True-Blue Texans Believe In Texas First, America Second
By Sara McLaughlin
Texas is more like a country than a state.
Texans usually feel like Texans first, Americans second. That attitude is especially apparent when Texans travel to other countries. I overheard a lady say that when her son was overseas with the Air Force, he noticed that Texans are the only people who give their state as "where they are from" instead of their country.
Four people in a row say, "I'm from the states," or "I'm an American." Then a voice speaks from the back, "I'm from Texas."
Recently I was talking to a friend of mine who moved here from New York. He was joking around about Texans and their over-inflated sense of pride. He said, "I just noticed a couple of days ago that the Texas flag looks like the American flag would if there were only one state. That's ridiculous."
I said, "That's because some of us would like it that way. Haven't you seen those bumper stickers that say, 'Secede?'"
"Yes," he answered. "And when I do, I say to myself, 'Be my guest.'"
He's just jealous. I know it must be awful not to be born in Texas. Other bumper stickers indicate the loyalty of natives and the envy and longing of outsiders. For instance, there is the ever-popular bumper sticker that reads, "Native Texan." Then there is the out-of-state plate I saw that read "TruTexan."
But my favorite bumper sticker said, "I wasn't born in Texas but I got here as fast as I could."
Even the Queen of England, on her recent Texas tour, made a wry comment about how unfortunate everyone is, who isn't from Texas. The rest of the country may have thought she was kidding. However, Texans know that she was serious.
When you go to a foreign country, you might as well say up front that you are from Texas, because if you are, your accent gives it away. Once at a conference, I was the only Texan there. I quickly became the favored form of entertainment. When people were bored, they would call me over.
"Say 'coughing.' Now say 'talking,'" someone would say to me.
When I complied with their request, the group of onlookers would burst into hysterics. "Listen, you guys," some wise guy would say. "When Sara says 'coughing' and 'talking,' they rhyme."
Then the same joker would begin the usual cracks about peculiar Texas phrases, such as "crack the window," "fixin' to go," and "ya'll." Of course, I tolerated this abuse because I felt sorry for him. He was from Canada, not Texas.
The television series "Dallas" Did even more to bolster our image and popularity in the eyes of the world. Although unrealistic in its won right, at least "Dallas" dispelled the image of Texas that some foreigners have: saloons on every corner and horses in every backyard.
I think we are missing some fantastic chances to make money for our state. Since we know that everyone wants to move here, and if they can't move here yet, they certainly want to visit, then we should impose some heavy-duty restrictions on travel and immigration.
Visitors should be required to have a visa, which should cost a hefty sum. And anyone wishing to move here from another state should be required to pass a Texas literacy test (on our history and language) as well as pay through the nose.
Texas is the best place to live in the world and everyone knows it.
Cliped out of a newspaper in Texas By Christy Lynn Brandstatt.
