The People Have Spoken

The votes are tallied and Election 2008 has been dubbed as historic. Americans want change and they voiced that desire in the voting booths across this great country. I am excited about what lies ahead. This election's outcome was closely watched by the world and by electing Barack Obama we, the people, have shown the world that we are not an antiquated entity. We are changing and moving forward.

Now, Texas, on the other hand has disappointed me. Both U.S. Senator Cornyn and U.S. Congressman Thornberry retained their seats even though both voted for the bailout package. I was hopeful that Texans would send a strong message to these two Republican incumbents, but it did not happen. I was also hopeful that the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals would be shaken up a bit. It desperately needs reform. Matter of fact, in almost every race in Texas, the incumbent took the prize and that incumbent was Republican. Does this mean that the majority of Texans are content with how affairs are in this state and country? Or does it mean that the majority of Texans are complacent? Or does it mean that the majority of Texans are extremely loyal to the Republican Party? Or am I being too harsh on my adopted state?

Interestingly, in both Jones and Taylor Counties the Obama/Biden ticket won only 26% of the vote. Statewide, Obama and Biden received 43.7% of the votes. Countrywide, they received 52% of the votes. Nationwide, 67% of Latinos voted for Obama/Biden and 92% of African Americans did. The young vote and the woman's vote also were in favor of Obama/Biden. So why the low percentages in my area? Obviously the majority of Texans in my area have a different mind set from the majority of Texans, as well as the majority of Americans. Again, I wonder why this is. Is it because it is primarily a rural area? Is it because of the presence of Dyess?

Perhaps my amazement in how my fellow Texans voted in the races is because prior to moving to Texas 2 1/2 years ago, I spent the previous fourteen years in a liberal and culturally diverse college town. In any case, it appears I am not a Texan....yet.