The Real Motivation Behind Texan Independence

I wholeheartedly encourage you to spend time after 7 PM CST with PBS; imo, you’ll learn more from this look at history regardless whose history is portrayed than you will with the news. There are several PBS channels; I suspect you’ll learn something by watching ANY of them. Of course, during the month of February, it’s black history every night; however, outside of February, the focus turns to Mexicans, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, etc. You may think you have nothing in common with those folks, but I suspect you’ll find much in common with them. PBS is imo, an amazing resource. You might want to partake sooner than later considering how some politicians don’t like it AT ALL.

Actor John Leguziamo has a multi-part special called “American Historia“, whose focus is Spanish-speaking peoples. Thus, he focuses on both big and little things like the distinction between “Latino” and “Hispanic”. One can see this is a passion project for him, one driven by his heart. Isn’t it amazing that there are people succeeding in aligning their day-to-day work with their heart’s intent? When you look at how much this guy travels for this project or the fancy studio they’re working out of, I think you’ll conclude that this is also big business; there’s a lot of money behind this production.

Leguziamo wasn’t ambiguous in his explanation of why white people in the Texas territory sought independence: They were already there, happy to grow cotton under Mexican law… until Mexico outlawed slavery in 1837. Some Texans’ lives were designed entirely around slave labor; they protested the end of slavery quite loudly. According to Leguziamo, military leader Santa Ana marched to San Antonio in order to discuss how compliance with the law could be enforced. As we already know, the Alamo isn’t known as a place anybody made diplomatic progress. Afterwards, Texans clamored either for independence or for membership in America as a slave state. They also had their eyes on the American Confederacy, which was making efforts to expand westward. As you already know, the incident at the Alamo has always been portrayed as an example of great American heroism. Leguziamo, however, seems to suggest that it’s more accurate to consider it a failure of humanity and a lie perpetrated by those who would sweep their atrocities “under the rug”.

<my point>

These historical events are more than just intriguing factoids; they are insights into the behaviors we see now. Today’s politicians always have some canned worthlessness to share whenever they see a microphone; perhaps, yesterday’s politicians help us to look beyond what they say in an effort to understand their true intent. Considering how 45 appears ready to take us back to 1865, it seems we all need more of this ability to see the truth despite what people say.

</my point>

We’ve all heard of Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad. I even read somewhere that she stone cold murdered anybody traveling with her who chickened out by saying they wanted out. This is what Wikipedia has to say about this:

She carried a revolver as protection from slave catchers and their dogs. Tubman also threatened to shoot anyone who tried to turn back since that would risk the safety of the remaining group, as well as anyone who helped them on the way.^[89][90] Tubman spoke of one man who insisted he was going to go back to the plantation. She pointed the gun at his head and said, “Go on or die.”^[91] Several days later, the man who wavered crossed into Canada with the rest of the group.^[86]

Doesn’t that just make sense? If you think your high-school history textbook covered everything, you just might be a deluded individual! Did you know that a second underground railroad existed, which headed South into Mexico? American POC may have relatives in Mexico because of this! You may want to check out this USC article on this. NPR also covered this part of US history and the fact that US slavers often sent patrols into Mexico to either capture or lure former-slaves out of hiding so they could be captured once again. They came up with lies like “Oh we’re just looking for some stray cows”. The Smithsonian also reports on this with their article and plenty of first-hand accounts you may not find anywhere else.

If you have visited historical sites in Texas, certainly you’ve heard of an organization that politicians seem to love to glorify: the Texas Rangers. It seems the pols like to install huge photos of these folks in offices and state buildings – as if we all should aspire to be like them. Leguziamo, on the other hand, did not mince his words regarding the Texas Rangers. He said that the Rangers were an organization used to fortify the institution of slavery in Texas by (1) hunting down slaves, (2) lynching escapees whether Mexican or black, and (3) dragging people behind horses, perhaps, to send a message. Leguziamo never said they were a terrorist organization; regardless, I’m having difficulty finding a difference.

I am astounded at how much I misunderstood Texas history prior to watching this. Either my formal education in history sucks, or I desperately need to follow it up with insightful stuff like this. You may find yourself in the same situation.

Best,

TD