While I was at the 2015 THSC Homeschool Conference in The Woodlands, I had the pleasure of meeting Tom Glass, fellow Aggie and husband of Kathie Glass, who was running as the Libertarian candidate for Texas Governor that year. Mr. Glass shared some personal perspectives on “Texas Tactics” in politics which I found humorous and insightful. They’ve stuck with me!
With your indulgence I’ll pass those along this week (paraphrased, of course).
The “Alamo” Tactic
A noble and valiant politician goes up against powerful opposition knowing that he is out-manned and out-provisioned. He can’t win, but he hopes to buy time by debate, investigations, and/or fillibusters. The end result will not be affected by his efforts. He will “go down in flames,” but comforts himself that he will have lost with honor. Still…he loses…and the opposition rolls over what’s left of him like a juggernaut.
If winning is important, this is not a recommended tactic. 😉
The “Goliad” Tactic
A noble and valiant politician is in a tight spot. Overwhelmed by powerful and corrupt opponents, he knows that he is out-manned and out-provisioned, so he surrenders in hopes of minimizing losses even though he knows that the leader of the opposition is vindictive. He tries to compromise with his opponents as they close in for the final blow. When that fails, he appeals to underlings in the same regime, hoping that they might be persuaded to talk their leaders into compromising rather than obliterating the already-suppressed dissenters. Of course, it would be foolish to exchange victory for a compromise, and the underlings were selected by the corrupt leader because they are either equally corrupt or because they are too weak to be any challenge. The end result is not affected by pleas for reason and restraint. The corrupt regime ruthlessly obliterates all opposition. There is small comfort in losing with honor because you still lose…and the opposition rolls over what’s left of you like a juggernaut.
If winning is important, this is also not a recommended tactic. 😉
The “San Jacinto” Tactic
A noble and valiant politician is in a tight spot. He has seen how his powerful and corrupt opponent dealt ruthlessly with anyone who tried to reason, compromise, or appeal to rights and laws. Knowing that he is out-manned and out-provisioned, he waits. Some say that he is running scared in full retreat, but actually he is patiently choosing the time and ground that will work to his best advantage.
The opposition is lulled into a false sense of security, and when they least expect it the trap is sprung!
The end comes quickly. The corrupt regime is exposed and vanquished. Much is restored and much is gained in an amazingly short space of time.
If winning is important, this is a tactic we can learn from. 😉
Wise words and food for thought as we wait to see what happens next on the Road to Revolution!
