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The Nation's Pulse
Texas Just Got Bigger
Four new congressional seats, in a Republican census year.
OK, OK, enough with dancing on the bar, shooting pistols in the air, and whatever else Texans are legendarily credited with doing when they celebrate. News of the state’s projected gain in congressional representation affords opportunities for useful, not to mention sober, analysis of what makes a state really work.
We’re gittin’ them four new seats, boys, due in large measure to a engrained habit of welcoming capital, capitalists, and various other proponents of growth.
Population growth of 20.6 percent over the past decade has both a geographical and an economic basis. Proximity to Mexico has historically made Texas a major destination for Mexican immigrants. These immigrants come — the economic angle emerges here — because jobs in Texas are relatively plentiful. Their plentitude draws more than just Mexicans. As the Dallas Morning News’ Jim Landers points out, a yearly average of 80,000 Californians moved to Texas between 2006 and 2008. Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana likewise contributed to the influx, Landers says.
Abundant resources — land, petroleum, and so on — create their own blessings; but a collateral blessing to Texas, in terms of creating attractions for population growth, is the state’s taste for relatively small, relatively non-oppressive government. Save for the opposite disposition in states like New York and California, Texas, with its hot summers and taste for the un-chic, might not stand out so favorably among the other states. Stand out it does. Texas doesn’t even have a personal income tax. It accords to business such latitude as comports with observance of mainstream legalities. The state legislature meets just five months out of every 24. The state’s almost uniformly liberal newspapers rag on business a bit, but few enough others do. It’s a good place, Texas is, to make a living.
During the recession, housing values fell less than those in other states, and unemployment never reached 9 percent. Advantages of this sort get noised abroad, and newcomers start showing up. It is what Lenin called voting with your feet — taking yourself and your family where you expect your discrete needs to be met.
For similar reasons, other states set to gain seats — Florida, especially, which is set for a two-seat pickup — are viewed as hospitable to growth. It’s hard, perhaps, to see people flocking to a state represented by Harry Reid, but Nevada — with the largest population gains of the decade in percentage terms — helps prove again the relative insignificance of people who make their living running for office.
Back to Texas. The additional four congressional seats the state will receive thanks to recent census gains will increase its congressional leverage, thus aiding the general impulse to rein in government growth. Wherever the seats are sited, at least two of the new congressmen will be Republicans — which is to say, because this is Texas, conservative Republicans.
This leaves one more thing to say about the next decade, politically speaking. It is that conservatives, in Texas and elsewhere, must work with great deliberation toward the incorporation in their midst of the working, striving, praying Hispanic. Of which type there are many exemplars. Life in Texas suggests as much. In November, several South Texas Hispanic Republicans won election to county posts and even the Legislature. Just days ago, a South Texas Hispanic legislator switched from the Democratic to the Republican party, where he professed to feel more at home.
The notion of the Democratic Party as the logical home for Hispanics was a theme Harry Reid voiced during his reelection campaign, and for which he was rightly ridiculed. Reid will prove correct only insofar as Republicans fail to recognize the important question of illegal immigration must be sorted out intelligently, without shows of contempt and dislike for people who are going to be living among us a long time.
A majority of Hispanics may not soon turn Republican, but the goal of absorbing a third or 40 percent or even more is well within Republicans’ reach. Population is, among other things, destiny. If we’re going to celebrate populational growth we have to note all its consequences.
Throwing Stetsons in the air to mark prospective Republican gains is just one of the many and varied activities that presently seem indicated.
About the Author
William Murchison, a Dallas-based columnist for Creators Syndicate and author of Mortal Follies: Episcopalians and the Crisis of Mainline Christianity (Encounter Books), is completing a biography of John Dickinson..
Letter to the Editor View all comments (111) | Leave a comment
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Mark Long| 12.22.10 @ 6:58AM
You should also mention that the new Congress includes two new hispanic members of the GOP: Bill Flores from the Brazos Valley (he goes to my church) and Quico Conseco of the Rio Grande Valley--both solid conservatives.
As for immigration, there is little doubt that serious reform is needed but this must not include amnesty. I know many Americans, including many hispanics here in Texas, who oppose the idea. There are many sound ways to deal with this issue without rewarding criminal behavior and thus encouraging another flood of illegal immigrants as the last amnesty did. In short, amnesty may be beneficial for the Democrats but it is harmful to the nation politically, economically, and otherwise.
Eric| 12.22.10 @ 6:16PM
why does everyone say it must not include amnesty. amnesty in and of itself will NOT cause a huge wave of immigrants through the border. Economic opportunity does. If the border is protected, and an amnesty plan that deals with those here is fair, but balanced (ie, pay a fine, stand in line, but not required to go back first), is the best way to deal with it.
Deporting millions of people is not reasonable - or even logical - it will cripple the judicial system. Remember that people have to go through proceedings before they can be deported.
I'm a Republican, but I think this is one of the issues that I believe my party is wrong on (the Democrats don't have it right either).
Next time you leave your house, take a look around -- how many people providing services to your home, your workplace, or the places you shop -- how many do you actually think are illegal? It's a lot more than you think. We'll cripple not only businesses and the judicial system, but our entire economy as a result. We need to do this in a measured way, instead of knee jerk reaction.
Lastly, how many of us as American citizens can claim that if our families tried to enter the country today, would we be able to legally? the quota system set up is completely unfair, and does not look at the individual contributions a potential immigrant can make.
Steve| 12.22.10 @ 11:10PM
What you speak of can only happen after the border is secured. For to long we have heard how we have to have COMPREHENSIVE immigration policy, but security takes a back seat. I know as i live in AZ. Enforce the current laws then we will see about how to deal with the illegals, who want to be Americans and not Mexican-Americans, no hyphens please.
