I am running in the Democratic primary for U.S. Congress in TX 10. The district runs from north-central Austin to the NW suburbs of Houston including parts of Katy, Cypress, and Tomball. It is a grotesque wonder of gerrymandering meant to be a secure Republican district. The numbers from 2016 tell a different story of a district that can be put into play. My campaign website is located at:
www.MattHarrisForTX10.com
My FaceBook campaign site is at Matt Harris for Congress TX10.
- have been a long-time poster here at DailyKos with my participation varying depending on the political season and my ability to absorb the news of the day. Sometimes I just have to back away from politics and stay focused on my life. I have lived in the Austin area for 30+ years and raised my four millennial generation kids here. By profession I am a manager within the field of data science and have worked both in large corporations and local startups. While I am running in the Democratic primary, I am deeply frustrated with the positions Democrats have offered. We need to offer more than the usual mild reforms.
There are three key themes I am running on.
- Economic justice – Our system is not working for most people. The distribution of wealth is absurd and is largely disconnected from wealth creation. I am keenly interested in alternative economic ideas with Henry George as my strongest influence. The key ideas proposed in the late 1800’s are just as important today as then. We need to shift taxation away from productive work and onto monopoly power, particularly natural resources privileges. Obviously George’s concept needs to map to current circumstances to include the electromagnetic spectrum, pollution, fishing, minerals, and ground water. Many modern economist also endorse these ideas.
- Sustainability – We are at over 400 ppm CO2 and rising. The long-term pre-industrial level was ~250 ppm. So we are at 60% over the historic level of CO2, which is the principal heat-trapping gas in the atmosphere. The earth is warming catastrophically with the melting ice and warming oceans providing us a temporary buffer before we par-boil our planet. The window of time for us to act is narrow. We need incentives and investment in new technologies now. Extreme and unnatural distribution of wealth is also not sustainable. A permanent state of war is not sustainable.
- Language – Democrats have been losing control of the language of political economy. You will not find me talking inside of Republican frames. Tax shifting is not tax cutting. Removing taxes from monopoly power is just privatizing the power to tax. Unearned income needs to be restored to the economic discussion. Science is not a matter of casual opinion. Usurping people’s autonomy over their own bodies is just tyranny, no matter how it is justified. Second amendment rights must be balanced with responsibilities just like all other constitutional rights. War is not peace. Obstruction of justice is not some technical “gotcha” crime.
Democratic Primary is March 6th. There are several other Democrats in the race, which is an indicator of Democratic energy, but also a statement of how winnable this race is now seen to be. My economic plan is the main difference between me and the other Dems. The Republican incumbent is Michael McCaul, who is the richest man in congress. He votes in lock step with the R machine and fancies himself as a homeland security expert. (That’s kind of funny on several accounts.) I appreciate any donation you provide. My site also has a blog section where you can participate.
Peace,
Matt