We Win. For Now.
Bush appointee Andrew Hanen, a federal judge in the 5th circuit, just threw out the lawsuit filed by GOP activists and shitbags to dis-enfranchise 127,000 Harris County voters, including yo, who voted at a drive through location. Had we lost, the 10 drive through locations in Harris County would have been shut down AND all 127,000 of us would have had to stand in line tomorrow and VOTE AGAIN. The only surprise here is that Hanen, known as one of the most knee jerk extreme conservatives on the bench, actually followed the law and ruled correctly against this outrageous tactic to sow chaos into our right to vote.
That Times report does not say so, but NPR reported the judge was peeved to be presented the case on the day before the end of the election when it could have been brought several weeks earlier.
Haven’t seen a transcript but it’s possible the Republicans outsmarted themselves.
1Rs never close the door completely.
“In drive-thru voting hearing Judge Hanen dismisses case, says 127k votes will be counted – but says he doesn’t advise drive-thru voting tomorrow in #HarrisCounty on Election Day.”
2https://twitter.com/elizTrovall/status/1323363788565942277
We can only hope the other judges around the country, including the supremes, will see the light and rule bullshit on repugnantican attempts to disenfranchise voters and their votes that have already been cast. A ray of sunlight in these dark days of our democracy.
3The more Trumpf rails against judges for not following his direction, the more I’m thinking they will not rule in his favor.
I’d also suggest the headline read “America / Democracy Wins. For Now.” The issue of voting rights is bigger than a political party issue, though of course we know which current US political party’s goal is to suppress votes.
4@G – You misunderstand my perspective. I am one of those 127,000 votes along with Mrs. Jefe. This is a personal perspective. If we’d lost, we would be making plans right now the drag our asses to the polls tomorrow to stand in line to VOTE AGAIN. We win.
5El Jefe – thanks for the clarification. It is a “win-win” situation then, a win for your and the Mrs. and a win for Democracy/America!
We have to make a most likely forecast that 4 more years of 45 would mean that even this example of institutional stamina by Judge Haden would wither. Many US institutional norms are on life support now.
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