Whatever’s the watercooler equivalent of 2019, politics is the new topic du jour. But while focus is on our nation’s highest offices, local elections continue to fall below the radar. “Wake Up Beaumont” seeks to fix that by spotlighting local elections, politics, and activism because change begins in the city you live.
In this episode, we are talking about the two highest courts in Texas – the Supreme Court, which handles civil stuff, and the Court of Criminal Appeals, which handles how people with criminal records are handled. I wasn’t able to coordinate interviews with anyone due to, you know, everything going on, but just stick with me for this short episode and we’ll take a look at these courts and why it is so important that you vote in them.
Candidate Spreadsheet (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wmn5o3s_enbBz_4NzpnwjGIJw1wL44z-nIFVNwBPcTs/edit#gid=0)
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
– Man saved by US Supreme Court (https://www.texastribune.org/2020/09/16/juan-lizcano-texas-death-row/) ruling in 2017
– Man executed (https://www.texastribune.org/2020/07/08/texas-execution-billy-wardlow/) during pandemic
– Sharon Killer (https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/the-judgment-of-sharon-keller/), ahem, Keller
Texas Supreme Court
– Covid not a good enough excuse (https://www.texastribune.org/2020/05/27/texas-vote-by-mail-coronavirus/) to get a mail in vote
– The death of paid sick leave
– Discrimination of same sex couples (https://www.texastribune.org/2017/06/30/texas-supreme-court-ruling-houston-same-sex-marriage-benefits/)
16 Sept 2020
Texas Rail Road Commission with Chrysta Castaneda
The Texas Rail Road Commission is one of the most powerful positions in Texas – and it has nothing to do with Rail Roads.
Official Railroad Commission Website’s (https://www.rrc.state.tx.us/about-us/resource-center/faqs/railroad-commission-authority-and-jurisdiction-faq/) definition of the commission.
The lawsuit the commission (https://www.texastribune.org/2019/12/03/railroad-commission-sued-lax-oversight-natural-gas-flaring/) is currently embroiled in.
And the lawsuit (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/railroad-commission-lawsuit-oil-gas-waste-disposal-15476578.php)against James Wright
What does the RRC regulate? (https://www.wsj.com/articles/what-does-the-railroad-commission-of-texas-regulate-not-railroads-1525361734) – Article from Wall Street Journal
What the heck does the RRC do? (https://www.wsj.com/articles/what-does-the-railroad-commission-of-texas-regulate-not-railroads-1525361734) – Article
This is a good example of what the Rail Road Commission is supposed to have Hearing (https://www.facebook.com/LiveableArlington/videos/1846013632347019/)s about – residents in a community developed cancer from their water table being messed up by a company. Very scary stuff.
Candidate spreadsheet (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wmn5o3s_enbBz_4NzpnwjGIJw1wL44z-nIFVNwBPcTs/edit#gid=0)
Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/wakeupbeaumontpodcast)
4 Sept 2020
Kerry McKennon - Libertarian candidate for US TX Senator
In today's episode we talk to Libertarian candidate for U.S Texas Senator Kerry McKennon! We'll talk about what the Senate does, how to pick a good candidate, and listen to McKennon's vision for the future.
