January 2026
FCDP UPCOMING EVENTS:
Americans for Democracy Rally
Saturday, January 10th, 9 - 10 am, on the La Grange Courthouse Square. Don't have a sign, borrow one of ours, we have a fine selection. Check our website fayettetxdemocrats.org for future rally dates and times if uncertain.
We’re changing up our normal 3rd Thursday Luncheons this month!!
Not sure where the Best Western Inn & Suites is located? Copy this address into your preferred mapping app: 600 St Hwy 71, La Grange and join us. The Democratic Party invites you to a 2026 kickoff event to start the year ahead. Enjoy complimentary light snacks and sparkling refreshments. Why not bring a friend or neighbor along with you, too!
Will I Be the Next Renee Good?
Contributed by Annette Holdeman
The shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis underscores an urgent need for better de-escalation training and clearer use of force standards in federal law enforcement operations. ICE agents arriving in flak jackets and masks, more suited to an Afghanistan war zone than a neighborhood street, screaming "get the f@@ck out of the car" only sets the stage for fear and panic, not calm. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for de-escalation training and a rethinking of militarized enforcement before more lives are lost.
The hastily made and deceptive comments by HHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s were grossly premature. Even Tom Homan, President Trump’s Border Czar, went on the record yesterday morning on CBS News saying “Let the investigation play out.” Just hours later though, Homan then changed his tune to align with Noem, Vance, and Trump who had already "closed the case" and began to tell the story quite differently, without offering any proof, accusing Ms Good of being a member of a left-wing movement who intentionally "ran over” the agent. However, many observers note that video footage taken from multiple angles appears to show the opposite scenario.
Policing in America should be not a battlefield type operation. Tragically, Thursday’s actions by ICE in Minneapolis demonstrates a mismatch between starkly different policing practices, namely Border Patrol style tactics vs Urban Policing, accepted practices. Absent respect for that distinction, more will die.
RIP Renee Nicole Good.
WE WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT WE SAW WITH OUR OWN EYES ON 1/6/2021
Contributed by Annette Holdeman
Backed by his ever-loyal political enablers, Trump & Co refuses to display this plaque honoring the fallen law enforcement officers at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th 2001. And now the plaque is missing, probably hidden in a closet somewhere, in Trump’s bathroom at Mar-A Lago, or at the bottom of an East Wing dumpster, out of sight and out of his mind, but not ours!
The officers who died or were injured on January 6th paid the ultimate price, risking their lives to protect American leaders and democracy itself. They deserve better, they deserve justice, along with our promise to never forget what happened on that day.
Take a minute to remember those who lost their lives: Kyle DeFreytag, Brian Sicknick, Howie Liebengood, Gunther Hashida, and Jeffrey Smith and the 140 police officers who were injured and also paid a heavy price.
The following link to National Public Radio's investigation, examines the January 6th attack, the investigation that followed, and Trump’s campaign to downplay and distort what happened. Thank you NPR for helping to preserve the true record of what happened on that day while others to work erase it.
https://www.npr.org/2026/01/04/nx-s1-5666343/inside-the-jan-6-capitol-riot-part-1-of-2
A MESSAGE OF PEACE: A wish for the New Year
Brought to us by Patty Reid
As a special reminder beyond the holidays, Patty Reid invites us to reflect on the wise words of Dr. Maya Angelou, drawn from an excerpt of “Amazing Peace,” the poem Angelou wrote and shared for the 2005 White House Christmas tree-lighting ceremony. Those were the days. You can read the poem in full here: https://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/maya-angelous-amazing-peace
Amazing Peace (excerpt)
“Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves,
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation:
Peace, My Brother
Peace, My Sister
Peace, My Soul”
It is a message that inspires us to embrace the peace and speak the word aloud. Let's say it loud and proud for our family, our friends, our immigrants, and our Nation! "Peace!"
What Can You Do About Trump & Co.’s Shockingly Actions? Your Vote Is Yours; It Matters and is Powerful! Your voice matters and action is how we protect democracy. Call your representatives, vote, and help others do the same. Show up locally, support credible news, and join groups fighting for accountability. Don’t stay silent as our leaders only respect the people who make themselves heard.
Help put the guardrails back in our government – Vote!
KEEP CALLING THEM!
Chaos in the Capitol, Silence in Congress? Use Your Voice - Call Your Representatives. JUST DO IT
Rep. Stan Kitzman – District 85 - (512) 463-0604
Sen. Lois Kolkhorst – District 18 - (512) 463-0118
US Rep. District 10 Michael McCaul - (202) 225-2401
US Sen. Ted Cruze – (202) 224-5922
US Sen. John Cornyn - (202)-224-2934
FYI: You can always find this information on the FCDP website or add them to your phone contacts for a quick, easy reference to voice your concern (or outrage).
THE LAST WORD :) (ok it's a bit snarky)
by Laura Logan
