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I think that it’s now safe to say that we Texans now live in a failed state.  30 years of GOP rule, setting our own standard, living the “Texas Dream,” which they’ve bragged about relentlessly…and let’s see where we are:

A majority of the state in complete failure, unable to deliver the most BASIC of services (things that are called “utilities,” not “luxuries,” for a reason).  No power.  No water.  No means of clearing roads (that one, I can’t fault the state so much….but it wouldn’t be as big a crisis if people weren’t stuck in their homes with no power and water).  So citizens are stuck in their homes, some of them dying there. 

Water resource planning?  After pretending for decades that a drought would never happen again, and not doing ANYTHING to develop resources in the state water plan (a document actually developed using science and mathematical projections), we had several locations, including actual cities, down to a few days of water supply.  We’ve finally gotten on our horse a bit, but it may be too late if the next drought comes anytime soon.  

State rank in key categories:

Education – 34

Health Care - 37

Infrastructure - 33

Opportunity - 39

Environment - 44

Infrastructure - 33 

In overall quality of life ranking by US News, we are now #38, down from #36 just two years ago.  At that rate, we’ll be in the bottom 3 within ten years.

We are SUPER independent, and FUCK the feds….but we have requested federal disaster assistance more than any other state in the past decade or so.

But hey, our economy is ranked #15!

That’s right, we have a “roaring economy” and the “Texas Miracle!”  But we can’t deliver the basics for our citizens.  The economy is VERY efficient at funneling bazillions to the very few…..with little of it “trickling down” to most Texans.  Yeah, the people on this board generally do fine, but face the facts – we’re the top 10% or so.  We are educated, older, and fortunate.

Our federal system allows for state-by-state experiments.  Texas is the poster child for near anarcho-capitalism and zero regulation or oversight.  We have tested that approach, for over a generation now (30 years of Republican rule).  That approach is a failure.  The evidence is undeniable, and overwhelming.  It doesn’t matter how many River Oaks millionaires you produce if the rest of your people are dying in their homes.  Shit, some of those River Oaks millionaires might be freezing to death today, too.

The kids of a middle class family can hardly afford to go to a good state school.  Their prospects for employment are mediocre.  Their prospects of suffering crippling medical debt at some point are significant.  Their chances of not having basic utilities needed for life safety at some point – all but certain.  Their chances of becoming ill or dying from a pollution-caused illness are material.

What’s the result?  Our leaders have sold Texas as a paradise – move here!  Bring your business here!  And some businesses have done so, adding opportunity…..but providing little to no tax support for the infrastructure we all depend on.  To the contrary, over the past few years, I know more and more people – educated people, people who can do their jobs elsewhere, who are looking to bail on this state.  It’s people with young kids, who want them to grow up in a better place.  It’s people in their working years, who simply want a better path.  It’s retirees, who want a safe and secure place to live.

We have consumed our seed stock.  We have burned through our reserves.  We are now consuming ourselves.  The ability to pitch Texas as the land of opportunity is done.  Seeing what we have become, the tentative thought/plan my wife and I had of wrapping up our careers here and then getting the hell out of Dodge is becoming much more concrete.  My children are already unlikely to make their future in this state.  Now we are, too.

But the response from the Republican leadership and their sycophants – “how are you gonna pay for it?  Taxes?  That’s socialism!  You want that stuff, you have to pay for it!”

Fuck yes I do, and I’m okay with that.  I want groceries…so I have to pay HEB.  I want a car…so I have to pay Ford.  I want clothes…..so I have to pay Dillards.  I want my population educated….so I have to pay the school district.  I want electricity, with enough capacity to keep us running when we need it…..so I have to pay my bill, maybe with a capacity surcharge.  I want water to come out of the taps….so I have to pay for development of resources and maintenance of infrastructure.  I want roads….so I pay taxes to build and maintain them.  YES, I have to pay for all of those things, and “nothing is free” – no fucking shit.  So, let’s pay for it.  We have the #15 economy….we HAVE the funds in this state.  An economy with the flow of funds that ours has can produce and maintain all of those results.  But we have chosen a different path; funnel all the dollars to the top, and spend next to nothing for the public good.  We have privatized profit….we have socialized the costs.  And we are dying because of it.

My fellow Texans are dying in their homes….and there’s nothing I can do about it today.  And I am enraged.

I love Texas.  I am 6th generation here.  My ancestors have Texas historical markers on their graves.  We helped make this state, and this state helped make us.  It educated us (back when college was affordable).  But it’s time to face the fact – this state is a failure, and on its current path, with its current leadership and philosophy, it will only get worse.  This state has a terrible future, unless we dramatically change our path.   Chances of that happening?  0.0% -- because we’ll continue to vote for the guys who make our leadership priorities bathroom bills, and transgender sports, and requiring the national anthem be played at certain events.  Any bill that has been proposed to improve emergency preparedness of gov’t entities has been crushed by the Republicans controlling the lege….but we will definitely stick with those guys.  No taxes.  No government functionality.

