The International Socialists were runaway stars of the Save Our School Rally, fairly earning for themselves substantial ownership of this issue in the 83rd Legislature.
Saturday’s rally attendance was much lower than it was in 2011. The Texas Tribune reported the attendance at 3,500, down from 12,000 they reported for the 2011 rally.
This isn’t a big surprise. Doom and gloom predictions about school funding turned out to be every bit the hype conservatives said they were, and it’s hard to motivate the honest people with identical propaganda just two years later.
One group that was out again in full voice was the International Socialist Organization. One of their chants was, “We’ve got an education fix: TAX-TAX-TAX the rich!”
So, if this rally represents our national politics, then the noisy hard left are the only ones motivated, but nobody is really standing in their way.
The GOP establishment is currently doing everything it can to reduce the difference between the two parties. Their star of the moment, Chris Christie, is a symbol of this, sitting next to Michelle Obama at the President Obama-hosted Governor’s Gala Dinner over the weekend.
While the fearful GOP establishment probably sees this as a symbol of Republican progress, the Democrats undoubtedly see it as a symbol of Republican conquer. Does anyone actually think Michelle Obama is sitting next to Chris Christie because she’s come his way?
The International Socialist Organization provided the energy for increased school funding and tax increases. It will be helpful to primary voters to see which legislators take the International Socialist Organization side of this issue when it comes up for vote.
–Texas Tribine 2011 rally estimate - 12,000
–Texas Tribune 2013 rally estimate - 3,500