Five Quotes that Sum up Texas

May 6th 2019

Everything might very well be bigger in Texas, but nothing surpasses the size of its reputation. From the very recent George W. Bush to the historically honored Davy Crockett, people have been talking about Texas since it was first an idea in the minds of a freedom-loving people. Yes, I know Davy Crockett was from Tennessee, but when you see his quote about Texas, he will do the Lone Star State proud.

Writer John Gunther once exclaimed, "If a man is from Texas, he will tell you. If he is not why embarrass him by asking."

It must be noted that there is little buzz about quotes from Rhode Island, Wyoming, or North Carolina. Texas has a sense of itself that is rivaled by no state in the Union. Texans are proud to exclaim they are from Texas and if you are not from Texas, you are simply from one of the "other" states.

Don't take anyone's word for it, though; why not listen to the President of the United States about the matter. President George W. Bush is either adored or despised depending on who you ask. What is not up for debate, however, is whether the man is proud of his Texas heritage and the swagger that comes with it.

President Bush didn't hesitate when he said, "Some folks look at me and see a certain swagger, which in Texas is called walking."

If you think Texas is all about men with swagger and big trucks, then you might be mistaken. For behind every good Texas man is a Texas woman and simply put, you don't mess with Texas, regardless of sex.

Journalist Dan Rather advised America, "Always marry a woman from Texas. No matter how tough things get, she's seen tougher."

To have a Texas woman as your life partner is to have an ally in times of trouble, a friend when things are down, and most certainly, a person with just enough crazy to make her irresistible. They certainly do it big in Texas—so often that the norm far exceeds what other states would call rational. Hats, boots, homes, cars, football, hair, and most certainly steak. For even our friends from across the pond recognize this unique trait.

British actor Malcolm McDowell told the world, "The definition of insanity in Texas is so insane, that it is impossible to be insane Texas."

For many that might be considered an insult, but Malcolm knew full well Texas would embrace it. For throughout American history, Texas has always been unique, independent, and boisterous. That is why it attracts its own kind from around the nation. The famed Davy Crockett, with his coon skinned hat, was a member of Congress from Tennessee before gracing the Alamo with his presence.

Upon losing re-election in 1835, Crockett made Texas proud when he told his constituents, "You all may go to hell, and I will go to Texas."

With a warm welcome, he was received in the final years of his life only to perish at the Alamo. This is Texas. Large, ready to dig in, but most certainly and always, uniquely Texas.