Harley| 12.23.10 @ 11:23AM
WHY do people (like you for instance) have a struggle with the word ILLEGAL?
JO| 12.23.10 @ 11:51AM
I am against amnesty. I do not necessarily want to deport ALL the illegals, but we do not have give them amnesty. Good grief most do not want to become citizens. They are loyal to their country, they just want to work. I work now and have worked with Mexicans for 50 years. I was born and raised in mostly Mexican New Mexico. We need a good, reasonable work program, i.e. green card program. The one we have is unwieldy, and extremely bureaucratic. It takes months or years to get a card to work here, which is why they come ilegally, and getting a wife here is even harder. Please quit using that worn out 'if our ancesters-' It is the same people who constantly say 'times change' We cannot just let the world walk in because I, for one, cannot afford it!
PJ| 12.22.10 @ 7:44AM
"80,000 Californians moved to Texas between 2006 and 2008. Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana likewise contributed to the influx..."
Blue states (except Indiana) are contributing to Texas' population growth along w/ Mexican immigrants who are in lock step w/the progressives.
Be very careful Texas! You may be bright red now, but all the cards are stacked for you turning deep blue.
Dan Hirsch| 12.22.10 @ 9:00AM
PJ's warning should not be waved off too glibly. Progressives are patient, long-term oriented thinkers who work incrementally. Don't think for a minute that Michigan, California, Illinois, New York can't happen here in the GSoT... Take a good look at Houston. And taking comfort that all the progressives are hunkered down together in Austin (THE BLOODY STATE CAPITAL!) is sort of like a commander's responding to the news: "We're surrounded!" with "Good, now we got 'em right where we want them!"
When rats leave a sinking ship, it's to go infest something else...
Honest engine!
fred gill| 12.22.10 @ 1:55PM
Oh, here we go again with liberals being "patient, incremental thinkers". Shouldn't you also have mentioned "complex and nuanced"? It all conjures up visions of beard-stroking, angst-ridden, New York Times -savoring intellectuals, wallowing in their exquisite social consciences and pondering their favorite ultimate "incremental" question: "How can we expiate our own collective guilt by making someone else pay for it?"
I grew up in the South and currently live in San Francisco. I have spent a lot of time in Houston and Austin and yes, they have their very cool blue areas. But "hunkered down" is indeed an accurate description of the political position of Texas liberals as a whole. The point is not that Liberalism has been banished from Texas and the South, but rather that it has not been allowed to run amok. Hence it's potential for making genuinely helpful contributions remains intact.
B. samuel davis| 12.22.10 @ 2:26PM
He is right - but in my Texas town, we talk to the newly arrived and explain that what they like about us - low taxes and the rest, is as a result of conservative Republican policies. If they are not looking to bring with them the problems they are trying to escape from, then we suggest that they vote for those who will keep government off our backs. Other Texans needs to do the same - and explain to these newcomers why they moved to Texas in the first place. What we have been lately suggesting is that some of our Texas billionaires should get in the media business and suggest a change in editorial policies. All in the name of diversity, you know, Texas style.
Eric Cartman| 12.22.10 @ 9:15AM
You can add four more returning (conservative) Texans this coming year! Yee haw!
Sean| 12.22.10 @ 9:57AM
Bright Red? Have you seen who Texas's Senators are? Two RINOS.
Mike Rogers| 12.23.10 @ 2:19PM
But for how long?
John Cornyn is the single biggest reason that NRSC (National RINO Support Council) donations have dried up.
TEA party on, dudes.
Jim| 12.22.10 @ 10:01AM
We're generally picking up the conservative, family-oriented, hard-working inbound population who are not concerned with welfare checks and government unions and who are sick of paying blue state taxes. The more, the better. Texas is getting redder, not bluer.
chk2595| 12.22.10 @ 10:58AM
They come to Texas becasue they like it and then before long they want to change it so it is like the place they left. Rather like the bird who fouls its nest and goes else where to do it again.
JLS| 12.22.10 @ 11:39AM
Not so fast, PJ. Those abandoning California, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Indiana are attracted to the Texas because of what William Murchison aptly describes in his article. Progressives still remain in this abandoned states. Conservatives are moving to Texas.
PJ| 12.22.10 @ 11:53AM
I would agree w/you but look at the NE. Except for small pockets of democrats, both CT & VT use to be relatively conservative states. Then liberal NYers migrated to those states for the "fresh air" of the country & less taxes. Think Howard Dean & Dick Blumenthal----both come from NY.
Now the situation has reversed --small pockets of conservatives in both states. I don't see any chance of this situation to change in the near future. (McMahon! Is that who the GOP can come up with?)
Geoff| 12.22.10 @ 1:36PM
You mean fewer taxes, resulting from less taxation. VT was taken hostage by liberals whilst the Libertarians (not conservatives) slept.
Nik K| 12.22.10 @ 11:59AM
Are you kidding? You know the people leaving the rust belt states for Texas may be coming from Blue States but that does not mean they are Democrats. The whole reason they're leaving to begin with is because they WANT to be in a state like Texas. Why move to escape Illinois if you were gonna turn Texas into the same piece of crap as you came from? You do know that there are people who vote Republican in Blue States, right? Honestly...
Richard| 12.22.10 @ 12:08PM
Leftists hate, just hate, normal middle Americans and will not volunterily live with them. If they move to Texas it will be in some Leftist enclave like parts of Austin or Houston.
Ken (Old Texican)| 12.22.10 @ 8:01AM
PJ,
Not a chance, bud.
