299 Comments
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Sally Lunn's avatar

Well written as always, Doktor Z. [Paraphrasing]" Then things really took- who would have guessed ? An authoritarian turn. " I had to read this story several times to grasp it, my attention span is very FUBARED nowadays. Nicole Collier wouldn't back down. Brava. She called it what it is. What is "The Department of Public Safety" anyways ?

JW's avatar

As a former Texan who appreciates what they are up against in the Lege - super disappointed nobody else refused to go along with this. They should have all laughed and headed for the door and dared anybody to try to stop them.

ElderlyLoudCatWomyn's avatar

Sounds like the DPS officer needs to get out and walk more if he can't keep up with Ms. Cole. But it's kinda fun that he made a fuss in front of her constituents. Nothing like seeing an asshole in action first hand.

Lumpy Tapioca's avatar

Democrat solidarity ends

whenever they bring by the desert cart

in the dining car

on the gravy train.

Zyxomma's avatar

Ta, Dok. Imprisoned in Austin. Holy fuck.

Parakeetist's avatar

Budgie wants baseball bat to smapppck everyoneee.

But will not, because she nice.

One day, he gone. He not here.

I think bout dat moar.

:)

Mommadillo's avatar

They should have all refused to sign, walked out as a group and dared Republicans to do something about it. I’m fairly certain no one in the Texas legislature has the authority to hold anyone against their will.

Way to blow the majority of the goodwill you just earned by fleeing the state, Dems. You stupid assholes are going to blow this, aren’t you? The bastard is going to have a third term because none of you will stand up to him.

DaveB's avatar

Oh, how we miss Molly Ivins now as much as ever.

Rank Member's avatar

We all are, or need to be, Molly Ivins now. In spirit, if not action.

CzechJournalists's avatar

the Texas State Capitol building is basically a copy of the one in DC, except it was built slightly larger on purpose. the main entrances to the building lie to the north, south, east, and west (and only got metal detectors something like fifteen years ago). the east and west sides are the most heavily trafficked, and the south side is often used for photo ops because it faces beautiful downtown Austin and Congress Avenue, the north side being kind of fugly. there are two additional exits on the north side, just small booth-sized building coming up from.the Capitol extension. there is also a loading dock on the west side (i've only been allowed to park in it once) with only a small booth with someone opening the weird bar thingie and checking their list for clearance. if she can manage to find a friendly dry cleaner there, she has a way out. . .

Bagels of Doom's avatar

“Texas Republicans have lost their damn minds.”

Several decades ago. Yes.

Wookiee Monster's avatar

I don’t see how any of this is remotely legal.

Bagels of Doom's avatar

What I do see, however, is a failed, lawless state.

Douglas Milliken's avatar

Hope she makes a criminal complaint for kidnapping. With the Texas ag and the slug in the white house, it won't stick, but do it anyway

Wookiee Monster's avatar

I’m guessing Collier volunteered as tribute so the other Dems could get back to their families and some semblance of a normal life.

"M"'s avatar

#WeTriedToTellYou

Chino Cherokee's avatar

This makes me sick.

Texas, and this entire shithole country is a fucking embarrassment.

Noma Larkey's avatar

Yea!! Solidarity ensues - Rip the slip!

"More Texas Democrats plan to spend the night in the state Capitol in protest amid redistricting fight"

The state House Democratic caucus said in a news release that eight of its members will return to the floor Tuesday evening, “publicly tearing up the permission slips required by Republicans for members to leave the chamber.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/texas-democrats-plan-spend-night-statehouse-protest-redistricting-figh-rcna225922

Kevin's avatar

Solidarity delayed is solidarity diluted.

Doloras LaPicho's avatar

"We really have just one question: Why is Collier the only Democrat who refused to go along with the surveillance scheme? "

“Collier slept at her desk on the House floor Monday night Rep Gene Wu of Houston, chair of the Democratic Caucus, Rep. Vince Perez, D-El Paso, stayed with her overnight, with other Democratic lawmakers and staffers coming by to provide moral support, food, clothes, pillows and other necessities” https://www.texastribune.org/2025/08/19/nicole-collier-texas-house-dps-escort-redistricting-quorum/

Don't base takes on the most infuriating thing you see on social media; it gets clicks but it demoralizes politically.

marydn's avatar

Yes, it is very nice that some of the Dems showed Ms Collier support but the point is only she had to stay there. All those other people that you mentioned signed the permission slip and could leave anytime they wanted.