What we are seeing happening right now is our system working EXACTLY AS IT WAS DESIGNED AND INTENDED TO WORK.  And we will, I guarantee it, collectively decide to stick with that.  This state is in free-fall, and anyone with eyes can see it.  And anyone with a brain is starting to think of ways to make their life elsewhere.  It breaks my goddamned heart to see us commit collective suicide, but here we are.

 

 

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Recommended Comments

Brisketexan

Legacy Members
2 minutes ago, Nice Guy Eddie said:

 I wouldn't put money on it, but I could see Cornyn defeating Paxton.

Dude.  Paxton could facefuck an infant to death on live TV, and -- because at least one decent, human person (read: LIBTARD!) would say "dear God, that's awful!  What a terrible person!" -- his support among GQP voters would go UP by at least 2 points.

The cruelty isn't just the point, it's the sole attribute of any value to GQP voters. The more horrific the candidate is, the stronger their support.  Because that REALLY owns tha libz.

South Austin

Certifiably Surly
10 minutes ago, Nice Guy Eddie said:

 I wouldn't put money on it, but I could see Cornyn defeating Paxton.

Yes, you should not put money on it.

Pescado_Rojo

Certifiably Surly

It will be over as soon as Trump endorses Paxton. 

Brisketexan

Legacy Members
4 minutes ago, Pescado_Rojo said:

It will be over as soon as Trump endorses Paxton. 

Trump's waiting to see if Paxton actually facefucks an infant to death while pledging his fealty to Lord Trump.

I doubt he'll have to wait long.

dcbc

Burnt Ends
8 minutes ago, Brisketexan said:

Trump's waiting to see if Paxton actually facefucks an infant to death while pledging his fealty to Lord Trump.

I doubt he'll have to wait long.

So that's why they want all these infants birthed.

South Austin

Certifiably Surly
8 minutes ago, Brisketexan said:

Trump's waiting to see if Paxton actually facefucks an infant to death while pledging his fealty to Lord Trump.

I doubt he'll have to wait long.

“That was a big, beautiful infant facefuck  down there in Texas, to be honest. Just what we need in DC to help drain the swamp and end this recession I inherited from Crazy Joe Biden. Thank you for your attention!” 

BrickHorn

Legacy Members
5 hours ago, bluto said:

Despite how dark this board is, I still think there’s an incredible misjudging of just how fucked this state is by many posters. Another entry for that… Paxton has a 9 pt lead on cornyn for senate primary

The Texas Dems need to stop fucking around and start instructing their members to vote in the Republican primaries, for specific candidates. We aren’t going to win statewide elections any time in the near future. The best thing the party can do to help their constituents in the near term is push the few remaining non-fascist Republican candidates through to the general. 

tchookem

Legacy Members
he's still not going to fuck you, Dan
Dan Patrick is the cuck chair that Ted Cruz sits on while Trump three-pumps Heidi Cruz.

hornmpa96

Certifiably Surly

Paxton’s last primary in 2022 is interesting. He ended up winning the runoff with the younger Bush. Arguably the Gohmert voters in the primary are likely Paxton voters and those votes would have eliminated the need for a runoff. If I was placing a wager, I would put it on Paxton, but 57% of the 2022 primary voters wanted someone other than the lazy-eyed philandering pen thief.

bluto

Certifiably Surly

Gotta account for the continued population growth of the hard right in the years since 22. And the continued right drift in the valley. 
 

Also Trump was being held at bay to some extent back then, a lot of desantis ppl at that time… who very quickly fell in line. He didn’t formally declare his 24 run until very late 22. 

Biff Tannen

Burnt Ends
5 hours ago, Nice Guy Eddie said:

I've been watching the star wars show, Andor this past week. When they are highlighting the news agencies or politics, it's so apparent which political party is the Empire. Of course, I imagine there is a TexAgs post saying this opposite.

I had this same reaction.  The magats think THEY are the rebels and the Dems are the Empire.  It's out of whack.

Biff Tannen

Burnt Ends
5 hours ago, Nice Guy Eddie said:

(Bad etiquette for a second response to a post. delete post, ban user)

With cameras becoming cheaper and cheaper, and honesty automated drones becoming cheaper and cheaper, intense surveillance will become more common. AI could control the surveillance system, interpret the photos/video and then alert the appropriate folks (police, security or neighborhood watch) when needed. Eventually it will alert SkyNet or Robocop to detain the teenagers hanging out on the dead end street.

 

tumblr_nyo3nqtgMh1tslewgo1_400.gif?ssl=1

StassneyHorn

Legacy Members

 lawyers are charging clients to write fanfic on this board about facefucking children. Just log off for the day already.