Over and over and over again, we Texans hear the same refrain: "Man, you guys have really heavy road traffic.......but it is creepy at first...nobody honks...exept maybe to warn you that your tire is going flat."
or
" Man, everywhere I go, Texas people make me feel welcome.....well the ones that speak with gravel in their mouths." (Native Texans)
or
"Man, I got a capital gains problem. I bought all the house we can use in a nice neighborhood, for a quarter of the cost of my similar house in XYZ land."
etc etc etc.
Yeah, we have our "issues" here too, but there is a sense of freedom and fellowship still, and people get used to it ...real fast.
Y'all come, and welcome.
PJ| 12.22.10 @ 8:08AM
Yeah, Yeah. That's what they said about CA years ago. And WA, CO, CT & NJ too. & the list goes on.
Just be careful, that's all I'm saying.
davelnaf| 12.22.10 @ 8:42AM
We have a sanctuary for liberals here; it’s called Austin. They stay largely contented there…and weird.
Ken (Old Texican)| 12.22.10 @ 8:52AM
davelnaf,
Heh, good one. I needed a smile this morning.
Redstateboy| 12.22.10 @ 9:08AM
It's Got to be True... Liber-ulism is a mental disorder.. or more may be more like Locusts.. they move in to an area, consume all that there's worth consuming, leave the area devistated and then move on to devistate another area.. completely unaware or unconcerned that it's their behavior that ruins everything.
philosopher| 12.22.10 @ 12:00PM
It's like the aliens in Independence Day! They move from planet to planet sucking out the life each time. But they can be stopped (you need to be able to bring down their shields by attacking the mother ship)... OK, this analogy is getting away from me. The mother ship would be... Washington?
PJ| 12.22.10 @ 12:10PM
I love it! Excellent analogy!!
Redstateboy| 12.22.10 @ 5:12PM
anyone else notice the usual troll Liber-uls who visit TAS haven't come anywhere near this topic?? Now why is that?? Could it be the truth is too painful or too difficult for even the most fervent Obamabot to spin? Look at their Cities! their States!! They all failing! collapsing under the weight of their own Socialism.. there is hope for America.
Sharla| 12.23.10 @ 12:04AM
Trolls probably didn't read the article because "Texas" was in the headline and there was a strong hint of bragging ahead.
Luap Leiht| 12.22.10 @ 2:16PM
I believe the word you were looking for is "sanitarium," not "sanctuary."
Purple Lips| 12.22.10 @ 11:28AM
Vermont not too long ago (85 years ago) was one of the most conservative states in the Union. It was known for being filled with flinty, independent, very religious Yankees who despised liberals, Marxists, and Communists. Vermont gave this nation of one its greatest conservative Presidents - Silent Calvin Coolidge.
But, it didn't take long for liberals to change all of that. First came the Euro-anarchists; followed by bearded hippies, yippes, and eco-freaks. By 1975, it was all downhill. Today, Vermont is to the Left of Russia.
It can happen in Texas too.
PJ| 12.22.10 @ 12:05PM
To get more specific, this is how VT changed.
The VT govn't advertised, to the nearby cities such as NYC where I come from originally, how beautiful & clean & rustic VT is. Come visit us. Well they did & never left.
It was the same thing for CT too. The downhill occurred faster for CT when companies headquartered in NYC realized that Fairfield County, CT is not so far away.
Good luck Texas! And I sincerely mean it!
Luap Leiht| 12.22.10 @ 2:19PM
Vermont has 625,741 people in the 2010 census. Texas has 25,145,581.
It is going to take a huge migration of liberals moving to a state they despise to change the balance of power in Texas.
Apples and Oranges.
B. samuel Davis| 12.22.10 @ 2:31PM
Yeah, but Vermont has the same number of Senators as Texas - two. Lately I've wondered if some of chatter I hear about going it alone - now supported by 28% of Texans, might not be a bad idea. Then let the rest of the country follow - except for the true blue states which can join the third world for all I care - they made their bed, let them sleep in it.
Luap Leiht| 12.22.10 @ 2:55PM
In 2008, John Cornyn won re-election 55%-43%.
Losing our Senators to the Democrats is the least of my concerns due to the large rural population in Texas that votes overwhelming Republican.
Ken (Old Texican)| 12.22.10 @ 12:10PM
Purple Lips,
HELL NO! THEY HONK...AND WILL GET BLOWN AWAY...(grin).
We are ALL armed to the teeth down here.
Willy Pete| 12.23.10 @ 12:00PM
Oh yeah, flash your gun and a Tx State Trooper or local Sheriff will arrest ya! Texas Gun laws are ludicrous, the only way you can carry is total concealment and if the gun outlines under your coat, Lord help yah, automatically you're a criminal. Once we're allowed again to open carry, which does prevent crime, then, we'll see crime rates lower. We usta have the right to bear arms openly, but a liberal democrats and RINO's in the State legislature stripped us of our Western heritage because we allow ourselves to be bought into the antigun activist lie. Sadly, the crime rate with this current latest lame duck liberal democrat and Rinos control Washington is the highest ever! So, Ken my Old Texican, I wouldn't be threaten... These liberals are moving in and they will ruin our Republic of Texas... Yep, the fault is our own and like having all these liberal nimrods reinvade Texas, we're going to be at fault again! Honestly, don't mind'em visiting a little while, have a good time, spend the money, help our economy, then head back to the blue States, or better yet, actually, please move to Socialist Europe...! Well, actually, Europe will become the next great Islamic Nation...
yamama| 12.22.10 @ 5:09PM
Also count how many jewish people you have. I would say, 99% of jews are very, very liberal. Have been forever and ever. Its a mystery to me, why. Even though conservative Christians support Israel 100%, jews always vote very left.
ExExZonie| 12.22.10 @ 8:49PM
A fellow at my church explained the Jewish "anomaly."
