Cheer Up Charlies
Lip Service
RECEIVED Fri., Feb. 11, 2022
Dear Editor,
When I moved to Austin half a decade ago, I relied on the Chronicle's endorsements to help guide my voting decisions, while I learned for myself what “progressive” means in the Austin community. Not anymore. I feel betrayed by the lack of depth and diversity of the Chronicle’s most recent endorsements. As a lawyer working in the criminal legal system, I was shocked by the sarcasm your board used about a valid dialogue about the role of our judges, and how bias affects outcomes. I was disappointed by the short shrift you gave to qualified Black candidates. The Chronicle continues to endorse incumbents nearly exclusively. You can pay lip service to progressive change, but your endorsement record shows that your real value is aligned with the Democratic Party establishment.
When I moved to Austin half a decade ago, I relied on the Chronicle's endorsements to help guide my voting decisions, while I learned for myself what “progressive” means in the Austin community. Not anymore. I feel betrayed by the lack of depth and diversity of the Chronicle’s most recent endorsements. As a lawyer working in the criminal legal system, I was shocked by the sarcasm your board used about a valid dialogue about the role of our judges, and how bias affects outcomes. I was disappointed by the short shrift you gave to qualified Black candidates. The Chronicle continues to endorse incumbents nearly exclusively. You can pay lip service to progressive change, but your endorsement record shows that your real value is aligned with the Democratic Party establishment.
Kathryn Dyer, Clinical Professor at University of Texas School of Law
