As a native Texan (6th generation) and polar opposite of the stereotype, I have noticed that the trademark brazen independent streak manifests itself differently in native Texans vs. adoptive Texans. Place Janis Joplin next to the Bush family, and you've got a perfect example. That was just off the top of my head; there are many more.

The future of consequence of turning America into a master and slave plantation, such as Texas, will probably lead to social disorder and violence. Resulting in authoritarian rule and more violence. Western history show’s that when the middle class is destroyed society goes with it.

I was an outsider who lived and travelled widely in Texas for five years. I found many sympathetic, open-minded people; however, there is little question about the dominant cultural and political views. True Texans - and those who enthusiastically adopt the state - do seem to feel extremely independent of the rest of the U.S. Even the Governor glosses over all the Federal money the state receives! Sometimes, there is an undercurrent of inferiority masked by bravado. Yes, there are certainly large numbers who do not share the right-wing and often intolerant views of many Texans, but two slogans do sum up the ethos: Don't mess with Texas and the USA, right or wrong. Just looks closely at leading Texas politicians if you have any doubts about majority opinion.

If they could just cut out Austin and let the rest of that vast wasteland float out to sea (preferably with Florida), it would be an immediate improvement!

The sociologist caller let his own personal experiences cloud his understanding of the problems of letting national policy be dictated by the the yahoos from a big empty state. The existence of Austin, Houston, hipsters, and progressives, or many polite nice people doesn't mitigate the impact of Texas' violent, racist, wasteful, macho political culture or its production of dangerously unprepared candidates for national office.

The theses Collins is entertainingly introducing deserve more serious consideration: education, foreign policy, regulation, etc. Being "proud" doesn't excuse someone from justifying pernicious policies, and that's what we never hear from boosters.

Has Ms Collins not had her morning coffee? Did she just roll out of bed? Did she just fly in from halfway across the globe and is suffering severe jet lag? She sounds bored to death with herself, how is anyone else supposed to stay interested? And please, the dog. So unprofessional! Though it was the highlight of this 'segment'. She's a good writer, she should stick to being read and not heard.

My whole family is from Texas and being one of the few who did not grow up in Dallas, I have come to see the stark differences between Texas and the rest of the country, but at the same time I'm so jealous of them! It's a really separate and fun culture where everyone has a real sense of pride in their heritage. That's definitely missing from other parts of the country!
Hook'em Horns!

Zuska, although yes the slogan "Don't Mess With Texas" was indeed created as an anti littering campaign it played on that Texas swagger. And that it wahy it has been so popular. I wonder how many Texans know that it has anything to do with litter. It wouldn't resonate with the populace if it didn't tap into that swagger.

The president of Planned Parenthood, Cecile Richards, is from Texas---daughter of legendary former governor Ann (God rest her soul).

Ann Richards running for Governor was a trip, rip to her.

Don't forget, Houston has a lesbian Mayor!

Texas is a HUGE state, and there is vast amounts of room! There is even a Palestine, Texas. Might I suggest, in the interest of world peace, maybe Texas might take in the millions of Palestinian refugees and give them a state around Palestine, Texas? It would be a great help to Israel and to world peace.

Yes, this is very true - I used to work for a textbook publisher, and we had to publish special "Texas" editions.

Gail, "Don"t mess with Texas!" is actually the (highly successful) slogan of a mid-80's anti-highway-littering campaign, created by the State Department of Transportation. Don't just characterize it as Texas truculence!
Signed, A New Yorker who spent 20 years in the Lone Star State, then split when The Shrub beat Ann Richards.

Had to check, given that title - ...State Hijacked the American Agenda - Grover Norquist is from Massachusetts.

I was born in Ohio in 1952 and attended school there until I moved to NYC in 1975. Gail Collins claims she never studied Ohio history. I clearly remember that Ohio history was a required subject in 8th grade for me -- and I attended a parochial school. But I haven't a clue if Ohio has a state song, and, I'm sorry to say, I cannot remember much about Ohio's history other than many presidents were born there (I believe only one fewer than in Virginia) and that much was made in Ohio history class about Tecumseh, an exceptional Native American hero.

Puhleese, Texas is one of the, if not THE most racist state in/out of the union...their slaves were the last to learn they were free..google "juneteenth"! Cocky loudmouths! Heck, the Bushes live there!!!

I work occasionally with traveling musical groups, and some of the chorus groups will come from Texas, visiting NYC. When I mention that my father,a former Fed Gov official, is an honorary Texas ranger the entire group will treat me like royalty.

I had the misfortune to spend some time in Texas for work many years ago. My workmates and I sere in a bar in San Anotonio. The bar maid had that strutting swagger so common to Texans. I guess she could tell we were from up north. She informed us that the Texas state constitution allowed for Texas to secede from the union any time it wanted and I responded- "Please do. I think that's a great idea". I do think we shoulddivide into two countries the red one and the blue one. And the blue country should not allow any foreign aid (they'd continue to need the support of the successful blue states) to the red and certainly have a wall to prevent illegals from red land coming here for jobs.

Texas does have things like SXSW every year - they have their fair share of hipsters as well.

anonyme - Most states offer their state's history courses in junior high school. New York students learn NY state history and geography in 7th grade. In fact, I remember when my class took a trip to Albany during that year.

@RL-
Just google "Moochers For Welfare" & you'll see.

Yeah - I remember having to learn more about Sam Houston than George Washington. They are still the best in the world in petroleum technology.

I am a native Mississippian, and learned MS history in 5th grade and 9th grade as a formal part of the curriculum. In the early elementary years, I did learn the state symbols and such, as well.

I also lives in San Antonio for three years. Despite being from the South, I was still seen as a Yankee. Especially because I had lived in NY prior to living there. The state identity is stronger than the national one without a doubt.

I grew up in Louisiana and we did take Louisiana History course in 8th grade. We were, however, wary of Texan bluster and I think your guest is on target! They do seem to think they are in the wide open spaces in their crowded suburban sprawl.

You should know that in Texas school's, (for me 7th grade), they spend a full year on Texas history. Everyone knows about the Alamo, but we learned about every other Texas hero, event, battle, etc. & yes, I still know the bird, flower, song, after yearssss in nyc.

I am a Texas Ex-Pat, and glad to be one.

Any state that can RE-elect idiots like George W Bush and Rick Perry deserve to be their own nation.

The disinformation perpetrated by its State Dept of "Education" borders on criminal. They even neglected to mention that Texas move towards independence was partially driven by the desire to keep slaves! God forbid any truth get taught.

The obvious, yet ignored costs of a deeply un-regulated buisness climate and lack of civic planning.

Did you realize that every school kid has to take Texas history - I think it's the only state that emphasizes itself as a state and has this requirement.

Secession? Harper's Canada? that's different from red-states how?

Lived in Houston 14 years, horrible existence for minorities!

What is the author's take on the school textbook issue?

What about that dog on the roof of the car??

Brian, ask her about the Romney Bullying in high school, what does she think of that.

School text book publishers write for texas’s standards (so evolution is a NO NO)

Pol's talk a lot about the Welfare State. Are they talking about Texas?

They will execute the Queen if they could.

I lived in Texas for 2 years, everything is indeed bigger in Texas, except brain-matter.

Texans still believe they are a separate country because of their brief flirtation with being a republic.

Texas actually takes much more from the USA than it gives, so if they want to leave, by all means.
Don't let the door knob hit ya where the good Lord split ya-
Buh-bye!

Thank Heaven that Rick Perry went the way of Sarah Palin (similar cowboy, different state). Let's hope that clown politics stays on a downward trend for some time to come.