Governor Abbott Discovers 'Protests' Are Only Threatening in Democratic Cities
Governor Greg Abbott has deployed the Texas National Guard to Austin, a Democratic stronghold, ahead of a climate protest. This, according to Newsweek, is a pre-emptive measure. This isn't the first time Abbott has used state resources to quell dissent or exert political power—recall his busing of migrants to Democratic-led cities, an estimated $148 million spent, according to the Texas Tribune,
as of late 2023, for political theater rather than border security. The message is clear: dissent is tolerated only when it’s politically convenient, and force is reserved for those who challenge the status quo, especially in places that don't vote his way. It appears the threat profile for 'protest' shifts dramatically depending on the protest's topic and location. Mass gatherings at gun shows?
Peaceful assembly. Climate activists in progressive urban centers? Mobilize the National Guard. One might wonder if the concern is public safety, or simply keeping certain narratives undisturbed. The preparedness for a protest in Austin, a city known for its progressive leanings, suggests that some forms of public expression are viewed less as constitutional rights and more as potential
insurrections requiring military intervention. Austin's police force is famously well-funded; does peacefully gathering for climate action truly necessitate military-style deployments?