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I was dismayed that many of the first reactions toward Texas's draconian new abortion law was a round of sniping. *Blame Susan Sarandon! Blame Bernie Bros! Blame Susan Collins! "Why didn't people listen to me in 2016?" "Why aren't Democrats doing anything?"*

Ughhhhhh.

This should be a time to rally, take stock, make plans, and consider the *opportunities* this heavy-handed law provides us. As Dan suggested, the Texas GOP may have paid so much attention to the most vocal parts of their base that they weren't paying attention to how the state is changing. And the little-discussed fact that 70% of Americans *support* abortion.

Texas Democrats now have an issue to run on. They can point out the impractical nature of the "heartbeat" limit, and the horrifying implications of leaving enforcement up to neighborhood snitches.

On the state level, Democrats around the country can use the law as an example of what GOP-dominated legislatures will do.

And perhaps this law will kick Democrats into congress into action on filibuster reform.

As for me: I live in Oregon, a fairly "blue" state. We have exactly one statewide GOP elected. Abortion rights are on fairly stable ground here.

But, putting my money where my mouth is, I:

* Donated $100 to Texas chapter of the ACLU, which will be fighting the new law

* Donated $100 to an ActBlue program which will be splitting donations to nine Texas abortion providers.

Stop moping. Turn your dismay into anger and your anger into determination.

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Good idea fellow Oregonian

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Thanks! You sent me looking and I found the Afiya Center supporting reproductive health for Black women and girls. There are so many to choose from, and an influx of donations will give them more heart for their work.

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Unfortunately the governor of Texas is trying to get democratic legislators arrested for a walkout protest of these same draconian laws. The democratic party at the national level has become too moribund to do much of anything....

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Sep 2, 2021
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Don't know about Oregon but you are welcome here in Washington! (Not DC)

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