Texas Hold 'Em
“It’s hard to keep people from making speeches”
Last Sunday, toward the end of a rally for Transgender rights in Chicago’s Federal Plaza, a woman told me that there would be demonstrations at what she referred to as the upcoming “Air and War” show. Naturally, I headed out early this morning in search of the demonstration, but the CTA buses were already experiencing delays. So after first walking and then catching a bus, I arrived at North Avenue Beach five minutes after today’s announced start time for the protest, which was to be followed by a march to Millennium Park. I couldn’t find any demonstrators, but I did find people already staking their claim on highly sought-after plots of sand to view the Air and Water Show. It would nice if the march organizers announced in advance the meetup point, as well as the route.
The woman was correct in her characterization of the Air and Water how. The military has a good reason to cloak the instruments of war in the guise of family fun. Various branches of the nation’s armed services lined the beach’s perimeter with tents, hoping to recruit young people looking for excitement.
[Click on an Image to Enlarge It. The Images Are Not Necessarily in Exact Chronological Order]
WBBM, News Radio 780, Ready to Provide Its Annual Coverage of the Air and Water Show
Staking Claim to Their Air and Water Show Turf
Recruiting at the “Air and War” Show
Playing Chess While Waiting for the Air and Water Show to Begin
In Position for the Air and Water Show
Heading to the Air and Water Show
No point in wasting time at the “Air and War Show,” so I began my trek southward, to Millennium Park’s Wrigley Square, where Indivisible Chicago had scheduled an 11:00 AM rally, branded Stand with Texas: Fight the Trump Takeover. Similar rallies were scheduled in all 50 states, much like Indivisible’s earlier Good Trouble and No Kings rallies. Getting to Michigan Avenue proved tricky given all the pathways that were already closed to accommodate the “Air and War” show.
I’d been looking forward to the Texas demonstration all week because I had assumed at least two or three of the Texas legislators who “broke quorum” would show up. Yesterday, my hopes were dashed by reports that the Texas delegation that had been holed up in Illinois for the last two weeks was scheduled to return home. Some media outlets gave Friday as the return date, while others were vaguer, indicating an indeterminate time sometime before Monday.
I hopped a 147 bus at the stop in front of 900 North Michigan Avenue. Within minutes, I was at Millennium Park. Thankfully, the park’s security team had opened a separate entrance to Wrigley Square that did not require those entering to pass through security screening. After the infamous riots during the 1968 Democratic Convention, the authorities apparently had concluded that Chicago demonstrators were tough enough to fend for themselves.
While walking to the area reserved for the media, I was suddenly overcome by joy. Standing in front of me were a dozen or so people wearing distinctive black t-shirts, bearing the Texas map in thick white lines, with the words “Stop the Texas Steal” horizontally bisecting the Texas map. Thank God; the Texas legislators had stayed for the rally.
To a person, they were friendly and ready to engage. I spoke briefly with one legislator who had done a tour of duty in Iraq. I had a longer conversation with another, which I began by telling her I was disappointed they were throwing in the towel. Responding, she pointed to their jobs and families still in Texas, plus the cost of hiding out in Illinois with the Pritzker Gang. “Move here,” I responded, “Everybody is welcome.” She broke out laughing, asking me to repeat the lines while standing in front of her iPhone so she could capture my sentiment for the people back home. Naturally, I complied with her request.
I first asked her whether they had gotten the Republicans to agree to drop the $500 daily fine for “breaking quorum.” No deal, but according to her, that was a possibility. I then asked the salient question, “How are the Democrats going to respond when Greg Abbott and the Republicans jam redistricting through the legislature?”
Expressing hope, she noted that the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals had recently ruled against Louisiana’s redistricting plan on the grounds that the effort involved racially-based gerrymandering, which is prohibited by Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. See, Callais v. Louisiana, which the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to review. Of course, she did not provide me with that level of legal detail, but she did say she was hopeful that the appellate court (referring to the Fifth Circuit) would make a similar finding in the case of Texas Governor Abbott’s efforts.
After I finished speaking with the Texas representative, I circulated through the crowd, capturing images of signage and people seeking shelter from the sun in Wrigley Square’s shaded grassy areas. The heat and humidity were already intolerable, even in the shade.
At some point, people holding large black cards, each with a white letter, appeared in front of the Millennium Monument and the associated fountain. Once the group holding the cards had formed a semicircle, the words “TEXAS DEMS” were visible, preceded by a card with a “Thumbs-up” symbol.
Like the Red Sea, those holding the cards then split into two parts, with “TEXAS” on one side and “DEMS” on the other. A microphone stand appeared between the two sides, and Indivisible Chicago Chair Kathy Tholin welcomed everyone. Tholin was followed by Illinois Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (D-IL) , who spoke out against Donald J. Trump’s effort to rig the 2026 upcoming midterm election, particularly his demand that the Texas congressional map be gerrymandered to turn five Democratic House seats Republican.