Orthodox Jews emphasize the Torah and thus are concerned with following the Law laid down by G-d to the Israelites. So they try to avoid sin, keep kosher, go to Temple, etc.
Reformed Jews however are more concerned with the books of the Prophets and the concept of social justice. They can be Buddhists or even atheists - their religion is often "good government," civil rights, etc.
It made sense to me.
Susanne (Dallas)| 12.22.10 @ 10:05PM
reply@yamama- after reading your comment, I want to let you know we have jewish business/churches here in Dallas, believed that they are strong conservative & republican... that is how Texas has become very conservative state in the history.... Democrat has done with Texas in past, we were careful with them because of Washington DC... that is why we want to prove which one is right... Rick Perry has proved right!
Redstateboy| 12.22.10 @ 8:31AM
This comment will stand the test of Liber-uls all day long. You'll hear some of the dumbest responses from Liber-uls trying to spin it but the point is this... if there is anything that demonstrates the abject failure of Liber-uls, Democrats, Communists, Socialists, Unionists (I don't see a difference) it's their own political philosophy is so bankrupt that it's causing them to leave their Liber-ul Utopias and head where?? Yes, the still free Red Conservative Republican States and they're all welcome.. all we ask is you leave your Liber-ul BS where you came from and if you don't like our Conservative Republican values and beliefs.. then feel free to go back to the Liber-ul Blue State you came from.. The old adage.. you made your bed - now lie in it - is perfectly applicable.
Mike W| 12.22.10 @ 8:57AM
Texas 2010 = 1980 California. The state has a blue future because of it's relentless draw for Mexicans.
I hate to be a pessimist but you can't fight demographics. Hispanics will be a predominantly Democrat group for as far as the eye can see.
Rocky| 12.22.10 @ 9:53AM
I say, send the liberals to Texas...we'll convert them. I moved to Houston in 79. It took me a few years but eventually I saw what other Texans see, something this article describes well. Oh, in79 Houston's population was growing at a rate of 2500 per day.
There are reasons why Texas is growing so fast, reasons even a liberal can finally figure out.
Oh, BTW, the Hispanic population in Texas is slowly becoming conservative as they melt into the business and religious cultures of the state. Just like everybody else who comes here...
Purple Lips| 12.22.10 @ 11:32AM
I wouldn't be so sure about that. Check out the CIA Factbook on demographics. Birth rates in Mexico, Central America, and South America are plunging. In Mexico the TFR in 1970 was 6.5 children per female. Today it is 2.6 and falling. Ditto for Central America. In less than a generation there wll simply be too few Hispanics to emigrate here.
Writer Jonathan Last wrote in October that those Hispanics who do emigrate here, thier birth-rates fall immediatly. For Hispanics here, the Total Fertility Rate is barely 2.3, and within a generation it falls to below 1.8 . The non-Hispanic TFR for the US is about 1.8 childre per female.
BackToBasics| 12.22.10 @ 7:37PM
I cannot cite facts on a quick notice but I can give my observations. Where I live, in the shopping centers many of the Hispanic women of chil-bearing age very often have 3 to 5 children who look to be all under 10 years old with them. Are they all theirs, I don't know. But I've often seen them pay with wic money or "welfare" cards for 1 and even 2 very full shopping carts of groceries. The schools are more than 50% Hispanic in many communities here including the center city of the metro where I live. And a recent news article said that more than half of the births last year in America were for the first time to non-whites and that the Hispanic population is growing much faster than the black population. It came out about 2 months ago.
Maybe the birth rate is dropping in Latin America but it does not seem to be dropping among Latinos here in America. I do not live in a border state with Mexico either.
Luap Leiht| 12.22.10 @ 2:29PM
In Texas, we have a weak social safety net. Most people who come to our state realize this and know hard work is the only path to success.
In California, they have a massive social safety net. Many people who go there realize this and suck heartily from the government teat.
Hispanics are exactly like any other ethnic group. Some work hard and some do not. The policies Texas puts in place ensure we get the best workers. California gets the best moochers.
I'm for attracting as many hard workers into Texas as we can.
Jim| 12.22.10 @ 6:52PM
We have in a way done Mexico a disservice by taking in the hardest-working, most ambitious 10% of its population. Everyone knows Mexicans in Texas work hard, often two or more jobs. So a whole generation of Mexico's best workers (if not necessarily the best educated) are now here.
Luap Leiht| 12.22.10 @ 7:29PM
This is balanced by California taking the top 10% of Mexico's moochers.
Relax...I don't mean that every illegal in California is a moocher. I do, however, mean that if you're a moocher, you are MUCH more likely to relocate to the Golden State than the Lone Star State.
SICKofYOU| 12.22.10 @ 10:02AM
"OK, OK, enough with dancing on the bar, shooting pistols in the air, and whatever else Texans are legendarily credited with doing when they celebrate"
"We're gittin' them four new seats, boys,"
Yeah, I'm sure you believe we all ride horses to work, wear boots and chew tobacco too.
Ass-clown!
Jim| 12.22.10 @ 10:17AM
I'm constantly surprised when people from east of the Hudson River come to Houston and they're expecting to see tumbleweeds in the streets and gun fights at the saloon. And also they think it's a short commute to Dallas or San Antonio.
KG| 12.22.10 @ 11:37AM
You do know Murchison is a Dallas guy, right?
JP| 12.22.10 @ 1:26PM
When I was stationed near Ft Worth many years ago I used to read Murchison all the time. I think the newspaper he wrote for went under. But I always thought he was one of the better reporters in the Dallas area.
LarryK| 12.22.10 @ 12:01PM
SICKofYOU,
You guys might not ride horses to work, wear boot, or chew tobacco, but you do fling dried bull Crap like frisbees. I've seen it. It's really messy if it rained the night before.
