 1:44 PM on July 2, 2013

Sylvester Turner is doing a pretty awesome rope-a-dope to get Laubenberg to admit that clinics will go out of business, and that that would be a bad thing for women. Unfortunately, she's content against the ropes, taking the jabs.
posted by mudpuppie at 1:59 PM on July 2, 2013

I believe it wasn't possible to pass SB 1 today unless the rules were suspended, which the Democrats wouldn't allow. It has to go to committee first.

Actually, it came to my attention that the Texas Constitution says that every bill has to go through a committee (Art. 3 § 37), so this suspension shouldn't be allowed. It hasn't been in the House (see § 16, House Precedents in the House rules).
posted by grouse at 2:02 PM on July 2, 2013

Looks like they're alternating between pro-choice and pro-life witnesses. I'm shocked and impressed.
posted by donajo at 3:17 PM on July 2, 2013

Nope, spoke too soon. Two pro-lifers in a row.
posted by donajo at 3:20 PM on July 2, 2013

And this last lady thinks that women are two stupid or irresponsible or too rural to take RU486. She compared a women's ability to take her doses to this woman making sure her dog takes its pills.

So far, six testimonials total. Four for, two against. Two of the yeas were men.
posted by mudpuppie at 3:24 PM on July 2, 2013

If anyone wants to send help from afar, the troops need food. Send to: TX capitol, Legislative Conference Center, level E2, room E2.002
posted by donajo at 4:13 PM on July 2, 2013 [2 favorites]

For suggested restaurants, scroll to the bottom of this blog post: link
posted by donajo at 4:15 PM on July 2, 2013 [1 favorite]

I'm in the Capitol now. Pretty sure that this is the definition of organized chaos.
posted by donajo at 5:47 PM on July 2, 2013

Reports are that 2,300 people have signed up to testify. The halls of the Capitol extension are full of people. There's a line to get into the main chamber where the hearing is happening, and there's a outdoor courtyard where the blue shirts have gathered to sing and shout. I can't hear the specifics, I just hear the noise. In fact, I could hear it from a block away from the Capitol. I'm in an overflow room with about 30 people sitting watching a video feed.

Reports of troopers in riot gear (as was reported on Twitter earlier) seem to have been overstated. It's noisy in the halls, but everyone seems to be respectful of each other regardless of shirt color, and of the troopers who are managing the lines. I'm very proud of Texans tonight for turning out to testify and state their beliefs in front of our lawmakers. It's a damn shame that they're going to cut off testimony in a few hours.
posted by donajo at 6:16 PM on July 2, 2013 [4 favorites]

(I linkified your link, donajo)
posted by LobsterMitten at 7:03 PM on July 2, 2013 [2 favorites]

Apparently there's a chant-off going on in the courtyard now. Gonna walk around.
posted by donajo at 7:25 PM on July 2, 2013

Pro-choicers are on the balcony of the courtyard yelling "we won't go back" over the group of pro-lifers.
posted by donajo at 7:31 PM on July 2, 2013

Is anyone paying attention to the live feed, and can anyone provide an update? A late-afternoon work issue put me over my agitation limit, so I had to cut the testimony off for the purposes of my mental well-being.
posted by mudpuppie at 7:38 PM on July 2, 2013

A short video of what's going on in the courtyard. Just after I stopped filming, they switched to chanting "Whose choice? Our choice!"

The line of people walking right to left are the pro-choice chanters, and the circle inside, walking left to right, and the pro-lifers. The girl on the lower left, with the orange headband, is ripping up an orange t-shirt and handing them out as armbands/headbands to the crowd.
posted by donajo at 7:50 PM on July 2, 2013

mudpuppie, nothing new is happening. It's been constant testimony, both for and against.
posted by donajo at 7:55 PM on July 2, 2013

If you're interested in a frequently humorous liberal take on Texas politics, allow me to recommend to you Juanita Jean's. She's blogging events at the Capitol this week.
posted by Runes at 7:57 PM on July 2, 2013

We're good on food, you guys. I've never seen so much pizza.
posted by donajo at 8:10 PM on July 2, 2013 [2 favorites]

They need a big hook to pull some of these liars away from the podium.
posted by donajo at 8:53 PM on July 2, 2013

According to the Austin American-Statesman, 3,000 people showed up in person to register a position (for or against the bill), with 970 wanting to testify.
posted by donajo at 8:55 PM on July 2, 2013

Oh God. Here in North Carolina news broke earlier this evening that legislators here tacked a bunch of anti-choice stuff on to another law.

Among them is something called "transfer agreements" that sounds a lot like the hospital admitting privilege stuff in the Texas bill.

The real kicker is that this was tacked on to a bill that would "deal with the application of foreign laws in the state." AKA The Sharia Law Bill.

The measure has passed committee and has tentatively passed the full Senate. The full Senate will debate the measure against Wednesday, before returning the bill to the House. I'll be contacting both my state senator and rep tomorrow even though they're both republican.
posted by marxchivist at 8:59 PM on July 2, 2013 [1 favorite]

Rep. Farrar just pointed out that 44 people have spoken in favor of the bill, and only 33 against, but that doesn't reflect the numbers of people out in the halls. Rep. Cook doesn't care.
posted by donajo at 9:08 PM on July 2, 2013

Farrar and Turner have both been awesome. But it's not like it really matters at this point. The committee's vote won't change, and the House's vote won't change, &etc.
posted by mudpuppie at 9:11 PM on July 2, 2013

Woo! One of my coworkers got called! I won't say who she is because she didn't prepare a statement. We agreed a couple of hours ago that we'd have a hard time getting up there and saying anything beyond everyone who supports this bill is an idiot.
posted by donajo at 9:26 PM on July 2, 2013 [2 favorites]

marxchivist, there was an article on Politico today about how the GOP at the national level has stayed out of the abortion debate that's happening in the states at the moment. Now I'm wondering if there isn't a grand conservative plot afoot to sneak anti-choice laws in through the back doors of legislation. Don't let the bastards get away with it.
posted by donajo at 9:35 PM on July 2, 2013 [1 favorite]

It's gettin' weird, y'all. [Via]

Is this a spiritual battle? I have personally verified that pro-abortionists have been chanting "Hail Satan". #txlege #stand4life #truth— Scott Sanford (@Scott_SanfordTX) July 3, 2013

v.q. Texas Capital Abortion Supporters chant "Hail Satan" and ‘Hail Satan’: Abortion supporters troll pro-lifers outside Texas capitol
posted by ob1quixote at 9:40 PM on July 2, 2013

Ha! From the [via] link, pro-choicers supposedly formed a human pentagram around the pro-lifers. I can't even.
posted by donajo at 9:47 PM on July 2, 2013

I'm not sure that Texas is ready for that. People, we need to keep that on the DL!
posted by empath at 9:55 PM on July 2, 2013 [1 favorite]

I only see one person saying Hail Satan once, the chant sounds like something else to me.
posted by Drinky Die at 10:02 PM on July 2, 2013 [1 favorite]

Drinky Die: “I only see one person saying Hail Satan once, the chant sounds like something else to me.”

Yes but she does that lascivious thing with her tongue. She's obviously an agent of Satan who is possessed by demons. 🍔
posted by ob1quixote at 10:15 PM on July 2, 2013

So at the end of 8 hours of testimony, the committee voted 8-3-2 to move the bill forward to the full House, even though it was stated earlier that they might not vote tonight, and over the protestations of Rep. Sylvester Turner, who wanted to add amendments. To quote Turner, "you know you're wrong."
posted by donajo at 10:15 PM on July 2, 2013 [1 favorite]

and now i'm going to have the mountain goats in my head all day long
posted by nadawi at 6:42 AM on July 3, 2013

I retweeted this, but I'll post it here too. Here's Jessica Farrar, Democratic State Congresswoman from Houston, #feministarmy hero.
posted by donajo at 8:37 AM on July 3, 2013

Texan diaspora activate! Texas State Sen. Kirk Watson is calling for public hearings to be held for SB 1 and HB 2 all over Texas, not just in Austin. Please write, email, or tweet to Sen. Jane Nelson, chair of the senate committee on health and human services, demanding that these hearings be held.
posted by donajo at 11:49 AM on July 3, 2013 [2 favorites]

marxchivist is right - a bill similar to the TX one is being rapidly pushed through the NC legislature. It is sneaky and horrifying and though there are protestors mobilizing I don't think we'll manage to generate as much national attention as the fight in Texas has.

there was an article on Politico today about how the GOP at the national level has stayed out of the abortion debate that's happening in the states at the moment. Now I'm wondering if there isn't a grand conservative plot afoot to sneak anti-choice laws in through the back doors of legislation. Don't let the bastards get away with it.

