We, the undersigned, oppose Governor Abbott’s plan to install a floating barrier in the Rio Grande to hinder migrants from crossing into Texas. We believe that this plan is misguided and will only make the situation more dangerous and deadly for migrants attempting to cross the border.

Here are our reasons for opposing this plan:

• The Rio Grande is considered one of the deadliest routes for migrants, and over the years, hundreds of people, including babies and children, have died on the river, mainly from drowning in its turbulent current. Adding a floating barrier will only increase the risk of drowning and other accidents.
• Immigrant advocates say that many people who attempt to cross the Rio Grande do so because they know of very few options to reach the U.S.. Abbott’s latest stunt will make this situation even more dangerous and deadly.
• Abbott’s plan is a political stunt that will not solve the underlying issues of immigration and border security. It is not the responsibility of Texas to create its own border patrol agency to regulate the border and prevent immigrants from entering Texas.
• The federal government has the responsibility to secure the border, and Texas should not take matters into its own hands. Instead of wasting taxpayer money on a floating barrier, Abbott should work with the federal government to find a comprehensive solution to the border crisis.

Therefore, we call on Governor Abbott to abandon his plan to install a floating barrier in the Rio Grande and instead work with the federal government to find a comprehensive solution to the border crisis. We believe that this solution should prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals, including migrants, and respect their human rights.

Potential candidate for CO, US Representative, 2024

I am a normal working stiff from Southern Colorado. I, along with many others in our District, recognize the need for a change in representation in the US House of Representatives away from Lauren Boebert. I also recognize the vast enthusiasm gap between her and the person she defeated in 2022. The honest fact is, the majority of the votes he got, mine included, were votes AGAINST her and not FOR him. Outside of Aspen, the thought of a person from there being truly representative of our region is false at best, and repulsive at worst.

Since my mid twenties, people have been asking me to run for this House seat, some of whom were highly influential business owners, and others were regular working people like myself. This cycle, I have caved in to the pressure. Instead of coming across as though I have the answers to all of our problems or presenting myself as a full-blown partisan zealot, I’d like to practice a little true Democracy as our representative. When major issues come up, I want to contact local experts and stakeholders, and I’d also like to survey the citizens of the district at large for their direct input.

I want to introduce solutions that I believe can balance the federal budget, reduce inequality, better serve our veterans, and work towards global peace and stability. I am willing to answer any questions that anyone may have, and I’m also flexible about certain issues because I believe you have to be to truly represent the people. I do not think the voter should have to choose all of what any party has to say when they choose a candidate for it, and I do not believe the candidate should ask the voter to trust in their opinion without being able to give functional input.