The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
As a Bandera Democrat, I want to thank the gentleman who took the time and effort to remove red paint from the TXDOT sign designating a stretch of road cleaned periodically by the Bandera Democratic Party. No matter his motivation, it was an act of decency performed by a member of an opposition political party. It reminded many of us that we may disagree on issues, but we are all members of this county and can work together for the common good. In that regard, the coat drive recently conducted by different groups in this county, including the Democratic and Republican Parties, also serves as a positive model. Those who will be warmer this week as the chill sets in, probably could care less if they are wearing a Democrat or Republican coat….the reality is it’s a warm coat. That is the good in my title.
The bad, the second part of the title, is defined by the words of the former President in Conroe last week. He made clear if he again gains power he’s going after anyone who does not kneel in worship to his flawed vision of America. This threat was echoed by ex Speaker of the House, Newt Ginrich; current minority leader in the House, Kevin McCarthy; and Texas Senator Ted Cruz. The threat targets those investigating the failed insurrection last January at the Capital. If the Republicans regain power, these Republican zealots said, those currently fulfilling their legal obligations of investigation will be targets for jail time.
Many citizens were stunned by these threats, wondering if this is what our democracy has come to. Senator Lindsey Graham, a usual MAGA sycophant, made the mistake of saying he thought Trump’s words were “inappropriate”. Within twenty four hours he was being attacked as a RINO (Republican in Name Only). The message was clear. NO ONE criticizes the emperor. NO ONE. Thus the second part of the title.
The third part, the ugly, is something I feel many readers are unaware of, and was reported to me by a friend driving into Bandera from San Antonio early in the week. At the interchange of Hwy 46 and Bandera Road, there’s space often used by citizens selling goods. On this day, a man had two tables loaded with Trump signs, caps, and flags set up. Nothing wrong with that. However the sign, spanning ten to twelve feet, attached to the table, very visible from the road stated: F--- Biden. That’s ugly. It’s insulting “in your face” provocation that doesn’t belong in Bandera County or any other decent community in this country.
So in content we have three different and distinct manners of behavior. Which part or parts do you associate with? As a long time member of the Bandera County community, I know which I subscribe to. And I don’t think I’m alone.
Gary Moore, Bandera County resident, is a Texas State University graduate, former English and football coach, journalist, script writer and photographer.