I've fought the far-right in Texas for decades—here's what you need to know

People write off states like Texas as dyed-in-the-wool Republican strongholds, but it wasn't always that way. Legendary author, organizer, commentator, and former State Agricultural Commissioner Jim Hightower is living proof that there is a strong progressive tradition in Texas that stretches back to the 19th century. Hightower has fought the far right for decades, but he has also seen how Democrats have abandoned grassroots organizing and how the Democratic Party has been hijacked by corporate money and self-serving elites. In this special episode of The Marc Steiner Show, recorded at Hightower's home in Austin, Texas, we talk to Hightower about House Bill 2127 (aka "The Death Star Bill"), how corporate power and far-right nuts took over Texas politics, and how to rebuild the progressive movement in the Lone Star State.<br /><br />Additional links:<br />Jim Hightower's website: <a href="https://jimhightower.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://jimhightower.com/</a><br />The Hightower Lowdown Substack: <a href="https://jimhightower.substack.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://jimhightower.substack.com/</a><br /><br />Pre-Production: Kayla Rivara, Maximillian Alvarez, Marc Steiner, David Griscom, Alexander Koffler <br />Studio Production: Alexander Koffler<br />Post-Production: David Hebden<br /><br /><b>Help us continue producing The Marc Steiner Show by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer:</b><br /><br />Donate: <a href="https://therealnews.com/donate-pod-mss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://therealnews.com/donate-pod-mss</a><br />Sign up for our newsletter: <a href="https://therealnews.com/nl-pod-st" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://therealnews.com/nl-pod-st</a><br />Like us on Facebook: <a href="https://facebook.com/therealnews" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://facebook.com/therealdews</a><br />Follow us on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/therealnews" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://twit