Kerry McKennon - Website (https://www.mckennon2020.com/). Facebook. (https://www.facebook.com/McKennon-600805126650048/) Twitter. (https://twitter.com/Mckennon2020) Ballotpedia
John Cornyn - Website (https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/). Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SenJohnCornyn/). Twitter (https://twitter.com/TeamCornyn). Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/johncornyn/). Ballotpedia (https://ballotpedia.org/John_Cornyn)
MJ Hegar - Website (https://mjfortexas.com/). Facebook. (https://www.facebook.com/MJforTexas) Twitter (https://twitter.com/mjhegar). Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mjfortexas/). Ballotpedia (https://ballotpedia.org/M.J._Hegar)
Deadline to register to vote
How to register to vote
Public candidate list (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wmn5o3s_enbBz_4NzpnwjGIJw1wL44z-nIFVNwBPcTs/edit#gid=0)
Candidate spreadsheet (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wmn5o3s_enbBz_4NzpnwjGIJw1wL44z-nIFVNwBPcTs/edit#gid=0)
Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/wakeupbeaumontpodcast?fan_landing=true)
Beware Of Voter swag (https://www.bonfire.com/beware-of-voter/)
31 Aug 2020
Homeless during a Hurricane
In this hurricane evacuation bonus episode, I talk to three homelessness advocates about what it’s like to try to outrun a storm when you don’t have a home, a car, money, or any resources to safely evacuate. I recorded and edited this episode in my hotel room in Waco so the sound quality isn’t where it normally is, but the conversation is 100%.
Check out the Candidate spreadsheet (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wmn5o3s_enbBz_4NzpnwjGIJw1wL44z-nIFVNwBPcTs/edit#gid=0), Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/wakeupbeaumontpodcast?fan_landing=true), and the Beware Of Voter swag (https://www.bonfire.com/beware-of-voter/)
17 Aug 2020
Economic Justice
In this episode, we talk to workers right's activist Kara Sheehan about how the lack of worker's protections in America has led to scary consequences for 2 local restaurant employees.
Resources
- Texas AFL-CIO (https://www.texasaflcio.org/?fbclid=IwAR3Kcp6ayPiit5tu5QSRi07Xo2lOxBMkJ9lH3Ysnb_1vJEYnqoWIMwM0arc) Official Website
- Bargaining for the Common Good (https://www.bargainingforthecommongood.org/) Official Website
- Action Center on Race and the Economy (https://acrecampaigns.org/) Official Website
- Jobs with Justice (https://www.jwj.org/) Official Website
Lanee's Art (https://www.instagram.com/laneeteschart/) Instagram
Check out the Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/wakeupbeaumontpodcast) page and follow on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wakeupbeaumontpodcast) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wakeupbeaumontpodcast/) to never miss an episode.
4 Jul 2020
2020 Texas Democratic Primaries – Run Off: Justice of the Peace
In this short episode, I follow up with candidate Naomi Showers Doyle (https://www.facebook.com/NaomiDforJP/) about her candidacy. Listen to the episode (http://wakeupbeaumont.com/podcast/2019-democratic-primaries-justice-of-the-peace/) I produced earlier this year to learn more about the what the office does and about her opponent George Milhouse (https://www.facebook.com/George-Milhouse-for-Justice-of-Peace-Precinct-1-Place-1-110345970478910/). There’s also information about voting plans and current covid19 statistics. Change begins in the city you live!
28 Jun 2020
2020 Texas Primaries: Senate Run Off - Hegar v. West
Today we are spending a lot of time talking about the Senate run off race between MJ Hegar and Royce West to see which of them will go head to head with Republican incumbent John Cornyn. This episode is a little more off the cuff than usual but still has a lot of information to help you get started on who to vote for from their background, who is endorsing them, and voting strategy. Additionally, there's an update about Covid19 and I end by talking about #cancelculture.
Change begins in the city you live!
21 Jun 2020
Covid19 in BMT: Rent
In this episode, there is an update on local Covid19 statistics, information about the census, and the very real potential for mass homelessness and evictions due to the financial crisis brought on by the pandemic. I talk to a local judge and local constable about the steps of evictions, we evaluate the homeownership portion of the CARES ACT, and I try to give some useful tips on what to do (NOT PANICKING) if you find yourself or a loved on in one of these situations. Check out the website (//www.wakeupbeaumont.com)for resources used to make this episode.
8 Jun 2020
Black Lives Matter in Beaumont
In this episode, I make a few statements about developments relating to the local Black Lives Matter rallies and marches in Southeast Texas. As a non-black woman of color, I mainly stayed focused on a broad history of systemic racism in the country and events unfolding in the area. Check out www.wakeupbeaumont.com for links to source material and other resources for more information.
