37 Comments
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Paul Cipriano's avatar

I don't understand how this is even legal to have someone followed by police where ever they go and threatened with arrest if the policeman thinks they are trying to get away? These legislators haven't committed a crime are guaranteed rights under the constitution. In court this would certainly not stand!

Tony Tennant's avatar

It's nearing a Police state run by militias to quell freedoms in democracy.. its the bastard of taxation without representation

Xplisset's avatar

Pray with us, then move your feet.

Bishop Barber, thank you for bringing Reps. Venton Jones and James Talarico to us from the floor itself. We are watching a loop we know too well which is that the old Reconstruction playbook running in modern clothes: attack Black representation, seize the rules, rename the theft “order.”

Here are the receipts that matter. Rep. Nicole Collier, a Black woman sent by a majority-minority district, was told to sign a pledge and accept a police escort or risk arrest. She refused, slept in the chamber, and filed habeas corpus—the court key you use when the state tries to put an elected body in custody. And yes, the doors were locked while a gerrymander to steal five seats moved forward. That isn’t “procedure.” That is the state putting hands on representation.

Faith names the sin and picks up the tools. So we do both:

share this conversation so people hear the truth from the room;

call one editor or station and insist they print the words “detained lawmaker—habeas filed,” not euphemisms;

send a small gift to the legal-defense and voter-protection teams standing with these members;

keep a prayer vigil that includes court dates and vote times.

If you have to lock the doors to pass a map, you didn’t win the argument nah man you stole the room. We’re with Jones, Talarico, Collier, and every neighbor holding the line to break this history loop for good. www.xplisset.com

Samantha Turner's avatar

Babies dead from state negligence and they're busy stealing democracy in the light of day.

Kelly Eggers's avatar

Bless you all for the work you do🙏🏻♥️

Karen Scofield's avatar

Excellent conversation, very informative and Scary. Thank you for sharing,Mr Barber, and will reStack ASAP 🙏💯👍

cheryl's avatar

Rev. Barber offered help, but I didn't hear the legislator accept the offer. Jonathan asked for their vision, but neither of them articulated a vision. They don't seem to be prepared for the gravity of the situation. They dont have a vision and don't seem interested in the help offered. Rev. Barber is trying to tell them that North Carolina has been through this, fought it and won. Why do the Texas legislators seem tone deaf?

Hustleplays's avatar

Cheryl, Thank you for your observation. I share your observation. I also was disappointed in the two legislators not capitalizing on this opportunity to share their vision and express a plan of action. Talarico's vision was weak, i.e., generic, and neither he nor Jones articulated any plan of action.

I concluded that they, for whatever reason, hadn't viewed this as a moment for serious and imaginative political action. Rev Barber is a consummate moral, political activist. I am glad that he directly challenged Jones and Talarico to view this situation as a moment for morally based political action. I have been impressed by Talarico's legislative work. I think that this segment shows that he is either [1] just an excellent legislator and future pastor; or [2] young and not yet grasped what implementing his Christian beliefs entails in the political/public arena. I hope that he listened openly to and reflected upon what Rev Barber said. I hope that he will grow. He is a very talented and convicted faith politician. This is a test for him.

I don't mean to suggest that this issue is mainly about Talarico. I am focusing on him because he is a special political talent and he could make a significant contribution if he is able to grow into an impactful faith leader, as is Rev Barber.

Karen's avatar

Status Kuo substack's author is recommending that everyone call Senator Chuck Schumer, (202-224-6542) and Representative Hakeem Jefferies, (202-225-5936) and ask them to go to Texas to stand in person with Representative Nicole Collier.

Kimberlyanne's avatar

Karen, I agree with this but we shouldn't have to ask them, but never the less let's all call! I also like Bishop Barber's ideas with wheel chairs etc.

Juanita Withrow's avatar

Thank you for the eloquent prayer.

www's avatar

World Peace Now 🙏🫶🕊

Dyan Kane's avatar

This is pure fascism racism. And why did Dems return??

Sonja G's avatar

The representative explained at the beginning of the interview.

Karen's avatar

Reverend Barber: Brilliant wheelchair idea.

Rodney Merle Brauher's avatar

Totally agree 👍🏽

Veronica Susan Parada's avatar

I'm a Texan and I'm furious about this cheating in broad daylight by the GOP. I've watched all of their cheating for years. I'm sick of it.

Whatistobedone's avatar

It is a moral issue...as is Israeli GENOCIDE

Whatistobedone's avatar

PUSH PUSH PUSH

RESIST RESIST RESIST. MOCK MOCK MOCK.....