(no subject)

[threeplusfire]

I've always wondered why we are encouraged to celebrate Mexico's independence day, but not the Texas independence day. During my years at the university I remember the annual party sponsored by the YTC (Young Texas Conservatives) as no one else would do it. It often earned the wrath of Mexican American student groups, who railed about the racism, the suffering caused by the Texans who fought against the Mexican government. As if their quest for independence was less pure than the quest by the Mexicans against the Spanish government. I just never understood the business and frankly it irritates me. No movement has ever been pure, except perhaps for Joan of Arc. I think we should acknowledge the mistakes and faults in our histories, but move on and celebrate the idealist goals, try to carry that spirit on and improve. Is that too much to ask? Crikey.

There are dice and mellowcreme pumpkins all over the floor. Cleaning drives me crazy. I put Suicide Kings on to keep me company. Last night I started reading the second book in Cornwell's Arthur epic, Enemy of God. Alan's busy with Sharpe's Rifles and every now and then he stops to read something aloud about rum, or sargents or other interesting bit.

Comments

[lawnrrd]

I am told that one main reason the Texans wanted independence from Mexico was that Mexico was trying to abolish slavery, and the Texans objected. I am, of course, open to correction on this point, but, if true, I think it's a good reason not to celebrate Texas independence day.

Then again, I'm just a bleeding-heart. ;-)

Annnnd no

[auss24.livejournal.com]

Texas fought for independance because they beleived they were fighting for their rights as land owners and beleived that the nation of Mexico was encroaching on those rights.
Basically the Mexicans made what seemed to be some good land deals with settlers and then they all of a sudden became kindof shady.
They pissed enough people off and the rest is history.

Maybe.

[lawnrrd]

There is at least some support for what I said in at least one secondary source. A google search for "slavery texas mexico independence" reveals several others, although many are likely to be the products of revisionist nutjobs.

Still, I'm convinced it was a consideration for the Texans, at least. I don't know whether it was enough of a consideration as to fatally taint the Texan independence movement of that time. I'm a busy guy, and I can't really see how the question affects me, so I'm disinclined to look more closely.

Re: Maybe.

[auss24.livejournal.com]

I woudln't put too much weight on the results from a few quick google searches.
I know that one of the measures that Mexico used in an attempt to drive of settlers was the outlawing of slavery. But ultimately it was the Mexican government's intent to drive people off the land it had already given the settlers ownership of, and not the one tactic used towards that end, that was the reason behind Texas fighting and ultimately gaining it's independance.
I ain't sayin it's pretty. I'm just saying it's a bit of a different picture than you're painting.
So again I say that Texas Independance day is worth celebrating.