Having just returned from the Republic of Texas, I would like to make a few observations. The most interesting thing about Texans to me is that they are really into Texas. There is just so much pride there.
It got me thinking about how miserable everyone in New Jersey is in comparison. In Texas, everything is in the shape of Texas. There are Christmas lights in the shape of Texas, clocks, tables in Hooters, Texas shaped branding irons and countless other things. Hell there are even Texas edition Chevy Silverados. And Texas flags? Oh there are Texas flags. Everywhere. They are as ubiquitous as American flags and more prevalent than Confederate flags.
Growing up in New Jersey, I have never seen anything in the shape of New Jersey, which is a nice curvy shape unlike, say, Pennsylvania. And regarding state flags, most New Jersey residents would hard pressed to recognize their flag, nevermind display one prominently on their home. And Jersey edition cars? No.
True Texans love where they live and don't want to leave. They have the best of everything in their minds. The best barbecue, the best Tex Mex, the best music, the best women, the best sports teams, political leaders, etc. While over in Jersey, everyone is pretty much miserable. Every Jerseyite mutters bitterly that they "have to get out of this godforsaken state" at least once a week. The complaints just never end (and rightly so).
Jersey has ridiculous property taxes, congestion, an exorbitant cost of living, blighted inner cities, the highest auto insurance in the country, pollution and other factors that make living there undesirable. Texas has its share of problems but its residents seem to overlook them.
I have now made two trips to Texas over the past few months and have spent time in Austin (which is like the Park Slope of Texas), College Station, Huntsville, Navasota and Houston and I must say that I like it but probably wouldn't want to live there - not that I would really want to live in Jersey right now either. So, Brooklyn it is for the time being. We've got pride there too.
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