Not Backing Down

Eric Holder is ready to fight: Jokes about DC, vows to battle Texas voter law infiery NAACP speech

After "airplane delays" forced him to cancel his Monday appearance, AttorneyGeneral Eric Holder brought an energized speech for delegates at the 2012 NAACPnational conference.
Photo by Tyler Rudick
At the center of his talk was the issue of voting rights, the theme of thisyear's conference.
Photo by Tyler Rudick
Holder offered considerable time to Texas' voter ID law, which is under reviewby the Justice Department.
Photo by Tyler Rudick
The attorney general was in full election mode, touting the many achievements ofthe Justice Department since 2008 and offering greetings from Barrack Obamahimself.
Photo by Tyler Rudick

After having to reschedule his talk at the NAACP national conference, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder rolled into the George R. Brown Tuesday with a soaring speech concentrating on voting rights — the central theme of this year's convention and a timely topic as Holder's office reviews Texas' photo ID requirement for elections.

While he may not appear on November ballots, like the anticipated upcoming NAACP power speakers Mitt Romney and Joe Biden, the attorney general was in full election mode, touting the many achievements of the Justice Department since 2008 and offering greetings from Barack Obama himself.

"Listen to this," Holder said about the ID requirement for Texas voters . "Under the proposed law, concealed handgun licenses would be acceptable forms of photo ID, but student IDs would not."

Looming over the speech, of course, was Holder's recent charge of contempt in the partisan-fueled congressional investigation into Operation Fast and Furious. The attorney general cleared the air right from the start, however, joking about how nice it was to be out of DC before launching into a range of issues currently facing the NAACP.

The nationwide legislative trend to restrict voting rights was at the top of his list.

"As many of you know, yesterday was the first day in the trial of a case Texas filed against the Justice Department under the Voting Rights Act seeking approval of its voter ID law," Holder said. "After close review, the department found that this law would be harmful to minority voters, and we rejected its implementation.

"Listen to this: Under the proposed law, concealed handgun licenses would be acceptable forms of photo ID, but student IDs would not. Many of those without IDs would have to travel great distances to get them, and some would struggle to pay for the documents they might need to obtain them. We call those poll taxes.

"In our efforts to protect voting right and prevent voting fraud, we will be vigilant. But let me be very clear. We will not allow political pretext to disenfranchise American citizens of their most precious rights."

And Holder wasn't finished with laying down his opposition to the Texas law.

"I don't know will happen as this case moves forward, but I can assure you that this Justice Department's efforts to uphold and enforce voting rights will remain aggressive" he said. "The arc of American history has always moved toward expanding the electorate. It is what has made this nation exceptional.

"We will simply not allow this era to be the beginning of the reversal of that historic progress. I will not allow that to happen."

Presumed Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and Vice President Joe Biden speak at the convention Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Click for details on the NAACP's 103rd national conference, which continues through Thursday at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

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sustainability news

Airbnb pledges over $1 million to improve Houston before World Cup

Jerry Davis, Julian Ramirez, Laura Spanjian, Chris Canetti, and DaMarcus Beasley at the Airbnb press conference Tuesday., December 2, 2025.

Photo courtesy of Airbnb

From left to right, Jerry Davis, Julian Ramirez, Laura Spanjian, Chris Canetti, and DaMarcus Beasley at the Airbnb press conference Tuesday.

According to a Deloitte study commissioned by short-term rental company Airbnb, roughly 30,000 people are expected to stay in Airbnb properties during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With that in mind, the company has pledged over $1 million to various improvement projects in Houston as part of their Host City Impact Program.

“Hosting a global event like the FIFA World Cup in Houston is a generational opportunity for our city," said Chris Canetti, president, FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee at a press conference on Tuesday, December 2. "It’s so much more than a game — it’s about honoring our city and the people that make it great. In Houston, we’re proud to be working together with Airbnb to ensure these benefits are felt far beyond the games, investing in projects that will leave our city better off for generations to come.”

The $5 million Host City Impact Program is a partnership between Airbnb and FIFA to foster community spaces in places that host events like the World Cup. In Houston, their contribution will go toward two major projects.

First, the Green Corridor, an ambitious 14-mile sustainable transit loop that will connect the FIFA Fan Festival in East Downtown (EaDo) and NRG Stadium where the game will be held, as well as meandering through various neighborhoods. Not to be confused with the Green Loop project, this pedestrian path will feature interactive maps, water refilling stations, and shaded walkways that will hopefully reduce traffic congestion around the World Cup by promoting walking spaces.

The second project is Grow the Game, an initiative to renovate soccer fields and increase access to play across the city, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. It will also fund youth tournaments and clinics.

"Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 is a historic milestone for Houston, and as leaders from the private and public sectors, we have a unique opportunity to partner and ensure its benefits reach every corner of our city," added Houston City Councilmember At-Large Julian Ramirez. "Projects like the Green Corridor will make Houston more accessible and inviting, connecting neighborhoods and expanding green spaces for all. At the same time, initiatives like Grow the Game will give local kids the chance to get on the field, build skills, and be part of something special. With Airbnb’s investment, we can create a legacy that makes Houston more desirable, equitable, and vibrant for all.”

As the World Cup nears, the Greater Houston Area is undergoing several different transformations. In addition to the Green Corridor, Sugar Land opened a Social District last month to make it easier for visitors to party in the city's Town Square district.

world cup transportation sustainability parks