The Texas Democrats took charge once Ramirez completed her remarks. First up, Texas State Representative Ramon Romero, Jr. (D-Fort Worth), who brought a new chant from Texas: “Stand up, Square Up!” The locals were highly receptive, gladly joining in Romero’s chant. He then explained why Texas Governor Greg Abbott decided to pursue redistricting:
Donald Trump called his boy in the Texas House, the governor’s mansion, and he said, “I need five seats.” What did he say? He kneeled down, and he said, “Yes, my king.”
Romero then thanked Governor Pritzker and “every single person that’s here with us,” adding “We are in for the fight.”
The RefuseFascism Merch Table
Likes Ukrainians and Clowns (With One Exception When It Comes to Clowns)
Her Patriotism Proudly on Display
(Most Likely) Texas State Rep. Mary Ann Perez (D-Houston) Being Interviewed By ABC News 7
Just Passing By the RefuseFascism Banner
The Paper Mache Donald J. Trump Ready to Take a Beating
Jeffrey Epstein May Be Dead, But His Ghost Hung Over Today’s Demonstration
Picturing Those Who Have Been Disappeared
Margaret Atwood’s Handmaids Are Out Today
Some Salty, But Subject-Appropriate, Language
In the Shade
The Texas Democrats Who Broke Quorum Beginning to Gather in Millennium Park
It's Selfie Time for the Texas Delegation
Someone Apparently Brought a Friend from Texas
Yellow Republicans of Texas ≠ Yellow Roses of Texas
She Brought Her U.S. Constitution with Her from Texas
Kathy Tholin, Chair of Indivisible Chicago, Delivering Opening Remarks
Texas State Rep. Venton Jones (D-Dallas) Letting It Rip
Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (D-IL) Speaking Out Against Donald J. Trump's Effort to Rig the 2026 Election
Texas State Rep. Ramon Romero, Jr. (D-Fort Worth), Standing Up and Squaring Up
Texas State Rep. Jolanda Jones (D-Houston) Standing Up and Squaring Up for the Fight
Once Representative Romero had finished, Texas State Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins (D-San Antonio) took the podium. As an aside, Gervin-Hawkins’ nephew, George Gervin, Jr. (aka the Iceman) played professional basketball for 14 seasons, spending 11 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs and one with the Chicago Bulls. He apparently rubbed Michael Jordan the wrong way.
Gervin-Hawkins began her remarks with a reference to the National Guard troops roaming the streets of Washington, D.C. Being a good politician, she knows how to pose a rhetorical question, so she asked the crowd, “Now can you imagine the National Guard in Chicago?” A resounding “No” came forcibly back at her. Turning to the Abbott redistricting plan, Gervin Hawkins said,
When me and my colleagues, we left, it was because of these racist maps that were developed to eliminate seats. As my colleague said earlier, our governor capitulated with the President. Now, I’m on the redistricting committee. Think about it. A letter comes from the Department of Justice saying your current maps are illegal, but we still have a pending case from the 2021 maps and fighting that, where our leadership said the maps were legal under oath. So who’s right. Who’s lying? . . .
Our plan is to fight in the courts. We hope they’re fair this time. Our message is to make sure our message gets to you.
The Texas House Minority Leader, Representative Gene Wu (D-Houston), followed Gervin-Hawkins. His remarks were brief, but he knew how to ask questions that generate a vocal response.
Let me ask you: Are we going to fight them in the legislature? [“Yes!” replied the crowd.] Are we going to fight them in the Congress? [“Yes!” the crowd roared.] Are we going to fight them in the streets? [“Yes!” yelled the crowd.] Are we going to fight them in the courts? [“Yes!” the crowd shouted.]. Are we not going to give them a moment’s rest until we take our country back? [The crowd responded with an enthusiastic “Yes!”]
Representative Wu was followed by Texas State Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin), who noted that the Texas legislators were —
here in the Land of Lincoln, which is appropriate because Abraham Lincoln broke quorum as a state senator in 1840 by jumping out of the window at the Illinois State Capitol.
Then continuing:
Thankfully, thankfully, we didn’t have to jump out any windows back in Texas. But we are all, all of us, participating in a long American tradition of standing up to bullies, of speaking truth to power, of civil disobedience, of good trouble, because that is the only way to ensure, in the words of Lincoln, that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from this earth.
