Austinites Join National Groups for Anti-Trump Day of Action

On July 21, as Donald Trump accepts the Republican presidential nomination, Austinites will join thousands of Americans allied with MoveOn.org, NextGen Climate, CREDO, People’s Action, 350 Action, and United We Dream Action at dozens of simultaneous events across the country to oppose Trump’s dangerous and hate-filled agenda.

"Donald Trump isn't a normal politician. He's a vandal," Austin-based organizer Derrick Crowe said. "His terrible policies will endanger our children's future and permanently damage our climate. We have to stand up not just to Trump's candidacy, but also to the forces of racism, xenophobia, and misogyny that he has encouraged in his quest for White House."

Donald Trump has repeatedly incited political violence at his rallies and other public appearances, stoking racial tensions, xenophobia, misogyny, birtherism, and science denialism for political gain. On social media, he retweets or otherwise elevates white supremacist and anti-Semitic memes. His attempt to mainstream previously taboo prejudices into our public debate represents a dire threat to the communal fabric of our country.

In Austin, protesters will convene outside the office U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) due to the Texas Republican’s endorsement of Trump. Even as other mainstream Republican figures like House Speaker Paul Ryan have distanced themselves from Trump’s more extreme qualities and behaviors, Smith continues to admonish his supporters to become “enthusiastic” supporters and to “triumph with Trump.” Smith also aligns with Trump’s contrarian climate science denialism, using his position on the House Science Committee to harass climate scientists and investigators of fossil fuel industry fraud.

"Smith, Trump, and Pence are a perfect trio of denialism and anti-science contrarianism," Crowe continued. "It's unbelievable that Smith hasn't distanced himself from Trump even after his racist attacks on a federal judge and recent nod to anti-Semitic memes while swiping at Hillary Clinton. For Smith, party clearly trumps country."

• WHO: MoveOn.org, NextGen Climate, CREDO, People’s Action, 350 Action, United We Dream Action. Additional organizations and speakers to be announced.
• WHEN: Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 5:30 p.m.
• WHERE: Outside the office of U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, 211 South IH-35, Austin, TX 78741.

Learn more about Trump, Smith, and the need for local action to protect the environment at txclimate.org.