We are visiting family here in the Houston area. We have two grandchildren graduating from high school; one ceremony was last night at The Woodlands Pavilion by thousands. By that time, everyone was aware of the killing of 19 elementary children in Uvalde, Texas. Even though we lived here for almost 25 years, I continue to find it a state that doesn’t do much more than toot its horn as to how big and great they are. How, once again, they are saying, “our thoughts and prays are with those killed.”
“Alas, poor country!
Almost afraid to know itself. It cannot
Be called our mother, but our grave, where nothing,
But who knows nothing, is once seen to smile;
Where sighs and groans and shrieks that rend the air
Are made, not marked; where violent sorrow seems
A modern ecstasy.”
Screw You; I’m From Texas
They call him Smokey Joe
The big polluter’s go-to man
A notorious Big Oil yell leader
Long before “Drill Baby Drill”
Pockets lined with cash
Joe turns our air to ash
Long a guardian of Big Oil
Giving generous tax breaks
Killing the offshore moratorium
Unwilling to compromise
Now Smokey Joe wants it all
Three miles to 200 miles out
Desiring more for his benefactors
Joe covets the Gulf and the Artic
Fancying himself as a prophet of capitalism
Leaving no choice, “There Will Be Blood.”
All in the name of greed and profit
Screw you; I’m from Texas
— kenne
(“Smokey Joe,” Congressman Joe Barton, 6th District, Texas)
Becoming is Superior to Being 
I am very surprised to see your view of Texas in this manner. Texas has always been a State of Mind in that family always comes first with neighbors helping neighbors. We Texans have a big hand out to help those in need. We believe in the power of prayer, respect our veterans, honor our Flags for our country and state. Have fun with your family in Texas. You are always welcome to come say HOWDY. Have a Blessed week!
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Thanks for the comment, Ron.
I know there are many very good people living in Texas, and we have a lot of good friends here.
Now that we have been living outside of Texas for 12 years, one sees the bubble Texas has created for itself.
But, Texas is not the only one. California, New York, or any geographical area sees itself as a better place than others.
Here’s a New York Times article that comes to Texas’s defense: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/25/technology/texas-shooting-misinformation.html?action=click&pgtype=Article&module=&state=default®ion=footer&context=breakout_link_back_to
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Unfortunately and deeply saddening, it’s not only Texas.
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