At that point, Texas had spoken its mind. This being Chicago, the organizers turned the podium over to Don Villar, the Secretary and Treasurer of the Chicago Federation of Labor. I’ve seen Villar before; he is a lot of fun to watch because he is very kinetic. Villar was the right guy to speak near the end of the program. Bringing the 1968 Democratic Convention to mind, Villar said:
Think about it, by the way, our good sister from San Antonio, she [Barbara Gervin-Hawkins] mentioned the National Guard coming to our streets. By the way, 57 years ago, they were down the block, right? Fifty-seven [years ago] remember what they said, “The whole world is watching. The whole world is watching.”
At that point, the crowd enthusiastically joined in the chant, bringing back a golden oldie that many will recall from the Chicago Transit Authority’s eponymously named first album. They were subsequently forced by the real CTA to shorten their name to Chicago because it apparently infringed the real CTA’s trademark.
"Hey, Abbott! Come and Take Them."
Texas State Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins (D-San Antonio) Raising the Possibility that National Guard Troops Will Be Deployed in the Streets of Chicago
Chanting
Texas State Representative Gene Wu (D-Houston) Making His Point
Texas State Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin) Speaking to Those Who are Appalled by the Effort to Gerrymander Donald Trump to Victory
The Chicago Federation of Labor's Don Villar Once Again Showing His Explosive Energy
The Inflatable "Trump Baby" Making an Appearance to the Delight of Demonstrators
Following the speeches, the crowd was instructed to snap into formation for a march southward on Michigan Avenue, which would turn right onto Adams, heading westward until dead ending at Federal Plaza. Given the heat, the route was mercifully short. Some 300 to 400 decided to take the walk. The marchers were enthusiastic, holding their signs high while chanting and yelling.
Regrettably, Indivisible Chicago decided that there would be no program at Federal Plaza, which meant the demonstration ended with a fizzle rather than a bang. Had I been the organizer, I would have hired a band to provide some music. The Fugs, Country Joe and Fish, and the Jefferson Airplane are long gone, but surely someone local could have produced some entertaining protest dirges. A couple of years back, I recall Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine performing at one demonstration. Maybe WILCO would have done the honors.
In addition to music, I would have had a couple of food trucks on site, offering up some Texas BBQ. What better way to send the Texas delegation back to Texas? Or maybe Chicago Hot Dogs (no ketchup) from Byron’s, or sliders from the Billy Goat.
Instead, the organizers handed out large sticks of colored chalk. The adults transformed into children, scribbling slogans on the plaza’s pavement. Most people left shortly after their arrival, leaving plenty of open space for the artists in the crowd.
One a’hole decided to deface the Calder Flamingo, bringing back memories from two or three years ago when portions of the statue had to be repainted due to similar graffiti. Fortunately, today’s scrawl was written using chalk, which would disappear during the next rainstorm. Nevertheless, this guy’s lack of respect for public art should not be tolerated or excused. Note to Indivisible Chicago: Have one or more of your parade marshals monitor demonstrators, with an eye toward stopping vandalism.
Despite its tepid ending, the demonstration was nevertheless a huge success. The Texas legislators made for a memorable event. People can only listen to the same local war horses so often without losing interest.
Oh, just in case you are interested in buying a Trump piñata, call Dulce Del Sol Landia. The guy who brings one of these piñatas to many of the anti-Trump demonstrations identified Dulce Del Sol Landia as his source. At each demonstration, he offers demonstrators an opportunity to take a whack at the piñata. The guy has a great sense of humor. I’ve waited to see whether candy pours out when the piñata splits apart. No candy inside. Call before heading to the store to make sure the Trump piñatas are in stock.
Ready to March
"Taco Dumbbell"
Rising Up; Fighting Back
Texas Democrats Out Front on Michigan Avenue
Signs Proudly Held High
Forming a Human Chain-Link Fence
No, No, No, and No
Donald Trump Is Great for the Bucket Boys' Business
Margaret Atwood’s Handmaids are Marching Today
Here They Come
"Stand with Texas Dems"
Coming at Me
Passing Through a Cement Canyon, Headed to Federal Plaza
A RevCom Taking a Stand
Taking the Final Swing at Today's Trump Piñata
Celebrating His Triumph Over the Paper Mache Trump Piñata
Standing Around in Federal Plaza
Reverting to Childhood, But with a Serious Message
Some People Still Going Strong
Sitting, But Still Fighting
"Stop Election Stealing and Gerrymandering Wars"
Two Words that May Prove Apocalyptic to Donald J. Trump
Photographer’s Note: The images in this article were made using three Leica M cameras. One with a 21mm lens, the second with a 28mm lens, and the third with a 75mm lens. No zooms; no autofocus; no auto exposure. All black and white images were captured using cameras without color sensors.
Copyright 2025, Jack B. Siegel, All Rights Reserved. Do Not Alter, Copy, Display, Distribute, Download, Duplicate, or Reproduce Without the Prior Written Consent of the Copyright Holder.
