It’s never difficult to figure out what Republicans are up to, because everything they do, without exception, is intended to serve one to two goals. The first is transferring all the wealth from the poor and middle classes to the 1%. The second is establishing a permanent, totalitarian Regime of one-party Republican Rule, in which elections exist only for show. In service of the latter goal, thanks to the Supreme Court, Republicans are going hog wild attempting to deprive likely Democratic voters of their right to vote. Not so fast, goose-steppers! Holder is getting it right, for once.
The U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday officially joined the battle to prevent Texas from changing its voting laws without federal permission. The move comes after the Supreme Court’s decision in June overturning a key section of the Voting Rights Act and freeing Texas from such federal oversight.
Attorney General Eric Holder’s decision carries important short-term implications and sets the stage for potentially sending the Voting Rights Act back to the Supreme Court so that the justices can decide whether or not to continue chipping away at what’s left of it.
“Today I am announcing that the Justice Department will ask a federal court in Texas to subject the state of Texas to a preclearance regime similar to the one required by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act,” Holder said in a speech before the National Urban League in Philadelphia, Pa. “We believe that the State of Texas should be required to go through a preclearance process whenever it changes its voting laws and practices.”
In the near term, this provides a substantial boost to civil rights advocates in Texas. Using the same section of the Voting Rights Act that Holder announced he is proceeding under, they had already asked a federal court earlier this month to require Texas to get what is called “preclearance.” But rather than proceeding under Section 4 of the act, which the Supreme Court struck down, the groups proceeded under the lesser-known Section 3, which lets courts “bail in” jurisdictions for preclearance if those jurisdictions have demonstrated an intent to marginalize certain racial or ethnic groups…
Inserted from <TPM>
Photo credit: Filthy Liberal Scum
Holder is not one of my favorite people, but in this situation, major kudos are in order.
The story is sufficiently important that MSNBC actually gave it more coverage than Weiner’s weiner.
Alex Wagner covered the story with State Representative Alma Adams and Ari Berman.
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Texas’ recent history of overt racial voter suppression is undeniable. And their secret map, without allowing input from minority legislators, nor even minority Republicans, is most reprehensible.
Ezra Klein covered it with Ryan Haygood.
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I’m not at all surprised that Texas Republicans have their panties in such a huge bunch, because Holder is interfering with their goose-stepping.
Chris Hayes covered it with Mark Veasey and Julia Fernandez
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Of course the down side of this is that the case could end up in the Supreme Court, where the fascist five Injustices of SCROTUS have already demonstrated their support for Republican election theft through voter suppression with their Dred Scott, Jr. decision.
Republicans must be prevented from establishing a permanent, totalitarian Regime of one-party Republican Rule, in which elections exist only for show.
16 Responses to “Holder Is Getting It Right, for Once!”
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I side with you on the subject of Eric Holder. I am NOT a fan. But, he did the right thing for a change. I'm actually surprised. Good coverage by MSNBC. It's about time the "news" programs covered the News instead of politicians private parts.
Thanks Patty!
Goodness me – they did something right! And you are so right TC – the Far Right will not stop till they get what they want!
Thanks, Pat!
so Holder can make a decison that's worthy – huh – never thought it was possible, of ccourse its not likely to get much attention – seems that Texas needs some "preclearance" as a State, let alone some of its policies!
…and Texas is just the tip of the ugly red iceberg.
For all his other faults, Holder has a strong record on defending voting rights. I think we'll see him pursue aggressive use of the other sections remaining (minus Section 5) of the Voting Rights Act.
I agree, Nameless. Isn't it nice to be able to souuprt something he is doing for a change?
If I may paraphrase Mr Holder: "Put up your dukes! Texas, we are going to rumble!"
Voting rights ARE civil rights, and any time someone tries to breach them, no matter who, they must be slapped down, and slapped down hard!
Texas Republicanus?Teabaggers can have their knickers in a twist til the blood flow is cut off, but nothing will change. They are clearly subverting the civil rights of hundreds of thousands of people. And of course if Texas is not successfully reined in, other red states will follow. I have nothing but contempt for these morally corrupt devil's minions.
Amen, Lynn!
Amen, ahain!
That one gets a Hallelujah!
Fortunately, the grim realities of global warming, overconsumption, overpopulation and resource depletion will put an end to the Republicans' evil plans. Probably sooner rather than later. The downside is that we're all "collateral damage."
So sadly too true, Phil.
I agree with you, TC, Holder is not one of my favorites, but it seems he has done the right thing here.
Thanks Edie!
I agree AG Holder.
…as do I!