Luap Leiht| 12.22.10 @ 2:31PM
What in the hell are you talking about?
LarryK| 12.22.10 @ 3:41PM
Simple. Actual Bull $hit gets dried out when it sets on the Texas ground. At county fairs and such they have Bull Chip Flinging contests which rewards the person that throws their Bull Chip the farthest. If it rains the night before, they still have the Bull Chip throwin' contest, but as a spectator you want to wear some protection from "shrapnel" from the wet Chips.
Luap Leiht| 12.22.10 @ 5:22PM
I've been down here for over 20 years (including spending time in some quite rural areas) and cannot say I've ever witnessed the spectacle you describe. And yes, I've been to county fairs and rodeos.
I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but we must be traveling in quite different circles (no pun intended). :)
Luap Leiht| 12.22.10 @ 5:22PM
I've been down here for over 20 years (including spending time in some quite rural areas) and cannot say I've ever witnessed the spectacle you describe. And yes, I've been to county fairs and rodeos.
I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but we must be traveling in quite different circles (no pun intended). :)
Luap Leiht| 12.22.10 @ 2:32PM
I remember moving from Chicago to Houston in 1989 and being shocked that it wasn't like the set of the TV show Dallas.
This is the typical reaction, I believe, from those people who view Texas as "flyover country."
Mark | 12.22.10 @ 10:07AM
No so, Mike. Nueces Co. (Corpus) is majority Hispanic. But the GOP swept here, including beating the Ortiz machine.
Murchison is right: the GOP can win over Hispanics . . . and must do so.
JohnB| 12.22.10 @ 11:00AM
Good point, Mark! As a construction industry person, I am thankful for hard-working, God-fearing Mexican people who are also not afraid to be small business operators. They will be blue-dog Democrats at worst. The gangsta's we can do without.
Howard| 12.22.10 @ 10:09AM
One unfortunate consequence of the new census, is that New York's loss of 2 seats will be put on the GOP seats. With a Democratic legislature and Governor, the redistricting will not remove downstate liberals from office. Also, good news my state Massachusetts will lose a seat. Since all Massachusetts members are liberal, it will mean one less annoying Member of Congress.
Jim| 12.22.10 @ 10:14AM
By the way, you have to applaud the genius of the Constitution of 1876.
1. The Legislature meets every other year for 140 days and is paid $8000 a year. That means they have to have jobs and live under the laws they make, and they can't be a professional legislative class. The result is that lots of things don't get done, which on the whole is clearly an acceptable outcome compared to the alternative. Another way to put it is that in 140 days every other year they can't do too much damage.
2. Elections all around. We have lots and lots of elections in Texas because government is so divided. Judges, municipal utility districts, flood control districts, school boards, constables, sheriffs, county commissioners, etc., etc. Keeps them accountable and prevents anyone from amassing too much of a power base. I hate to think what the outcome of an appointed judiciary would be. For you non-Texans, the county is the relevant unit of government in most peoples' lives; Austin is far away and doesn't do much.
3. No state income tax. That puts a fiscal kibosh on any real growth in government spending and is one of the reasons for our relative prosperity. We know how to spend our money better than Austin does. Same for Washington, too, but we can't do much about that one.
Luap Leiht| 12.22.10 @ 2:35PM
4. It was 82 degrees in Houston yesterday.
Sallybe| 12.24.10 @ 3:32PM
This isn't paradise, esp. for liberals & illegals. There are much better places to go (California).
-100 - 115 degrees much of the summer.
-Water is scarce.
-Worst allergy state, esp. in Austin & Central TX.
-You never know who is packing a gun and/or a copy of the U.S. Constitution.
-Illegals are increasingly reported to INS.
-Your book club probably won't want to discuss the liberal love.
- Your neighbors will probably insist that you become educated in history and gov't.
-Everyone drives, and traffic is horrible.
There. Now stay home and pay those taxes to enjoy what you've got.
Kurt| 12.22.10 @ 10:29AM
I have been a resident of south Tejas for close to ten years after leaving the north east and find that personal freedom is valued much more here! Our state governmenent is not as intrusive as my former commie state. We have no personal state income tax and as long as you pay your sales tax you are left alone! You do not see an offensive police force that is looking for any way possible to harass you! We don't have police hiding in medians just waiting to jump on someone going five mph over the speed limit. There still is a great amount of talk of secession floating around and believe me you don't want TO MESS WITH TEJAS because most everyone has a sidearm and will use it if threatened! FREEDOM IS JUST ANOTHER WORD FOR NOTHIN LEFT TO LOSE, NOTHIN AIN"T NOTHIN IF IT AIN'T FREE!!! Janis Joplin...former Tejas resident! We do value are freedom here and WILL defend it, even if it means our death, so Washington DC beware of TEJAS!!!
the permanent newbie| 12.22.10 @ 10:58AM
Once I retire (from a job I have now which is just too irreplaceably good to lose), I'll probably be hanging up that "Gone to Texas" sign too, but in the meantime, PLEASE spare my sanity and stop attributing the lyrics of "Me and Bobbie McGee" to Janis! She may have given it its definitive interpretation, but Kris Kristofferson wrote the song, and deserves immortality for it, so give credit where it's due. Thank you. We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.
Kurt| 12.22.10 @ 12:05PM
newbie,
Kris is from Brownsville, Tejas(Teh-hos)
Donna| 12.22.10 @ 10:32AM
All I can say is YEEHAW!