Well, Americans United for Life (AUL) shops around model legislation so that states can push these kinds of restrictions through without even having to do the work of writing the bills. From a Mother Jones article:

"Then there's AUL's bill for banning abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy....Arizona passed a version of the bill earlier this year; AUL consulted on a similar law passed in Georgia.

"Another AUL bill, the Women's Health Protection Act, places tight restrictions on the physical offices in which abortions are performed, asserting that abortions are "distinct from other routine medical services" due to their potential health and psychological effects."

I've hear theories that part of the long-term strategy is to push extreme legislation that will ultimately end up being challenged in the Supreme Court, thereby opening the door for a reversal of Roe.
posted by aka burlap at 3:10 PM on July 3, 2013 [1 favorite]

What's the status of the bill in NC? Did the NC Senate vote on it today?
posted by donajo at 3:29 PM on July 3, 2013

Rick Perry - Texas' Lonely Ranger!
posted by homunculus at 3:30 PM on July 3, 2013 [1 favorite]

The anti-Sharia law (oh and also abortion) bill has passed the North Carolina state Senate by a vote of 29-12. I fucking hate everything.
posted by divined by radio at 3:35 PM on July 3, 2013 [1 favorite]

NC State Senator Martin Nesbitt is going on my thank you card list.
posted by donajo at 4:01 PM on July 3, 2013 [3 favorites]

Rubio Plans To Introduce Texas-Style Abortion Ban In The Senate
posted by homunculus at 9:37 PM on July 3, 2013

The religious right is importing Mike Huckabee to lead a rally at 7 pm on Monday. Might be good to counter-protest this thing. Wasn't Perry just whining about the Stand With Wendy people importing "outsiders?"
posted by Devils Rancher at 7:38 AM on July 4, 2013

Wasn't Perry just whining about the Stand With Wendy people importing "outsiders?"

It's a basic rule of the Republicans - whatever tactic they complain about is one they regularly engage in. Sometimes in the same breath as they complain about it.

It's a staggeringly accurate rule.
posted by gadge emeritus at 6:39 AM on July 5, 2013 [2 favorites]

They're not just bringing in Huckabee, they're busing in pro-life students from DC, Roanoke (VA), Knoxville, Nashville, Memphis, and Little Rock.

In response, the pro-choice activists are again calling for Texans to contact State Senator Jane Nelson and ask that the clerks check ID to make sure that only Texans are allowed to testify at the hearing on Monday.
posted by donajo at 9:12 AM on July 5, 2013

Abortion providers vow lawsuit as [Wisconsin Gov.] Scott Walker signs measure

The state's two abortion providers announced Friday they will sue the state in federal court now that Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill requiring doctors at their facilities to have hospital admitting privileges.

The law will cut the number of clinics offering abortions in Wisconsin from four to two, and one of the remaining clinics will have to dramatically cut the number of abortions it provides, according to the operators of the clinics.

[...]

The law requires women seeking abortions to get ultrasounds and require doctors providing them to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles. The law's critics call the ultrasound provision an unnecessary infringement on the doctor-patient relationship but do not plan to challenge it in court at this time.

Other states in recent years have also enacted ultrasound requirements. Wisconsin would become the ninth state to have such a law. Under the provision, the person performing the ultrasound must describe the dimensions of the fetus, its external features and its heartbeat. The ultrasound monitor would be in view of the woman, but she would not be forced to look at it.

The ultrasound does not have to be given in reported cases of rape and incest or an imminent medical emergency.

My heart is heavy for the women of America.
posted by divined by radio at 1:20 PM on July 5, 2013

All in the name of protecting those 0.3% of women who experience a complication that requires hospitalization.

For comparison, according to Johns Hopkins, some 6.9% of men who receive a prostate biopsy, an essential procedure for detecting prostate cancer, incur complications that lead to hospitalization within 30 days. While this procedure can be done in a doctor's office, I have found ZERO legislation that requires the doctor to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles.
posted by mochapickle at 3:13 PM on July 5, 2013 [8 favorites]

The 'religious freedom' ploy to block healthcare coverage of birth control
posted by homunculus at 10:42 AM on July 6, 2013

In case anyone is still watching this thread...

The Texas Senate Committee on Health and Human Services is holding a public hearing today on SB 1, beginning at 10:00 AM. The hearing will be livestreamed by the Texas Tribune again. People began lining up to testify before 7:00 AM this morning. It's unknown how long the hearing will last. If you're in Austin, or can get to Austin today, you can stop by the Capitol to fill out a witness registration card to register your support or opposition to the bill. You can choose to wait to testify or drop off written testimony.

