Interested in helping with a documentary, and changing the state?

After last night, seeing Prop 19 fall and Democrats lose the House, I decided that I want to throw away the cynical bastard I've been and try to be someone that changes things. The first step, to me, is to get Initiative & Referendum for Texas. Propositions like Prop 19 in California were only possible because California citizens went out and collected signatures to have it listed on the ballot (also known as the initiative process). Twenty-four states currently allow for I&R, Texas isn't one of them.

Let's change that.

I want to start filming a documentary to show our progress, and start the process to get Initiative and Referendum for our state. Let's collect at least 10,000 signatures to send to Rick Perry and David Dewhurst (along with all other members of Texas government, from local mayors to Supreme Court members), let's protest at the Capital, let's do this and make a change. How about we show the Tea Party what a real grassroots campaign can be? Anybody interested?

EDIT: I'm also starting the process to collect signatures as well, so even if you aren't able or interested in helping to film the documentary, you could sign and do your part. One more signature is one more small step closer to being able to initiate our own bills into Texas law.

EDIT #2: For starters, send hand-written letters to Rick Perry and David Dewhurst as well as any and all elected local government members. Let them know that you want the initiative process in the state of Texas. I've posted two addresses for Rick Perry and David Dewhurst below. Can someone help me in finding others for any and all elected officials?

Rick Perry Office of the Governor P.O. Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711-2428

Lt. Governor David Dewhurst Capitol Station P.O. Box 12068 Austin, Texas 78711

Also, send photocopies from the letters that you write to me. My address is 2401 Manor Road APT 120 Austin, TX 78722. That way, they can be included in the documentary. And start collecting signatures in your own areas, the sooner we can reach 10,000 the better. We have a LOT of work to do.

I'm also looking for people that can help with designing a logo or something for this, since it certainly wouldn't hurt our favor to have an image for Texans to recognize. In time, once we have a start, I'll be looking for somebody with a camera and willing to help shoot footage.

EDIT #3: Just heard back from Art Bedford, the Chairman of Texans for Initiative and Referendum Rights. Here is his message for everybody to see: "Thanks for the email. I am currently the Chairman of Texans for Initiative & Referendum Rights. Our website is www.initiativefortexas.org and I am going to completely revamp the site very soon. The time is right to get these rights for Texans. To join our movement, go to www.grasshopr.com and sign up as an individual. Grasshopr is a grass roots organization networking site. Once you are registered, go to GROUPS, find Texans for Initiative & Referendum Rights and join. We will be launching a campaign very shortly to request pledges from the Texas legislature. In order to get I&R rights, the legislature must pass a constitutional amendment allowing for these rights. They have historically against giving us these rights but they are more concerned about getting re-elected so if we can mount a grass-roots pressure on them, they will yield. Our greatest opponents are the special interest groups that dominate the legisature be it conservative or liberal organizations. They do not want to relinquish control over the legislative process and will spend millions to defeat I&R. Give me a call at 936-288-0781 and I will be glad to answer any questions and give you some insight on where we have been and what our plans are. It is great to see someone who is willing to help get these rights for us."

Reddit, we can actually do this. Everybody get signed up over at Grasshopr and find TIRR. In the meantime, I'll be preparing letters to legislators and you should be doing the same.

"It has to start somewhere, it has to start somehow; what better place than this? What better time than now?"