The Republic Of Texas

"You may all go to Hell and I will go to Texas" - Davy Crockett

David Crockett (David de Crocketagne August 17, 1786 – March 6, 1836) 19th-century American folk hero usually referred to as Davy Crockett and by the popular title “King of the Wild Frontier”. He represented Tennessee in the U.S. Congress, served in the Texas revolution, and died at the Battle of the Alamo.
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In 1835, he was again defeated for re-election, saying “I told the people of my district that I would serve them as faithfully as I had done; but if not ... you may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas”. And he did just that, joining the Texas Revolution.

The way things are going, we may end up in just this state again. President Obama is wasting no time making enemies.

Govonor Rick Perry of Texas has made a stand against taking any money at all from Obama's stimulus package, knowing that in the long run, it will cause more harm than good. Now I have never been a big fan of Rick Perry, but on this, I must applaud his backbone.

To see Texas as a free nation, it's own repulic would indeed be history in the making. And I guess to understand it, you'd have to be a Texan.

For those who aren't from Texas, let me try to help...

"There is some bit of Texas in everyone.  Do you know why?  Because Texas is Texas!

Texas is the Alamo!

Texas is 189 men standing in a church, facing thousands of Mexican nationals, fighting for freedom, who had the chance to walk out and save themselves but stayed.

We send our kids to schools named William B. Travis and Bowie.  Do you know why?  Because those men saw a line in the sand and they decided to be heroes.

John Wayne paid to do the movie himself.

That is Texas!

Texas is Sam Houston capturing Santa Ana at San Jacinto.

Texas is Juneteenth and Texas Independence Day.

Texas is huge forests of Piney Woods like the Davy Crockett National Forest.

Texas is breathtaking mountains in Big Bend.

Texas is shiny skyscrapers in Houston and Dallas.

Texas is world record bass from places like Lake Fork.

Texas is Mexican food like nowhere in the world, even Mexico.

Texas is larger-than-life legends like Willie Nelson, Buddy Holly, Earl Campbell, Nolan Ryan, Denton Cooley, Michael DeBakey, Lyndon Johnson, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.

Texas is huge herds of cattle and miles of crops.

Texas is skies blackened with doves and leases full of deer.

Texas is the best bar-b-que anywhere.

Texas is a place where cities shut down for the Cowboys on Monday Night Football and many streets a deserted during church.

Texas is beaches, deserts, lakes and rivers, mountains and prairies. 

If it isn't in Texas, you don't need it!  No one does anything bigger or better."

-Author Unknown

If you've never been here, I suggest you come and sit for a spell. The people are friendly and we welcome any transplants. Once you're here for a few months, you'll feel like a native. It's beautiful. I've never seen anyone from any other state be as proud of where they are from than a Texan. Come on down and visit... before you need a passport to get in.

Welfare Reform

We've all been there. No matter how much money you make, sometimes it's just hard to make ends meet. Sometimes the eagle doesn't even land, it just waves on it's way out. And it's hard trying to decide sometimes which bill to pay and which you can put off. And that really bites!! Lets see, should you pay the rent/mortgage oooorrrr feed your kids? Being a single mom, I've had more weeks like that than I choose to think about.

There have been times when things have gotten so bad, I've had to utilize the Texas Welfare System. (and I use the word "system" very loosely) I have used it a few months to get back on kitler and then not reapply. Welfare, as it was originally intended, is a great idea. However, more people abuse the system than use it the was it was designed. In the beginning, it was very hard for me to get to the point that I would even apply. You know, PRIDE and all. But, I finally had to do what I had to do to take care of my kids.

I have to say, the application process is 10 times more frustrating than going to the DMV. And I think the people working there are the ones the DMV wouldn't hire. But all the frustrations aside, I have to say, Welfare needs a makeover....

There is a big fight in the government about what should happen to the welfare systems all across the US, And I really think that they need to get their act together and stop wasting so much money on things that don't work.

I don't know if you have heard of the WIC program. It's Women, Infants, and Children. This is actually an excellent program because it focuses on healthy eating, exercise, and providing milk, cheese, eggs, vegetables, formula, and protein to lower income families. You have to go in and attend classes on health, parenting, etc. You get a certain number of vouchers  for the month and then you are allowed to get what they allot you (i.e. 3 gallons of milk, 1 lb of cheese, 1 dozen eggs, peanut butter, etc) and it lists the maximum dollar amount you can purchase based on the off or store brands.

Personally, I really think that the welfare system needs to implement a system more like the WIC program. One of my biggest gripes about welfare is that it doesn't supply aid for help with things like diapers. If you have ever bought diapers, you know how expensive they are. One of the things I always needed when money was really tight was money for diapers and wipes. but no one gives help for things like that. Why can't the welfare system give you vouchers for diapers and wipes? Or maybe even bottles or car seats. Things that you have to have.

The biggest problems I have with welfare is not the system itself, but the abuse of the system and the requirements. First, there are more non-citizens on welfare than actual citizens. This I feel takes away from our economy. Look at it like this: One, they are taking away jobs from Americans because they will work for less money. Since they are working for less money, they go get welfare that provides them with healthcare, food, and housing. Then, all the money they do make, they send to their native country to support their family over there. It's very frustrating. When my daughter was 3 years old, I was working two jobs to make ends meet. I was renting a 19' travel trailer because that's all I could afford. Even then, I could not afford to pay all of my bills, and I didn't have many. So I applied for food stamps. I did not qualify because having two jobs, my income for 2 people was about $5 over the income limits.

I understand the income limits, I really do. But I think they need to look at more than just your rent and income. There are things like car insurance that you have to pay or you could go to jail. And maybe you have a car note. Or basic things like diapers, toilet paper, and soap. But these things are not taken into consideration.

When are we going to have someone with the power stand up for the ones who need the help even though they work and are struggling? Welfare Reform? Give me a call. I will tell you exactly how it needs to be done.