Independent
It’s a nice word. What does it mean? Some notable personages who could be nominated for the Independents Hall of Fame (if there were such a thing): Abbie Hoffman, Tom Hayden, Janis Joplin, Jimmy Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Charlie Manson, Jesus of Nazareth, Willie Nelson, and a certain Jew who loves Jesus. Have any of them received mixed reviews?
Hoffman “sold out” to the other side and started wearing three piece suits and working on Wall Street after exhorting the youth of Amerika to burn not only money but their draft cards too. Hayden took a perfectly nice young Hollywood heiress to North Viet Nam and ruined her reputation, permanently. Janis? Besides setting a woeful example for all young womanhood, she died a miserable drug related death at an early age. Ditto Jimmy and Jim. Charlie? Well, he could probably be compared to another all-star independent, Adolph.
Do any of us really want to be Independents? YES! But it takes fortitude, compassion, and faith in your convictions. Is it worth the trouble? That is a question each person answers for themselves. For me, I have always been most comfortable being independent rather than conforming. Now that I have passed the moment of “middle age” I am convinced that being independent and an Independent are best for me.
It is OK to be a conformist. Most people are happiest and most successful being conformists. Hopefully, there will be many people who decide to join Team Texas who want to conform to the norms, standards and values of Texas Today. So, as you consider joining Team Texas you will need to answer to yourself whether you want to be a leader or a follower.
The best leaders also know how to be good followers. (Hitler and Charlie were no good at following! Jesus was all about following.) Some of the members of Team Texas will naturally align themselves in roles of leadership. The rest of us will have to be satisfied with following. Is it possible to be a leader, a follower, an Independent and a conformist all at the same time. It is even possible to be a follower and a conformist while being independent. Are you confused yet?
There are folks out there who want to become involved but they have been apolitical or outsiders for so long that they are not sure if they can fit in. Since we have no mold nor any round or square holes, there is no need to “fit” into any particular place or shape when one joins Team Texas. Each of us will find the niche which feel comfortable for us.
Our essential motivation is to carry on the message and momentum created around Kinky’s gubernatorial campaign. If you attended any of the “events” then you know that all and everyone is welcome and included. There is no ageism, sexism, racism or any other “ism” attached to Team Texas.
If there is a Texas historian who can correct me, please do. It is my recollection that the very word “tejas” comes from the Karankawa word for friendly. If that is true then we are neither red, nor blue. We are not black or white. We are more realistically shades of lavender and gray.
If Team Texas becomes a healthy and long-lived movement, the leadership will constantly evolve and the course will often be corrected. Some of the goals we are espousing today will fade away and others will become foremost.
The greatest thing about a movement like Texas Today is that all are welcome and eligible for inclusion. The reality is that all Texans are automatically included and can only be excluded by means of self-elimination. So, as we join our hands and walk toward our future, lets take all of Texas with us.
Kinky Power!