Fabio| 12.22.10 @ 10:34AM
anchor babies and illegal immigration are the only reason for the population increase in texas, republicans need to act quickly to revoke birthright citizenship to tourists and illegal aliens.
raaustinf16| 12.22.10 @ 11:10AM
What you guys miss about the Hispanic population is that while it is true that in Texas they are traditional Democrats what you need to realize is that Hispanics in Texas are CONSERVATIVE Democrats. The New Democrat party is Liberal and does not appeal to everyday Texas Hispanics. That is why you will see Hispanics in Texas move to the Republican Party. Hispanics live their entire lives conservatively and with faith. Something the Liberal demoncrats avoid at all costs.
Richard Baker| 12.22.10 @ 11:17AM
Murchison:
Are you any relation to Clint Murchison, the Texas oil-man?
loulou| 12.22.10 @ 11:55AM
I have a feeling the illegal aliens dumped on us by Mexico, etc. are giving American Hispanics a bad name.
The only Hispanics I see are illegal alien parasites who drive drunk and have a taste for underage girls. They also take what ever is not nailed down, literally and figureatively. I'm beginning to think that the Hispanics who have been here legally and roots here are regular Americans who have the same wishes and goals that we all do. If so, some will be conservative and some will be lefties.
Verna Harvey | 12.22.10 @ 12:00PM
Texas just gained two more conservatives who have abandoned the Left Coast for the freedom and hospitality of The Lone Star State ... and what a welcome we have received , even in Austin!
hareynolds| 12.22.10 @ 12:16PM
Re: New Anglo Immigrants to Texas
I went to college in NH and lived in BOTH NH and VT. As the Bumper Sticker says, " Not Born In Texas, But Got Here As Soon As I Could". Both kids Thank Their Lucky Stars They're From Texas.
Texas differs from NH and VT in that (a) it's remote from the source of most Anglo immigrants (you ain't in NY or MA anymore, Dorothy), (b) it has its own distinct culture, and (c) we universally welcome ALL immigrants, with the sole requirements that you work your butt off (hopefully to get RICH so you can employ a bunch of folks) and keep your nose clean. If you don't (and I'm talking to you, Loosiana criminals) we have Texas Juries equipped with a plentiful supply of whupass.
Once our immigrants taste real laissez-faire economics, buy a pickup truck, and get a Carry Permit, the Left ain't NEVER gettin' 'em back.
Hey, Old Texican: Is that YOU, Bean?
Ken (Old Texican)| 12.22.10 @ 12:27PM
Harry,
No, but I am his best friend. Please don't out him.
Contact him at sales@texassaidno.com
He really doesn't need terrorists on his front porch.
Sid Vicious| 12.22.10 @ 5:37PM
" ... we have Texas Juries equipped with a plentiful supply of whupass."
Thanks for the LOL! Reminds me of the days back before Colorado got infected by Bacillus californiensis, the Pestilence of The Left Coast. The county had just opened a new justice center, and cops and their relatives put bumper stickers on their cars which read, "Arapahoe County: Safe Schools, Safe Streets... AND A REALLY BIG JAIL."
Ken (Old Texican)| 12.22.10 @ 12:22PM
Verna,
WELCOME!
Question: have you bought your very own shotgun yet?
I recommend a 4-10. Buy a pump-gun. It doesn't kick too hard and will put a communist,(pardon the shorthand), down with one shot.
Please keep in mind that across your living room... the pattern is only 3 inches wide.
Carry it in your car...then you will understand why Texas drivers are all so polite(grin).
Richard Baker| 12.22.10 @ 12:50PM
Ken:
Remember, Robert Heinlein, the science fiction writer, said that an armed society is a polite society. T for Texas!
Ken (Old Texican)| 12.22.10 @ 5:31PM
Richard,
I am cursed with an iedetic memory. Of course I remember Mr. H's remark...
Ah hah but what book?
"Time Enough For Love" ?
Sharla| 12.23.10 @ 12:19AM
Beyond the Horizon (1942)
(http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Robert_A._Heinlein)
Evan from Washington| 12.22.10 @ 1:13PM
I guess all those "anchor babies" and illegals aren't too bad after all.
Charles Martel| 12.22.10 @ 1:29PM
Ugh, so many stereotypes, so little time. Never mind. Let's just dismiss them all by saying that I can't remember the last time I even SAW a Stetson, and I've never worn one.
For the record, one of our new seats comes at the unusual -- indeed, truly rare -- expense of one of our fellow Southern states: so many Katrina refugees moved to Texas and stayed that Louisiana lost a seat this time. Oh well. (I said at the time that they were witches and should be burned, because no sooner had they started getting settled here than Rita came at us, so the government started moving Katrina refugees to Arkansas: I invite your attention to the track that Rita subsequently took when it skipped Houston and followed them north instead.)
I'd like to see our righteous and Republican-conquered legislature create four new GOP seats out of this boon, though I imagine that, the world not being perfect, it's possible, though deplorable, that one of them may end up having to be Democrat.
At least that'll be four more Electoral votes against the whiny little prick in '12.
+++
Spicy Joker| 12.22.10 @ 1:33PM
All four seats should go to CONSERVATIVE Republicans. No mercy for Democraps!
Pinky| 12.22.10 @ 1:44PM
Texas got bigger, thanks to illegal aliens that racist GOP wants to deport. Now GOP has a real historical dilemma to do good by rewarding the Hispanics with a part to citizenship or to continue their evil policies with deport all illegals mantra:
1. Deport aliens that has given you 4 House seats or
2. Give them their own congressional district.
or
3. Better yet, ask them to pay a fine and file taxes, in exchange for citizenship.
Our grandfathers came in here from EUROPE illegally and got blanket amnesty, so why not grant blanket amnesty to illegals of 2010? RACISM is in the heart of modern day GOP.