11 May 2020
COVID19 in BMT: Delivery with Lauren Bebeau
At long last the interview with Lauren Bebeau!
Her work at Favor, a food delivery service, was the spring board for some discussion about how hard this time really is for people in the restaurant industry and those who love to eat. Check out this link (http://wakeupbeaumont.com/podcast/covid19-in-bmt-delivery-with-lauren-bebeau/) for the show notes that has links to information used in this episode like research and the grants for restaurant industry workers.
23 Feb 2020
2020 Democratic Primaries: Jefferson County Justice of the Peace
The closest you might ever come to court, other than jury duty, might just be the Justice of the Peace. And while, yes, some cases are a bit of a circus ala reality court TV but many cases really have impact on constituents – anyone have kids who like to skip school and ever had to go to truancy court? Hear from the 2 front runners of the race, Naomi Doyle Showers (https://www.facebook.com/NaomiDforJP/)and George Milhouse (https://www.facebook.com/George-Milhouse-for-Justice-of-Peace-Precinct-1-Place-1-110345970478910/)!
3 Feb 2020
2020 Primaries: Texas Supreme Court
The Texas Supreme Court is like the US Supreme court except we get to pick them every few years and it’s not a life long seat. Otherwise, they do kind of the same thing – interpret the laws of the country of Texas. So what kind of person do you want laying down the law? Find source notes and information about the candidates at Wake Up Beaumont.com!
In this episode, we very quickly run through the basics of the controversial Texas Railroad Commission (spoiler alert, I am not a fan) and briefly talk about the candidates running in this primary. It’s short but it ain’t sweet. Wake Up Beaumont!
Check out www.wakeupbeaumont.com for show notes including the candidate spreadsheet.
13 Jan 2020
2020 Democratic Primaries: Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
In this episode we are looking at the Democratic candidates for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals that got a lot of national attention last year from celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Rihanna toward the end of 2019. We learn about what the exactly the court does and who the candidates are. Check out the website for source links and links to the candidates websites.
6 Jan 2020
2020 Primaries: Democratic Party Chair
While everyone else is talking about the Presidential Primaries, we have other elections on the ballot too, including, who will be the Democratic party chair. What does that mean? Why is it important? And who are these people? Take a listen to find out.
30 Dec 2019
Media Literacy with Michael Saar
Before the 2020 primaries, I am re-releasing a 2018 episode about media literacy (aka how to not look like a damn clown when sharing information on facebook). This episode is chock full of psychology of how our minds retain information, how to figure out what is fact an what is opinion, and it's all broken down in a simple to digest way that doesn't feel preachy and didn't go over my head. I hope you enjoy the last episode of 2019 and I am excited to leap into the new year with you! For more information about the resources used in this episode, check out www.wakeupbeaumont.com
20 Dec 2019
Defining Home: feat Jenny Wilson and Daniel Valdez
Writer Jenny Wilson and poet Daniel Valdez sit down to read poems inspired by life in Southeast Texas and how politics, life, and art all intersect in ways that can't be easily traced.
9 Dec 2019
The Judge's New Robes: A conversation with Judge Mitch Templeton
In this episode, I follow up with Mitch Templeton of the 172nd District Court, elected to the court in 2018. We have a conversation about what his first year on the bench has been like, if he’s kept his campaign promises, and what changes are coming to the Jefferson County judicial court system.
17 Nov 2019
Truth Is Not Truth: a conversation with Prince Varughese Thomas
In this episode, we talk to a Houston artist with strong Beaumont ties who’s newest show at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas (https://www.amset.org/) is charged with social and political critique and observations. I was anxious to ask Prince Varughese Thomas (http://princevthomas.com/) about some of my favorite pieces and the conversation runs the gamut from feminism, civil discourse, narcissism as well as his process as an artist. It is a great companion piece to anyone who has seen the show and will compel those who haven’t to go see it before it’s gone!
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