I grew up in Virginia and North Carolina, two original colonies with some badass histories. Compared to Texas, the residents of those states seem to have very little state pride, and they express no real identity in being "Virginians" or "North Carolinians."
So when I moved to Texas in 1994, I actually was impressed with the amount of pride and identity in being a Texan. I was enamored with Texas history and what still seemed like a sense of frontier independence. I'm not sure if back then or even today you could call me a "Texan" (my wife born and raised in Austin tells me I can't truly claim that title), but for about my first decade living here, I was damn proud to claim this state as my home, even as the Democratic strength and influence in Texas politics was evaporating.
Now? Now Texas is just another red state. Passing all the red state laws, sometimes trying to lead, mostly desperately following. And there is little to nothing recognizably Texan in our State's leadership (Danny Goeb, I'm taking to you). I haven't felt pride in being a Texan in quite some time.
So you go on and celebrate Texas Independence Day, sonny, and stop wasting my time. Because to tell you the truth,