The Texas House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the sister bill, HB 2, tomorrow at 10:00 AM.

In other Texas political news, Rick Perry is holding a press conference at 1:00 PM today in San Antonio. It is anticipated that he will announce that he will not run for re-election in 2014. He may or may not announce a 2016 bid for president.
posted by donajo at 7:46 AM on July 8, 2013 [5 favorites]

Meanwhile in North Carolina, the House will meet tomorrow at 10:00 AM to vote on the version of H695 that passed in the Senate. It's expected to pass quickly. Gov. Pat McCrory can still veto the bill, but the GOP has the necessary 2/3 majority to override the veto.

If you're in NC, please still make an effort to contact your Representative to state your opposition to H695. According to Twitter, the best chance of obstruction is House Speaker Thom Tillis, so go ahead and contact him too.

If you're not in NC and want to send support, consider making a donation to NARAL NC.
posted by donajo at 8:01 AM on July 8, 2013

Amendment to above: the Texas senate committee is only accepting oral testimony from people in line by 11:00 AM today. If you arrive after 11:00 AM, you can still register your opinion on the bill and drop off written testimony.
posted by donajo at 8:22 AM on July 8, 2013

Stand With Texas Women Bus Tour kicks off today. RobotRex and I will be at the Houston stop tonight at 6PM at Discovery Green Park.

Speakers listed: Wendy Davis, Cecile Richards, Melaney Linton, Kirk Watson, Sylvia Garcia, Jose Rodriguez, Rodney Ellis, Jessica Farrar, Jonee Longoria, Damla Dryden, Januari Leo. Should be good!
posted by dog food sugar at 10:47 AM on July 9, 2013 [2 favorites]

Stand With Texas Women Bus Tour will be in San Antonio Thursday.
posted by dog food sugar at 10:59 AM on July 9, 2013 [1 favorite]

I would lurve to be on that bus.
posted by donajo at 11:53 AM on July 9, 2013

Holy crap, I love this woman: @VictorianPrude at the Texas Senate Committee Meeting Re: SB1 (The Abortion Bill) .
posted by madamjujujive at 3:58 PM on July 9, 2013 [4 favorites]

PREACH IT DAWNNA DUKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 4:23 PM on July 9, 2013 [1 favorite]

I was not expecting that video to end the way it did. Chilling and frightening, but I'm very glad it's available for everyone to see how the Texas state legislature treats its employers citizens.

Here in Wisconsin, a federal judge has temporarily delayed enforcement of a new provision that requires any doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a hospital within a 30-mile radius. The provision will remain unenforced until Thursday, July 18. The new ultrasound requirement, which requires doctors to audibly describe all of the physical features of the fetus even if the woman seeking an abortion is looking directly at the ultrasound screen, was left unchallenged and remains in place.

Once all provisions of the law go into effect, there will be two abortion providers in the entire state, none of which are located north of Madison (which is only about 55 miles north of the Illinois border), and none of which will provide abortions past 19 weeks. I need to get the fuck out of here.
posted by divined by radio at 4:28 PM on July 9, 2013

Move down here to Texas, and help us turn it blue.
posted by donajo at 4:36 PM on July 9, 2013

Awesome - related to video I posted above: Parade as girl is escorted out of testimony . Yes!
posted by madamjujujive at 5:31 PM on July 9, 2013 [2 favorites]

Interview with Victorian Prude the woman forcibly removed from testifying in Texas
posted by homunculus at 6:11 PM on July 9, 2013 [1 favorite]

Stand With Texas Women Bus Tour in Dallas tomorrow July 10. Then Ft. Worth. Speakers were awesome here in Houston tonight.
posted by dog food sugar at 6:30 PM on July 9, 2013 [1 favorite]

I have so much respect for Mary Gonzalez, who today revealed why she has such a very personal stake in of SB5. It's incredibly brave of her to volunteer to be the historical face/name associated with exemptions specifically provided for rape and incest survivors, and for (rightly) attempting to put the focus back on women's health rather than outlawing abortion, which is obviously the real motive that [expletive redacted] Laubenberg pandered to by proposing this law.

