Today is the 165th anniversary of Texas Statehood. Texas became a state on December 29, 1845.
(Above--Texas State Capitol. As you see, the U.S. Flag flies above the Texas State Flag. Photo by Daniel Mayer.)
Here are some basic facts about Texas from the excellent Texas Almanac.
While our Governor, Rick Perry, has engaged in seditious talk about Texas leaving our federal union, Texas is one of the 50 states of the United States of America.
In aggressively promoting a so-called states rights agenda, the Governor shows a historical fondness for the Southern lost cause of slavery and for the Apartheid like brutality of Jim Crow.
Loyal Texans see no conflict between seeing what is best about the many contributions Texas has made to our nation, and, at the same time, being part of our great nation.
(The San Jacinto Battlefield Monument and the USS Texas battleship in LaPorte, Texas. LaPorte is just outside of Houston. Texas independence was won in 1836 at San Jacinto. The monument and the battleship are well worth a visit. Photo byLouis Vest.)
There are many fine resources to learn about Texas.
Lone Star Nation--The Epic Story of the Battle for Texas Independence by H.W. Brands will tell you all you need to know about how Texans won independence from Mexico.
Texas: A Modern History by David McComb is short and readable history of Texas history all the way up to the current century.
The Texas Almanac is simply one of the best reference books I own on any topic. The Almanac is published by the Texas State Historical Society.
The Handbook of Texas Online is very comprehensive on many aspects of Texas both past and present. The Handbook is also published by the TSHS.
I'm certain there are many additional quality resources about our state.
Congratulations to all Texans for being lucky enough to live in a state that is justifiably famous all around the world, and that is also a proud part of our union.
(Below---The President of the United States of America.)
carguy-I did reply to your query later in the same thread. Yeah, I know who you are.
Regarding #7, from Wiki:
"... He (Sam Houston) also struggled to avoid war with Mexico, whose forces invaded twice during 1842. In response to the Regulator-Moderator War of 1844, he sent in Republic militia to put down the warfare."
I thought Garner was governor. But, with Wiki, I know better now.
"Cactus" Jack was a favorite of my dad. He liked his "candor".
Dude. Where have you been?
You never answered my question. Do you know who I am? Hint, we went to school together.
Exellent job on the quiz. Kinda surprised you got #5 Garner. #6 is Preston Smith. He went to the UH to give a speech (I was there) and the students shouted "Free Lee Otis". Smith, not always on "top" of things in Austin, thought they were saying "frijoles".
#7 Stephen F Austin.
doug: I am so sorry. I have noticed your absence. Hope you'll come back. If nothing else, we NOW have even MORE politiccians to gripe about and make fun of.
I'm here, carguy. Just not being very vocal, I guess. Please don't take your act elsewhere!
carguy, I'll bite.
1. Texas Independence day-March 2.
2. Declaration of Independence signed-Washington on the Brazos.
3. Located in Washington Co., northwest of Houston.
4. Commandant of the Alamo-trick question. Bowie and Travis were co-commandants. Bowie got sick and Travis became the sole commandant in Bowie's absence.
5. John Nance Garner, FDR's first VP. Bonus points-what office did he hold prior to his nomination as VP?
6. Texas gov who left UH in disgust?-no idea, but I suspect it might have something to do with Sissy Farenthold which would make that governor Dolph Briscoe.
7. Texan who tried to avoid war with Mexico? One could argue Sam Houston in his first term as president of Texas.
Texas has one redeeming quality...they taught me the definition of sesquicentennial...so there!
What about me Carguy? I've got to be #3 in number of comments over the last 3 months. I agree I've been slacking lately, but...I'm still worthy of mention.
Truthfully though I've changed. The Obama cave on the tax deal was the last straw for me. I no longer even find it interesting to distinguish between Republicans and Democrats.
So..all the Republican bashing is getting kind of old to me. They are one party. I think most on here don't see it that way.
I'm probably on my way out of here soon, and focusing solely on Climate Change, which both parties are neglecting at our peril. As I've said many many times, I know this issue better than any other, and can say with extreme confidence that we are not focusing on it to the degree we should. Future generations to the extent that they will still exist, will look back at us, and with utter contempt, as well they should.
Hey Carguy I'm here too. I think I'm more of a recurring character than a regular, though. Kinda like Harry Stone was on Cheers before the Night Court days.
I don't like the term "states rights" either, because that's really not what they are. States don't have rights, people do. What state governments have are the powers granted to them by the 10th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
Should be "IMPROVE".
Where is everybody???????
If the "attendance" and "participation" here doesn't approve, I'm taking my act elsewhere.:-)
Neil, it's NOT you. You're doing a good job. "Voice" only got 3 posts t'other day. Sometimes I think it's you, me, des, loma, and aH. And that's IT.
I don't think we (Texans)are going to leave the "union". Everybody knows that. Now, break up into 5 states to increase our legislative power in the senate. That's a good idea.
For you bored this rainy afternoon, try this...
What day is Texas Independence celebrated?
Where was the "Declaration of Texas Independence" signed?
Where the hell is that?
Bowie, Travis and Crockett were all Colonels in the Texas Army. Who was the "commandant" at the Alamo and why?
What colorful Texas politician was quoted as saying, "The office of vice-president isn't worth a warm buicket of spit."
What Texas governor left the UH campus in "disgust" because he thought the students were yelling "beans" at him in Spanish?
What famous Texan tried to avoid a war with Mexico because, well, we were really "stealing" the country from the Mexicans after we agreed not to, in writing. (Not notarized, however)
Neil - I'm starting to worry about you a bit... Baiting the righties in the course of a history lesson just makes me doubt that you have any diplomatic prowess at all, and I fear that all you will accomplish is further polarization on issues.
A very uncomfortable read - especially for moderate crowds.