Don't Mess with Texas

This one pretty much speaks for itself:

Aug. 21, 2007

Statement by Robert Black, spokesman for Texas Governor Rick Perry, concerning the European Union’s appeal that Texas enact a moratorium on the death penalty:

“230 years ago, our forefathers fought a war to throw off the yoke of a European monarch and gain the freedom of self-determination. Texans long ago decided that the death penalty is a just and appropriate punishment for the most horrible crimes committed against our citizens. While we respect our friends in Europe, welcome their investment in our state and appreciate their interest in our laws, Texans are doing just fine governing Texas.”

Anyone who has ever known a Texan (and I once worked for a company headquartered in Houston, so I've known a lot of them) knows that they don't like being told how to do things in their state. They are both fiercely independent and stubborn about it.

And ya know, I admire that about them.

Now, if only we could transplant some of Governor Perry's backbone into some other Republicans.

And a tip of the hat to Wizbang's newest blogger.