*goes off to wallow in torrential downpour of feels*
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 6:40 PM on July 9, 2013 [3 favorites]

The final TX House vote is expected to happen tomorrow, with the Senate voting on the House Bill (so there are no discrepancies) on Thursday. Ugh.
posted by donajo at 7:47 PM on July 9, 2013

Texas Special Session Blues (I'm Just a Bill Remix)
posted by colt45 at 5:39 AM on July 10, 2013 [1 favorite]

A Brief (Almost Silent) History of Abortion in the Movies
posted by homunculus at 12:22 PM on July 10, 2013

House approved it; I hate it here. This will actually affect healthcare for LGB/T people here as well, as Planned Parenthood is basically the only organization in the entire region that does have an overall LGB/T policy (even if it's not really implemented much). All other offices and clinics reserve the right to deny medical treatment.
posted by byanyothername at 1:01 PM on July 10, 2013

Well, it's been nice, Texas. I'll always love the countryside, but from here on, I'm laying plans to hightail it as soon as opportunity presents itself, I think. It'll take a while, but I'm patient, and I have a couple destination cities already on the list.

*stuffs another Jackson under the matress*
posted by Devils Rancher at 2:16 PM on July 10, 2013

Even if it passes through the TX Senate this week (as it's likely to), you can bet that there will be an injunction filed well before the law takes effect. This is a dark day for Texas with regard to reproductive and health care rights to be sure, but don't y'all give up hope yet.
posted by donajo at 2:55 PM on July 10, 2013 [1 favorite]

Agreed. Just two weeks ago this was expected to pass without any news what. so. ever. But here we are, this issue in the national news for two weeks, with other states in the news for their ridiculous laws along similar lines. The conservative right has awakened many passive citizens who are becoming politically active against this. This could be part of a spark in a movement to change Texas blue faster than previously thought. Don't despair, keep going, talking to others, encouraging those who don't vote to think about doing so. This is the beginning of change. The momentum against this is worthwhile and contagious. I know it sounds corny as all get out but I'm going to be the change I want and I'm pulling everyone I can with me.
posted by dog food sugar at 3:47 PM on July 10, 2013 [2 favorites]

HB 2 has been referred to the Texas Senate Health and Human Services committee. The committee will meet tomorrow at 9:15 AM to debate and vote on the bill. They will not hear any additional testimony. The bill is expected to go before the full Senate on Friday at 2:00 PM*, so now's your chance to wash your orange shirts before the last protest opportunity (on Friday/into Saturday). I hope to head over the Capitol at 4:00 on Friday.

*time/date subject to change at the whim of Dewhurst
posted by donajo at 3:47 PM on July 10, 2013

Wendy Davis at the Stand With Texas Women Rally on 7/1/13. One of the key parts of her speech is about how the voices of the citizens in the balcony that night finished that filibuster stopping SB1 from passing. Yes it's probably going to pass, but it won't in some quiet vacuum of apathy and exhaustion. Not anymore. If the bus tour comes by your town go see it.
posted by dog food sugar at 4:13 PM on July 10, 2013

Rachel Maddow: State GOP war on women undermines national American will
posted by homunculus at 8:24 PM on July 10, 2013 [2 favorites]

From Slate: These Anti-Abortion Bills Are Outrageous: But do any have a real shot at being held up in court?

(spoiler: mostly no)
posted by donajo at 12:27 PM on July 11, 2013 [1 favorite]

The final TX Senate debate and vote is scheduled for today at 2 PM. People were in line at 7 AM to get into the Capitol and get in line for the gallery, which will open at 1:30 PM. A friend of mine is saying that the line stretches down 3 floors (the senate gallery is on the third floor) and out the door.

There's a new twitter hashtag, #WhatCanIDo, where women are talking about how to support reproductive rights after the bill passes.
posted by donajo at 7:19 AM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

If you want to join the protest from afar, you can send a picture of yourself wearing orange to the Stand with Texas Women tumblr.
posted by donajo at 7:34 AM on July 12, 2013

Okay, I'm taking Andrew back out from under the mattress and I'm sending him to Planned Parenthood.
posted by Devils Rancher at 7:49 AM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

Come and Take It uterus tees to support Texas Planned Parenthood
posted by homunculus at 12:29 PM on July 12, 2013

tampons and pads are being confiscated at the door because they're a security risk. guns are still allowed inside. - this is not a link to the onion.
posted by nadawi at 1:28 PM on July 12, 2013 [4 favorites]

Twitter is saying that cops are confiscating all women's tampons and pads because there was a rumor they were going to be thrown.

