Is the political pendulum in Texas swinging once again?
My wife and I moved to Texas in 1966 so that I could begin a teaching career at TCU. By 1974 I had become Director of Continuing Education… and also became TCU’s representative to the state legislature in Austin. I found Democrats in charge there, but I also found bipartisan cooperation. Democrats were liberal in that they were interested in social programs and education reform, but they were also conservative in financial matters.
Gradually, however, the legislative climate changed. My impression was that conservative-leaning Democrats were gradually becoming Republicans, and bipartisan cooperation was beginning to fade away. Soon, redistricting lead to gerrymandering, and gaining and maintaining political control became the objective. Power politics became the name of the political game.
It now seems to me that the political pendulum might be swinging once again! Two thoughts:
1. A large number of people seem to be simply getting tired of power-driven politics. They appear to be rejecting the intense polarization and anger produced by control-driven politicians. They also seem to be accepting that the U.S. is a country of immigrants. Book banning, voter suppression, and “cancel culture” confusion are add to this growing fatigue.
2. New candidates are running against those currently in power. Could they actually be splitting the power-politics vote? Cross your fingers.
Maybe the pendulum is slowly swinging again… possibly away from the small group currently in power and toward meeting the genuine needs of the majority. Such a swing could pave the way for smart people with new and more unifying ideas to find their way back into Texas politics!
!
Larry D. Lauer 
Larry:
The print and television ads seem to be more vitriolic than ever this year. The right is trying to “out crazy” one another in the primary.
I would like to get together soon. I have an ENT appointment this morning after having a serious of chronic sinus infections. They did a CT scan last week so I get my results this morning.
The situation in the Ukraine is terribly troubling. NATO and the US seem to be powerless to do anything to stop the Russians. We will have to protect the Baltic States and Poland with more troops.
Best regards,
Adam
I hope you’re right, Larry. There are emerging Democrats running who could prove your case over time.
Larry, I hope you are correct. If it swings toward what is best for the citizens of Texas, perhaps Florida will begin to follow. Right now, Florida is following all the negative and discriminatory legislation coming out of Texas. Thanks for your optimism.