Evil Bill Obrien

Full Members
5 hours ago, Nice Guy Eddie said:

(Bad etiquette for a second response to a post. delete post, ban user)

With cameras becoming cheaper and cheaper, and honesty automated drones becoming cheaper and cheaper, intense surveillance will become more common. AI could control the surveillance system, interpret the photos/video and then alert the appropriate folks (police, security or neighborhood watch) when needed. Eventually it will alert SkyNet or Robocop to detain the teenagers hanging out on the dead end street.

 

Won't be long before some state rep/senator in this nanny State files a bill allowing police to take action on "pre-crime" and it will get traction...

Brisketexan

Legacy Members
 lawyers are charging clients to write fanfic on this board about facefucking children. Just log off for the day already.

I mean…the guy literally filed a public document in court admitting he broke the law…and has not only faced zero consequences, but is the most powerful official in the state.
So, yeah, take your pick. He could slaughter a puppy, overcook a steak, cheat at cards, beat a grandmother senseless, what have you….his numbers would never go down.

Chad Fuck

Legacy Members
5 minutes ago, Brisketexan said:


I mean…the guy literally filed a public document in court admitting he broke the law…and has not only faced zero consequences, but is the most powerful official in the state.
So, yeah, take your pick. He could slaughter a puppy, overcook a steak, cheat at cards, beat a grandmother senseless, what have you….his numbers would never go down.

Shoot someone in broad daylight on Congress Avenue.  

 

StassneyHorn

Legacy Members
(edited)

Jesus Christ

Edited by StassneyHorn

StassneyHorn

Legacy Members
6 minutes ago, Brisketexan said:


I mean…the guy literally filed a public document in court admitting he broke the law…and has not only faced zero consequences, but is the most powerful official in the state.
So, yeah, take your pick. He could slaughter a puppy, overcook a steak, cheat at cards, beat a grandmother senseless, what have you….his numbers would never go down.

No just shut the fuck up about facefucking children you goddamn weirdo

Brisketexan

Legacy Members
No just shut the fuck up about facefucking children you goddamn weirdo

Cool. But he still has your support, right?
And the punchline is, there’s plenty of facefucking of children happening in this state as we speak. Just check in on an evangelical church youth pastor - fully protected by Paxton, of course.
I just used an example of the most depraved crime I could think of. Or, as a Republican youth pastor would call it, “a pretty good Tuesday night.”

Biff Tannen

Burnt Ends

Stassney’s not on board

StassneyHorn

Legacy Members
2 hours ago, Brisketexan said:


Cool. But he still has your support, right?
And the punchline is, there’s plenty of facefucking of children happening in this state as we speak. Just check in on an evangelical church youth pastor - fully protected by Paxton, of course.
I just used an example of the most depraved crime I could think of. Or, as a Republican youth pastor would call it, “a pretty good Tuesday night.”

I have been speaking out against Paxton on this board and past iterations of Surly while your comfortable ass was still voting up and down for Republicans like clockwork.

Anastasis

Certifiably Surly
5 hours ago, StassneyHorn said:

 lawyers are charging clients to write fanfic on this board about facefucking children. Just log off for the day already.

What a world. 

Biff Tannen

Burnt Ends
1 hour ago, StassneyHorn said:

I have been speaking out against Paxton on this board and past iterations of Surly while your comfortable ass was still voting up and down for Republicans like clockwork.

Aren’t you like 32?

Pato del Muerto

Certifiably Surly
6 hours ago, Brisketexan said:


I mean…the guy literally filed a public document in court admitting he broke the law…and has not only faced zero consequences, but is the most powerful official in the state.
So, yeah, take your pick. He could slaughter a puppy, overcook a steak, cheat at cards, beat a grandmother senseless, what have you….his numbers would never go down.

Get caught RED HANDED with wire cutters in his vehicle

wildcat09

Full Members

Is Brisket Judd Stone? 

StassneyHorn

Legacy Members
16 hours ago, Biff Tannen said:

Aren’t you like 32?

36 and been posting since 04

Evil Bill Obrien

Full Members
15 hours ago, StassneyHorn said:

36 and been posting since 04

Thinking Think GIF by Rodney Dangerfield

dunno if that's the flex you think it is dawg

StassneyHorn

Legacy Members

No its perfectly reasonable for 14 and 15 year olds in high school to view rivals, scout and Hornfans when VY was playing in BCS bowls. Hell its the only thing the Football board talked about until three years ago.

theaveragejon

Legacy Members
8 hours ago, sasquatch69 said:

Anyone rejoicing when Tinderholt announced his retirement from the Leg should have known better.  O'Hare's scheming continues, following the ridiculous Tarrant County redistricting plan that passed yesterday. https://www.keranews.org/politics/2025-06-03/republican-tony-tinderholt-running-for-tarrant-county-commissioners-court

This fucking elite toucher. I think he was one of if not originator of Texas’ abortion bill. Married multiple times (five) and I think is a lady abuser. 

pacman

Burnt Ends

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tesla-shareholders-face-staggering-hurdle-103045210.html

Quote

The change took effect May 15 and requires an investor or group of investors to hold 3% of the electric vehicle maker's stock "to institute or maintain a derivative proceeding," CNBC reported. Tesla's market cap is $1.123 trillion, so a plaintiff would have to own shares worth $33.7 billion.