As historical users, abusers, shameless dishonorable and disgusting politicians you are, I know that GOP will stake the extra seats without even saying THANK YOU TO THE HISPANIC voters that made it possible.
GOP, you are nothing but a disgusting, disingenuous, despicable and dishonest bunch of haters?
Luap Leiht| 12.22.10 @ 2:40PM
The love in your heart is overwhelming.
Sid Vicious| 12.22.10 @ 5:42PM
"Blanket amnesty," Pinko? From what government, exactly?
Never mind. My dearly departed Dad always told me never to get into pissing contests with skunks.
skip| 12.22.10 @ 7:27PM
Pinko,
The GOP loves all that is right and good and true.
The GOP hates only unintelligence and dishonesty.
That is why you feel so much hostility.
sestamibi| 12.22.10 @ 1:45PM
I wish job static didn't force me to leave DFW after only 1 1/2 years, but while I was there in 1998-99 I did observe that the Texas GOP did a far better job of bringing Hispanics into the fold than California GOP did. All those smug liberal a-h's triumphantly crowing about "The Emerging Democratic Majority" of which Hispanics are a linchpin now have to deal with what raaustinf16 and Mark Long well described above.
jd| 12.22.10 @ 1:45PM
As a resident of Michigan, I will tell you that most people I know who have fled this hellhole of a state destroyed by liberals and unions, have been Democratic-voting people. Many of these people are former GM workers who have always voted Democratic. I hate to break this to people living in Texas but these new "voters" your state is taking will vote for ANY candidate with a D after their name. Personally, I think people who voted for Democrats or progressives whose policies have ruined their home states, should not be allowed to flee the shit they created. Maybe then they would think about the unintended consequences of repeatedly voting for the same losers.
Luap Leiht| 12.22.10 @ 2:49PM
I have no doubt that you are right as to who is leaving the blue states. If they are coming to Texas looking for a free ride, however, they will be in for a rude awakening.
My prediction is that these folks will either acclimate to their new neighbors or move back. I've seen it happen both ways and in the end it all works out.
Also, there are 25,145,581 of us, so it takes a LOT of hard core AFL-CIO workers to move down here and upset the balance.
DanaDee| 12.22.10 @ 10:13PM
AMEN, JD! I don't understand why people flee the misery created by the very party they voted for, only to continue voting for the same party in a new location. Are they so stupid as to not get the correlation? I am, indeed, very concerned about Texas becoming a blue state as the result of this trend!
Kathleen| 12.23.10 @ 10:09AM
Remember the definition of insanity, is, "Always doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results.
Sallybe| 12.24.10 @ 3:38PM
"Are they so stupid as to not get the correlation?"
Yes.
Stephen Hale| 12.23.10 @ 11:12AM
Hmmm...."D after their name." Well we can change the name of the Republican Party...Dreampublican Party...the Party of your Dreams...and I am hoping you are dreaming of a return to a Land of Liberty - Liberty being that subset of freedom to do that which is RIGHT, and for the Christian, "that which is right in the sight of God." Romans 13, contrary to some interpretations having folk submit to EVERY, even hell-bound, government, has in verse three this caveat..."for rulers ARE NOT A TERROR TO GOOD WORKS." This throws our current administrations out of being an authority ordained by God BECAUSE THEY ARE A TERROR TO GOOD WORKS.
Pat| 12.22.10 @ 3:34PM
Bravo for those good folks of Texas. Now would you Texans please invade California and annex us so we can finally enjoy “good government”. Like those long suffering Hungarians, everyone and his first cousin have invaded California but no one has been able to give us a functioning government. Texans, with their bred in the bone work ethic and strong appreciation for individual liberty, would make fine
conquerors – believe me, most folks here wouldn’t mind becoming Texas on the Pacific.
We’re more like an airport terminal than a state anyway; Californians arrive and depart meeting briefly as strangers and without that strong sense of pride in their common heritage which marks most Texans. A few more pickup trucks in Sacramento, some country-western bars and decent barbecue would be a welcome change from our Hollywood Democrats. So, gas up the truck, throw your rifle in the window rack and take us over – you’ve done a great job with your state and as you would say: “Y’all come by”.
Luap Leiht| 12.22.10 @ 3:44PM
I'd suggest we first try an easier rebuilding project. Hati, for instance.
Pat| 12.22.10 @ 4:48PM
L. L. , I think you meant Haiti but you’re probably right. Should the Texans conquer California it would be 3 years before the majority of Californians notice the change. As most other Americans are aware by now, we don’t pay close attention to our state government. That’s because we’re the poster child for multiculturalism and diversity – however, we don’t thoroughly hate each other like the citizens of New York or Michigan after decades of Democratic Party control – we simply ignore each other for the most part.
It’s surprising that Canada or Lichtenstein hasn’t invaded us by now, we have many valuable natural resources and we’re a pretty docile populace, easy to rule and even easier to tax. And obviously we’re not too picky about who does rule us given the long term success of Pelosi, Boxer or Jerry Brown.
We can’t claim to deserve good government given our voting record, but our conquerors would enjoy free year round tickets to the original Disneyland and Sea World, not to mention a healthy discount on the ridiculous tolls to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. So, before the three and a half warships of the Canadian Navy makes its move on us, Texas should consider an addition to their commonwealth – we have nothing in common with Texans but a change in rulers couldn’t be any worse than what we have in Sacramento now.
Luap Leiht| 12.22.10 @ 5:25PM
Doh! Yes, that was a typo. Darn Illinois public schools...
But I still believe Haiti would be easier to rebuild than California. They have a less corrupt government and, as a general rule, their people have a stronger work ethic.
