Houston: The Lone Star State That Didn't Want to Go It Alone
So, you're wondering why Houston, the city of BBQ, space exploration, and traffic that could rival rush hour in another dimension, didn't exactly jump on the secession bandwagon. Well, buckle up, because this is a tale as old as time (or at least as old as the Civil War).
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| Why Does Houston Believe Secession Is Unnecessary |
Sam Houston: The Original Texas Chill Pill
Let's talk about Sam Houston, the original 'Keep Austin Weird' kind of guy. This dude was basically Texas' chill uncle, trying to keep everyone from doing something really stupid. While the rest of the state was caught up in the 'states' rights' fever dream, Sam was like, "Y'all, let's just calm down and have a barbecue."
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
He saw secession as a recipe for disaster, a potential path to a bloody civil war. And boy, was he right about that! Houston was a realist. He knew that Texas, while tough as nails, was no match for the entire United States. It was like trying to wrestle a bear while wearing roller skates and a party hat. Not a good look.
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
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Economics 101: It's All About the Benjamins
Beyond the whole 'avoiding a civil war' thing, there was also the cold, hard cash factor. Texas was doing pretty well economically. Cotton was king, and Houston was a booming port city. Secession meant potentially losing access to the massive US market, which would have been like cutting off your nose to spite your face. Houston, being the smart city it is, wasn't about to let that happen.
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The Rest of Texas Said, "Hold My Beer"
Unfortunately for Sam Houston and his sensible approach, the rest of Texas was more interested in proving a point than protecting their wallets. They voted to secede, and Houston was left holding the bag. He was ousted as governor, and Texas joined the Confederacy. The rest, as they say, is history.
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So, What Did We Learn?
- Sam Houston was basically the Walter White of Texas politics - he saw the bad ending before it happened.
- Economics can be a pretty strong motivator.
- Sometimes, it's better to be friends than foes.
How To...
- How to avoid a major life decision: Listen to your chill uncle, or in this case, the historical equivalent.
- How to predict the future: Study history. It's full of lessons.
- How to keep your cool in a heated situation: Channel your inner Sam Houston and suggest a barbecue.
- How to make a good decision: Consider the economic implications.
- How to be a good neighbor: Don't start a fight over a fence.
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