Quote

The change was enabled by a Texas law that "allows corporations to limit shareholder lawsuits against insiders for breach of fiduciary duty," the outlet added. 

 

Nice Guy Eddie

Certifiably Surly
29 minutes ago, pacman said:

the small govt side wants to limit the ability for individuals to have any say in how their investments are run. Very nice of them.

I've assumed that Abbott is willing to do whatever Elon wants because SpaceX and Tesla would be big wins for Abbott's planned Texas Stock Exchange.

Remember how poorly the Texas Gold Depository has performed, and how Abbott promised how that would change how people/orgs store their gold, silver, etc. Spoiler alert, from all sources the Texas Bullion Depository has been an unmitigated disaster for the state with less than 10% of expected reserves deposited. 

Brisketexan

Legacy Members
Just now, Nice Guy Eddie said:

Remember how poorly the Texas Gold Depository has performed, and how Abbott promised how that would change how people/orgs store their gold, silver, etc. Spoiler alert, from all sources the Texas Bullion Depository has been an unmitigated disaster for the state with less than 10% of expected reserves deposited. 

Don't fret.  We gotta have something in place and operating for when the gold from, umm, (((other sources))) who are deemed disloyal to the Regime, gets freed up.  Just gotta stick to the plan...

51APZ4001ML._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg

bluto

Certifiably Surly

Gotta love the tough on immigration Texas GOP letting another session roll on… and giving the double bird to requiring employers to use e-verify. Literally the easiest thing they could do to help stem the demand side of the equation, and nah. 

Firemans4Horn

Legacy Members

APD, still pro-fascist

 


 

Biff Tannen

Burnt Ends

Saturday gonna be lit. I’m bringing towels and water and masks in case this shit happens again. 

GreenspointTexas

Certifiably Surly

Yup, looks like this may go as big as George Floyd protests?

 

man, we were already on tenuous ground but this gives people an excuse to show their hatred for the administration. This week is gonna be crazy

SubliminalHorn

Certifiably Surly
9 hours ago, GreenspointTexas said:

Yup, looks like this may go as big as George Floyd protests?

 

man, we were already on tenuous ground but this gives people an excuse to show their hatred for the administration. This week is gonna be crazy

I think that’s what the fucker is trying to prevent. On my list of differentials as to why that fucker is sending in the NG and marines is that he desperately wants to prevent another summer 2020 which severely damaged his presidency. He probably thinks if he can stop it in its tracks now in LA, then it won’t spread. But he’s about to find out 

Eskimohorn

Legacy Members
I think that’s what the fucker is trying to prevent. On my list of differentials as to why that fucker is sending in the NG and marines is that he desperately wants to prevent another summer 2020 which severely damaged his presidency. He probably thinks if he can stop it in its tracks now in LA, then it won’t spread. But he’s about to find out 

BLM protests and clashes largely help GOP win elections. This is part of his playbook now. His inept response to covid, the resulting economic collapse and him getting covid led to his loss.

SubliminalHorn

Certifiably Surly
1 minute ago, Eskimohorn said:


BLM protests and clashes largely help GOP win elections. This is part of his playbook now. His inept response to covid, the resulting economic collapse and him getting covid led to his loss.

Not so sure about that. I don’t remember where I saw it, but the article basically said that the 2020 protests helped Biden. I still think he is desperate to stop them now and show how tough he is because as they grow, he looks worse. Which in itself is dangerous because he’s capable of literally anything when it comes to his narcissism. 

Eskimohorn

Legacy Members
Not so sure about that. I don’t remember where I saw it, but the article basically said that the 2020 protests helped Biden. I still think he is desperate to stop them now and show how tough he is because as they grow, he looks worse. Which in itself is dangerous because he’s capable of literally anything when it comes to his narcissism. 

Stop them? He’s starting them, then escalating. Makes it easier to declare emergencies.

Chad Fuck

Legacy Members
I think that’s what the fucker is trying to prevent. On my list of differentials as to why that fucker is sending in the NG and marines is that he desperately wants to prevent another summer 2020 which severely damaged his presidency. He probably thinks if he can stop it in its tracks now in LA, then it won’t spread. But he’s about to find out 

He’s not trying to prevent it. He’s trying to provoke it.
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