On March 2, 1836, sixty Texas leaders gathered at Washington-on-the-Brazos. There they crafted the Texas Declaration of Independence, separating from Mexico and creating an independent nation.
In the intervening years, their names have faded from popular memory, but they were political titans of their day. Same is true for the governor of 1910, Thomas Mitchell Campbell. Under his administration, the railroads were regulated, prisons reformed and state taxes overhauled. We have mostly forgotten his name, but his legacy — the principles by which he governed — survive to this day.
The personalities we so passionately support for elected office will similarly fade from memory, but the principles by which we vote and they govern will have a lasting impact on Texas.
Reasonable people can — and will — differ on which candidates best practically promote their shared principles. What we must remain united on is the need for greater individual liberty, freedom of the market, low taxes, sensible regulations, clearer transparency and strict public accountability.
Let us resolve on this Texas Independence Day to work within the body politic every day for an even brighter Lone Star State.