Seriously, just call HB1/SB2 "The Vaginas and Uteruses Are Icky And Gross And Should Require A Permit For Use Act of 2013" and get it over with.
posted by zombieflanders at 1:28 PM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

There are reports that Austin Sen. Kirk Watson put a stop to the confiscation of tampons.
posted by donajo at 1:39 PM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

One time at a protest in college we did in fact throw bloody tampons. The blood was food coloring. It was a pretty great (and very 80s!) protest.
posted by rtha at 1:51 PM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

Okay, I'm watch/listening at work and think Senator West just pulled a "gotcha" move on Hegar with his Point of Order. Watching lots of confused/semi-angry people gathered around and the sound's off/low. Did he just call them out for lying about the Health Committee meeting when the official minutes/meeting records show the session was in recess at that time, therefore the proposal can't be passed?

Note to self: pay attention or don't, because OMG he just withdrew his Point of Order :(
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 3:42 PM on July 12, 2013

West's point of order had to do with the fact that the HHS committee met while the full senate was in recess, not adjourned, which is apparently against a rule. According to the twitters, by withdrawing it, he may be buying time to build a stronger case. I'm not sure that makes sense, though, considering that the committee met three days ago. There's no reason to think this just dawned him--he's on the committee. But maybe he just read the register? Maybe this is just to build suspense? We shall see!
posted by donajo at 4:03 PM on July 12, 2013

If anyone's watching the feeds, apparently women have chained themselves to the rail of the gallery. The senate is "at ease" as the troopers throw them out.
posted by donajo at 7:32 PM on July 12, 2013

The Unruly Mob, whoever they are, has a page up on wepay to take bail/food/water/battery donations. I just gave a little bit, from the relative comfort of my desk at work.
posted by Devils Rancher at 12:59 PM on July 13, 2013

Texas Weighs Ban on Women
posted by homunculus at 5:16 PM on July 13, 2013 [2 favorites]

Not a bad time to remind everyone about the existence of Emily's List.
posted by Miko at 6:16 PM on July 13, 2013

In Texas we also have Annie's List, which recruits and supports women candidates. As of 2011, Annie's List was the single largest contributor to Wendy Davis's campaign.

I might do a wrap-up comment tomorrow about the week's events, but I just got home from a #atxfem tweet-up and am a bit tipsy and possibly belligerent. But I'd like to mention that if any of y'all saw news reports about jars of urine or feces being confiscated from the protestors last night, that's completely unsubstantiated. After than press release went out, several of the protest organizers and a Texas Tribune intern at the Capitol tried to find a DPS officer who had seen anything like that, and they could not. If there had been anything like that, one of the hundreds of people who were lined up to get in would have seen something, and it would have been all over Twitter.
posted by donajo at 6:40 PM on July 13, 2013 [1 favorite]

Data point: I have friends who are into the SFF con scene and I'm starting to see reports of boycotts of the upcoming Worldcon in San Antonio over abortion legislation on Facebook.
posted by immlass at 7:29 PM on July 13, 2013

Data point: I have friends who are into the SFF con scene and I'm starting to see reports of boycotts of the upcoming Worldcon in San Antonio over abortion legislation on Facebook.

Bleh. I understand the impulse, but Worldcon doesn't make a ton of sense as the way to make the point. Boycott SXSW if you want actual Texans to notice.
posted by restless_nomad at 7:45 PM on July 13, 2013 [1 favorite]

Boycott SXSW if you want actual Texans to notice.

Interesting idea. And yet I'm skeptical that people, no matter how much they will give the cause lip service, would be willing to make the sacrifice.
posted by Miko at 7:55 PM on July 13, 2013 [1 favorite]

Despite the recent awfulness shown by some SFWA members, I think that boycotting the Worldcon will hurt a broadly-liberal organisation while not even registering as a blip on the radar of Texan politicians. If this had come up during the bidding stage, sure. But now? What's the message? "We're having a somewhat less successful convention to show our disdain for you! If you don't change your ways then we might hold our convention elsewhere in a decade or so!"
posted by Joe in Australia at 8:25 PM on July 13, 2013

Worldcon isn't even run by SFWA. It's its own thing.
posted by restless_nomad at 8:36 PM on July 13, 2013

Eight Things You Should Know About The Court That Will Decide If Texas’ Abortion Ban Is Constitutional

TL;DR:

1. Former Chief Judge Is Under Investigation For Racism
2. The Court Is Restricting Women’s Right To Choose
3. Requiring A High School Cheerleader To Cheer For Her Alleged Rapist
4. Conflicts Of Interest
5. Stripping Rights For Undocumented Immigrants
6. Throwing An Anti-Obama Tantrum
7. Telling Progressives To “Shut Up”
8. Upholding Death Sentences For Men With Sleeping Lawyers
posted by zombieflanders at 9:47 AM on July 15, 2013 [2 favorites]

Erick Erickson's Fun Time Female Mutilation Comedy Hour
posted by homunculus at 10:29 AM on July 15, 2013

A gynecologist on how abortion restrictions lead to dangerous abortions
posted by homunculus at 12:25 PM on July 15, 2013

Stripping Rights For Undocumented Immigrants

I really wish they had phrased that as "Stripping Rights of Undocumented Immigrants." Or "from Undocumented Immigrants." Or anything that didn't imply they were passing laws allowing undocumented immigrants to work in the sex industry. Because given the whackadoodle laws popping up everywhere, I actually wasn't sure.
posted by jaguar at 12:58 PM on July 15, 2013

The 7 Texas Abortion Bills slipped into the special legislative session since July 1.
posted by gladly at 9:57 AM on July 16, 2013

HB 27: ... It would also require minors to testify about their reasons for wanting an abortion, be evaluated by a state mental-health counselor, and prove their maturity with examples like "traveling independently" and "managing her own financial affairs."

So it's being codified into law: you have to prove maturity and fiscal responsibility to NOT have a child, but you don't have to prove either to HAVE a child.

The next generation of Texans will be born unwanted and raised in an anti-science and pro-gun universe. Right now I feel tremendous compassion for those wretched babies. In a decade or so I'm going to be very afraid of them.
posted by headnsouth at 12:00 PM on July 16, 2013 [1 favorite]

We're getting a bit linky in here, but here are a couple more for the pile, written by folks on the ground here in Texas:

Texas as a Battle Ground and How the Media Got it Wrong

10 Things We Can Do Now: Some Starting Points for the #FeministArmy
posted by donajo at 12:01 PM on July 16, 2013

The bills linked above by MoJo won't make it out of committee, thank jeebus. Now that they've got their anti-choice omnibus passed, the TX lege is focused on finishing up the transportation issue (you know, one of the legit reasons to have a special session) so they can go home for the next 18 months.
posted by donajo at 12:07 PM on July 16, 2013

This week on The Rude Pundit: Rude Women Will Kick Your Ass Over Abortion Rights
posted by homunculus at 1:11 PM on July 16, 2013 [1 favorite]

That's a SCOTUS challenge in the making. I guess they'd rather spend state money on that than on things that would actually be benefit women and children.
posted by rtha at 8:09 PM on July 18, 2013 [4 favorites]

"Trying to pass" is an overstatement. A bill was filed, but like the bills mentioned above, it won't go anywhere this session. The House is adjourned until July 25, and then there are only five days left in this session. We have it on good authority that the bill is dead. We also have state rep. Jessica Farrar in a closed Austin feminist Facebook group telling us that this bill is for posturing only. I'll admit that I haven't read HB 59, but from what I understand, it's not a SCOTUS challenge, it's a trigger bill. It wouldn't take effect until after Roe v. Wade is overturned.

There's been a ton of organizing going on in Texas and around the country in the wake of the passage of these abortion bills. There's the Feminist Justice League, started in Austin two days ago and already part of a national network of like-minded orgs. There was record turnout at an Austin NOW meeting on Thursday to discuss where we go from here. There's a rally in Houston on Monday. We're on this, you guys.
posted by donajo at 12:48 PM on July 19, 2013 [1 favorite]

Not that we don't need all of the help and attention that we can muster. :)
posted by donajo at 12:49 PM on July 19, 2013

In other news: Judge Says North Dakota's Abortion Ban Is "Clearly Unconstitutional"
posted by homunculus at 3:02 PM on July 22, 2013

Rachel Maddow and Tammi Kromenaker: Federal judge blocks ND abortion law

Previously.
posted by homunculus at 1:44 AM on July 23, 2013

Normally, I prefer to look up to adults as role models. But what is happening in Texas right now it's hard to find adults who I want to look up to.
posted by headnsouth at 4:33 AM on July 23, 2013 [3 favorites]