You Can Judge A Texan By…

  “Election Season” has definitely become a misnomer.  After all, doesn’t “season” imply an “off season?”   It never seems to go away.  The president is now crossing the country on his new 1.1 million dollar R.V., complete with high-tech security details, built in PA system for talking to towns as they drive through, and a entourage of secret service vehicles as well.  (I have heard Burt Reynolds is in a sweet Trans-Am running “jack rabbit” for him.)

  I personally am not much into the election yet, but thanks to the media I am learning all I need to know about the candidates.   According to the press, Michelle Bachman is a psychotic hate monger who has no clue about anything let alone politics, Sarah Palin is yesterday’s news, Mitt Romney is looking for a safe hole to hide from all the political gunfire, Pawlenty is no big deal, and, Ron Paul… who’s he?  In fact, so confident are the pundits, one wonders why we even have elections… the press already knows, and has decided, who should run the country.

  But, just to make things lively, a new cowboy has rode up on the range, and the media’s sights (sites?) instantly shifted his way.  Another brash talking, shoot from the hip, self-confident, no apologies Texan, who seems to wear boots for a reason.  Its Deja-vu all over again.   I don’t much about Rick Perry yet.  I understand he is the son of NW Texas ranchers, an Eagle Scout, a Captain in the Air Force, an A&M yell leader, and once placed live chickens in a fellow dorm residents closet over Christmas break.  He was a cotton farmer… oh, and also the longest serving Governor in Texas history.

  Like I said, I don’t know much about his political views and positions on various issues, but he is obviously considered a serious contendor to win the election.  How do I know this?  The Press!  They are going crazy trying to derail the campaign before it gets started.  I love the CBS article trying to undermine his “swagger.”  It’s going to be interesting.  (Who would have thought that an outspoken rancher full of political savy, a shoot-from-the-hip tongue, and Texas swagger could ever rise to be president?)

  It does bring me to one point.  It is often said, “You can judge a man by the company he keeps,” and I guess there may be some truth to that.  But it is probably more true that you know more about the man by the critics he stirs up.  Who is it that lines up to bad mouth, run down, and other wise black ball a man or woman?  That is a great testament as to what it is for which they stand.  And it will be for you too!

  Next time you have a critic… don’t feel you have to buckle.  Certainly don’t assume that the problem is you.  Listen to their complaint, there might be some truth to learn.  It also might be they simply want to push you into the mold they’ve chosen.  They may be habitual critics who look at any decision, made by anyone, and start naming a thousand things wrong with it… it makes them feel more important.  Your critics might have a point, but they are equally as likely to just have an agenda.  A great rule to remember…. (drum roll please)… “Your critic may be an idiot.”  

  A man once lived who did everything exactly as he should, said everything that needed said and nothing that didn’t, he injured no one, and served hundreds.  He was criticized, villainized, rumored to be in league with Satan, and eventually crucified.

  Don’t run your family, your work, or your own life based upon your critics.

   As far as Rick Perry and the press, the reporters might do well to heed this reminder about messing with Texans at high noon…

    In Alvin, a suburb of Houston, three brothers decided to steal some beer…Sylvester Andre Thompson, his brothers Sylvester Durlentren Thompson, and other brother Sylvester Primitivo Thompson (real names… just go with it)lifted a case each from the Wal Mart cooler and headed out the doors.   Monique Lawless, age 42 saw them, yelling at the clerk to watch her purse she headed after them.  Seeing the car for which they were headed, she ran at an angle that would make the Longhorn’s secondary coach proud.  She got to the car just as they got inside… and hurled herself up on the hood and windshield.  Stomping on the hood and glass.  She jumped off as they started to exit… but reached one last time to pull the door open.  The car pulled her to the pavement and blacked her eyes.  In true “Alamo” fashion, her actions allowed enough time for the police to effectively pursue and capture the brothers (pinning one against a chain link fence with his squad car).    Don’t you know that’s a video they are going to see a few times.

  Her reason for such actions… “I was just tired of all this,” she said.