Kathleen| 12.23.10 @ 10:11AM
And the Hollywood crowd is buying up Montana and importing their bad liberal views to what was once a great conservative state.
valwayne| 12.22.10 @ 3:56PM
Texas and Florida have had mostly Republican leadership, no state income taxes, and thus jobs and growth. States like CA, NY, MI etc have had mostly Democrats governing them, ruinous tax rates, and no growth to population losses. As for Latinos and the Repubican party? Latinos come to the U.S. looking for jobs and a better future. That's what the Republicans offer. The Democrats offer them bigger welfare payouts and extended UNEMPLOYMENT benefits. My bet is Latinos will side with growth and jobs!
thibaud| 12.22.10 @ 6:03PM
It's two-parent families, by and large, that forsake blue states for red ones. Speaking as a suffering Bay Area Calif. resident, there's not much to attract a single Californian to Texas, and not much (besides weather) to keep a two-parent, economically productive family in California.
As to red vs blue, my vote's up for grabs. Tweedledum doesn't recognize what a nightmare our employment-dependent health insurance system is for families, esp those with pre-existing conditions, and Tweedledee doesn't recognize what a nightmare the public schools are.
And neither Tweedledum nor Tweedledee will admit that their mutual pimping for the latino vote cannot mask the utter insanity of importing a second underclass of illiterates and semi-literates.
What party do I vote for if I want border security/rational, points-based immigration AND an end to our private health insurance mafia and the idiotic, casually cruel klooge of employment-driven health insurance?
Paul from SA| 12.22.10 @ 10:07PM
The unions (SEIU) invaded San Antonio after the 2004 election cycle (Kerry) with cash, cash and more cash to help local Democrat candidates. So far their influence doesn't seem to have much effect on final results, but they are here and have long-term goals in mind. One short-term goal is to stir up racial hatred among the Hispanics against white people. Ever wonder why you never see Mexican-American riots in San Antonio, claiming discrimination? Oh, they've been trying for years to get the Hispanics out to protest. The problem for them is, the Hispanics here are working like everyone else. After the Spurs win NBA championships, we don't riot, rape and pillage our own people, city and state. We don't burn cars. We don't loot. We don't get violent, like, say LA or Detriot or Chicago (liberal states and cities), where they celebrate with violence against their own. We here in San Antonio, and in all of Texas have pride in our country, state and homes. We will fight to defend our values.
LoneGunman| 12.22.10 @ 11:37PM
I moved my family here a year and a half ago because of all the reasons mentioned in the article. I have been a Libertarian for 20 years now and found the Texas political climate the best option considering was Washington was ramming socialism down our throats.
Interestingly enough I have met people from Michigan and Virginia who moved here because they had the Texas small government/freedom mentality. I am originally from Colorado which has a large Hispanic population, but I have to say the Hispanics here are WAY more conservative then those in CO. The future looks bright (red) for Texas.
Thumber77| 12.23.10 @ 12:26AM
Texas is gaining seats because of the growth of the state's Hispanic population AND because of the so-called Texas conservative politicians' ability to direct tax dollars from the rest of the country to their state. The country will be better off if Governor Rick Perry lives up to his promise/threat to have his tax cheat state secede from the Union.
Peggy | 12.24.10 @ 1:25PM
We have our house (at the foot of the Continental Divide in central Colorado) for sale, preparing to move back to Texas. I can only hope and pray that Texas will secede from this socialist-heading country. I, for one, am ready for this!
William Hoy| 12.23.10 @ 9:09AM
I'm sure Texas thanks the liberal tax pardises that are driving their businesses and jobs to healthier climes.
Stephen Hale| 12.23.10 @ 11:01AM
What lot a folk don't consider is that MOST of us born in America, even of Hispanic origins are MIXICANS. I am Irish/Cherokee. That not only makes me something akin to the Hispanic, Spanish/Indian of your choice, but I have been able to call many Negros, "brother," because the Cherokee and Negro mixicans are everywhere. The point I am making is that we are blooded to the land as much as any "Mexican" and that makes ALL of our Hispanic American borns not only brothers but fellow Homies and we need to protect each other from the Illegals who desire not to enrich the land with their "heritage" but to sap it, slap it, and trap it in some commie or banana republic political concept. The only difference, if not the ethnicities, is the culture...and that...folks is a learned, albeit difficult to change, behavior. Ours is a Christian culture on the line of the Protestants which value the Bible over Hierarchy (with some acceptions) and the Bible has this, "in this shall all men KNOW that YE ARE MY DISCIPLES in that ye LOVE (AGAPE - unconditional love) one another." I am tickled to hear that our home grown Hispanic MIXICANS, brothers to most Americans, are conservative, and they may have learned that from the older generation who came here from Mexico appreciating the entrepreneurial opportunities and worked it. The newer folk seem drugged out and lacking it and even not appreciating it, other than applying it to the illegal business of drug trafficking. For me to send the Illegals packing, only to return legally and appreciating our land is the best solution that should attact ALL mixicans who groan at the economic and societal pathologies of a culture used to going beyond, under and around laws, and hold out their hand not only above for free handouts but below the table for bribes. We do have Some Texas Size Work to do in our great state...that is if you gravely talking Texans will accept this Kentuckien transplant (though I have been here more than I have been...uh...abroad).
Mateo| 12.23.10 @ 1:54PM
Anyone who thinks Texas will go blue someday obviously has never been here before or is intelectually challenged. It would take the rapture of the church plus some to turn Texas blue.
Mateo| 12.23.10 @ 2:01PM
I can't wait to see the Obama/ Perry debates in 2012.
Obama: "Yes Katie, our economy has turned the corner, I have added or saved 36,000 jobs this qurater."
Perry: "Excuse me Mr. Prez," We in Texas added 30,000 and made up for 100s of thousands more that have been lost."