Texas culture is unique in all of the United States. People who were born and raised here often consider themselves to be blessed by that fact. What is so special about Texas? This video explains it well. He hits some of the high points like our delicious beef brisket, Tex-Mex, and kolaches, as well as the friendliness and beautiful scenery. But there is way more to our way of life than food and Howdys.

My heart and head may be swelling a bit right now as I write about my beloved state, so forgive me if I sound prideful. It’s not that I don’t respect other states and recognize that they also have interesting culture, food, and beauty, it’s that I just love my own state so much. I love visiting other states! But Texas is my home and will always be my first love.

Texas has a unique history compared to other states, having once been part of Mexico, and having briefly been it’s own country, and because of that our culture and traditions are different than the states that were descended more from English culture. Our independent and self-sufficient spirit comes from being so far away from Washington, D.C. and being required to survive in very harsh conditions in the early years of statehood. In other words, Texans had to be tough or move somewhere else, or they could die.

But Texas culture today is changing. Our beloved historical traditions of fossil-fueled, beef-fed, gun-toting rugged individualism are no longer considered politically correct or good for the ‘climate’. Many of us older Texans are still living in the ‘old ways’, but the newcomers and young people do not have the same values. Rural areas and small towns are fighting to hold on to the traditions that made us strong and independent.

Here are some the values that have made Texas great and that are under attack.

1. Individualism– This one is rapidly disappearing in cities and among the younger workers as it gets harder to survive in today’s economy.
2. Pro-business– Businesses are moving here thanks to low regulation, tax incentives and low taxes.
3. Private property. 95% of Texas land is privately owned. Some people don’t like that.
4. Freedom to travel. Everyone owns trucks and SUVs and cars and drives them daily.
5. Fossil fuels. The Oil and Gas industry helped make many Texans rich.
6. Cattle ranching. Eating meat is being blamed for a changing climate.
7. Male culture-cowboys, football, guns, hunting- is considered toxic by many.
8. Border control laws–Progressives want open borders.
9. Christian beliefs are now considered intolerant and hateful.
10. Ports and global trade. If the Climate activists have their way, trade will be reduced because it causes too many emissions.

But they say you can’t stop progress, so I guess we will have to adapt. This is being done with wealthy Californians bringing their own culture and blending it with Texas, renewable energy, activist judges, and progressive colleges. But hopefully these newcomers will not destroy the culture of personal freedom and the thriving Texas economy.