I’ve lived in Texas longer than I’ve ever lived anywhere, but I don’t belong. Why? Let me count the reasons.

Red State

While wonderful Governor Ann Richards was at the helm when I arrived here in 1994, GOP governors have been in charge since. And while my county has turned blue for the most part, my U.S. Representative is a Democrat and so is most of state government.

I Could Live With That

But that aside, I am so tired, absolutely tired, of the snooty attitude of boastful Texans that everything here is bigger and better. We all know it isn’t. And we really got our butts kicked during the recent wintry blast when many were left without power and water for days. In fact, some still don’t have water.

Why Did That Happen?

Of course, this happened because TEXAS wanted to be big and mean and independent of other states. It developed ERCOT, a quasi-governmental agency in charge of the independent power grid for Texas only. It wasn’t winterized and wasn’t prepared for the cold blast. People lost their lives as a result, and homeowners suffered damage from burst pipes.

And Now?

While hundreds of people nationwide are still dying daily from COVID, the governor, Greg Abbott, has decided to lift the mask restriction and “open up” Texas! Won’t that be attractive to college students looking to flock to Texas beaches for Spring Break over the next few weeks!

Rick Perry’s Quest for Independence

When Rick Perry, not the brightest bulb in the room, was Texas governor, he suggested Texas secede from the Union. Why not? He reasoned the state had all it needed without resources from the other 49 states. His idea didn’t go very far. But when the power outages were occurring during the recent freeze, he suggested being cold for awhile was worth it–just to keep us independent of other states.

Secretary of Agency He Couldn’t Remember

It’s worth noting that Perry served as Energy Secretary under Donald Trump. That was the same agency Perry proposed eliminating when he was running for president. (He also wanted to can Education and Commerce.) However, during a debate he could not remember Energy as the agency he wanted to eliminate! Good choice, Mr. Trump.

Don’t Get Me Wrong

There are, however, many nice things about Texas. Its high education system is strong, the people are kind and generous. And, by and large, Texas has been a good place to raise my daughter, now 30.

But Please

I just wish this independence thing could be muzzled a bit. People, institutions and, yes, power resources, are good in other states. And reopening the state just now without masks is just stupid.