President

Texas Standard: January 20, 2017

The 45th president of the United States promises big changes right away, with immigration high on the list, we’ll explore. Also, though many of the new president’s proposals remain rather ambiguous when it comes to detail, we do know how Mr.Trump plans to move forward with what he calls extreme vetting, we’ll break it down. And another big change expected early on: repeal of the affordable care act. Not so fast- we’ll hear why experts think this won’t be as simple a matter as Republicans might wish. And what kind of hat is that? A run on pink yarn points to legacy of craftivism, as women descend on Washington for protest. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Threatening To Leave The Country

When elections don’t go your way, you might be tempted to seek out a change of scenery, perhaps a change of citizenship. But it’s important to remember that you are what makes this country so special. So put down your visa application and look around – this can still be your home.

What It Means to Be a Texas Gentleman

One of my favorite, but now largely unknown speakers in American history was Robert Green Ingersoll. Redwater, Texas was originally named Ingersoll – after him. He was a philosopher and a popular intellectual, the most sought after orator of his time. He left us many fine proverbs. One of my favorites is this:

“The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart.”

Being graceful in victory is easy, but in defeat, to be dignified and composed and still hopeful for a better day, requires deep character.

As the country prepares to make the transition from one president to another, I’m reminded of an example of this kind of rare decency in defeat. It comes from George H. W. Bush. In 1992, he had just lost a bruising presidential campaign to a much younger, far less experienced Bill Clinton. It must have been excruciatingly painful for Mr. Bush. After all, it was said that he had the longest resume in the Western World. How could he lose to someone who was, at least on paper, less qualified for the job? But he accepted his defeat with grace.

As these fine Texans, George and Barbara, were moving out of the White House and the Clintons were soon to move in, George left a letter for Bill on the Oval Office desk. It has received a good deal of attention online over the past months, but it is a remarkable testimony to good character and it certainly deserves a re-reading. The letter is dated January 20, 1993. It says:

Dear Bill,

When I walked into this office just now I felt the same sense of wonder and respect that I felt four years ago. I know you will feel that, too.

I wish you great happiness here. I never felt the loneliness some Presidents have described.

There will be very tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think is fair. I’m not a very good one to give advice; but just don’t let the critics discourage you or push you off course.

You will be our President when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well.

Your success now is our country’s success. I am rooting hard for you.

Good Luck – George

Texans have long valued a true southern gentleman. If anyone ever needs a clear definition of what that means, have them read this letter from George H. W. Bush to Bill Clinton.

Texas Standard: December 20, 2016

The assassination of a symbol of the old order. The rise of populist nationalism. Can history help us, or are we kidding ourselves? We’ll explore. Also events in the US, Turkey and Germany this week have millions turning to the past to help make sense of the future. A Texas-based scholar will try to help us make sense of the search for historic parallels. Plus deja vu in Corpus Christi. The latest water ban and by no means the first. As the taps reopen, out come the lawsuits and recriminations. We’ll have the latest. And charitable giving for political access. A Texas based group with ties to the future President comes under fire…those stories and a whole lot more, today on the Texas Standard:

Unity

It’s been a long year and a long week, no matter how you voted on Election Day. We are all tired, and starting to look towards the future. It’s worth remembering that even though we may have different points of view – in the end, we are all humans.

Texas Standard: November 10, 2016

Is governor Perry going to Washington after all? Why the president elect may be looking to Texas to fill some top jobs, we’ll explore. Also, a prominent congressman from Texas tells us the Senate should kill the filibuster. Not that there’s no precedent for such a rule change, as Senate democrats may recall. Plus Wendy Davis tells us this week’s vote stands for something perhaps less obvious: the need for a new focus on education. We’ll hear her explanation and the potential for a democrat challenge to Ted Cruz in 2018. And tips for your weekend getaway, how to eat tacos and write about them too and much more, today on the Texas Standard:

Vote

Today is the last day of early voting in Texas, and next Tuesday is Election Day. Forget the candidates, forget the talking heads on cable news, forget the social media arguments – remember that part of what makes our country special is our right to vote. No matter who you tick the box for, make sure you get your voice heard.

Undecided Voters

With 59 days left to the 2016 Presidential Election, most people have had their decision made for several months. But there are hold-outs – some are still researching issues and exploring their options. This poem is for the ones who dare to wait.

The Race Has Gotten Ugly

We’ve been hearing from presidential hopefuls for nearly three years now. It’s 2016, and here we are counting down to the general election. Tensions are high and lines have been drawn. The one thing we can all agree on: things are getting ugly.

Contested Convention

All the political hubbub around picking the 2016 electoral candidates at statewide conventions, like the one happening in San Antonio next week, is what inspired Typewriter Rodeo’s David Fruchter to write this week’s poem.

Texas Standard: March 2, 2016

In the electoral wrecking ball of 2016, the Texas establishment emerges largely unscathed. But there’s more than meets the eye–we’ll explore. Happy Texas Independence Day! We’ll break apart the winners and losers all across the state, and what the outcomes tells us about who we are and where we’re headed politically. Also it could be one of the most significant abortion cases in years—a case from Texas–gets an audience before the 8 justices of the supreme court. In a post Scalia era…what happens if there’s a draw? Those stories and so much more, it’s a busy news day on the Texas Standard:

Ode to Candidate Drop-Outs

Every election year, there are candidates who decide to leave the race before it’s over. That was the inspiration for Typewriter Rodeo’s Kari Anne Roy as she wrote this week’s poem.

Texas Standard: December 1, 2015

Ted Cruz wants to be President. Born in the USA? Not exactly. Natural born citizen? Who be the judge? You be. Also- a terrorist army raking in half a billion a year from oil. What’s the best strategy for capping a gusher? A potential vacancy raises the question of whether the NBA’s ready for its first female coach. Chances are very good she’ll be from Texas by the way. And a top legal scholar declares a Judicial emergency in Texas federal courthouses. Those stories and lots more on todays Texas Standard: