Every school child in Texas knows the story of the Alamo. Certainly native Texans Rick Perry and David Dewhurst must know it.
And yet, they ignore its lessons.
More below the puff of orange smoke.
Most of us know the story, at least the bare bones of it. In 1836 a ragtag group of a couple hundred defenders holed up in an old Spanish mission turned fortress held off a besieging Mexican army led by Mexican president and General Santa Anna for thirteen days. The Mexicans finally overran the Texian defenders, killing them all in the process. When news of the slaughter spread throughout Texas it galvanized the Texians, spurring many of them to join the fight against Santa Anna. Less than seven weeks after the Battle of the Alamo, Santa Anna was defeated at the Battle of San Jacinto, ending the Texas Revolution and securing Texas' independence from Mexico.
It's worth remembering that the Texas Revolution started as a reaction against unpopular legislation (some of which involved immigration, by the way).
There are parallels here between the Alamo and the current situation in the Texas Legislature. Unpopular legislation is being rammed down the throats of the people of Texas. A small group of defenders is holding off a much superior force and so far keeping them at bay. Unfortunately, it is likely that eventually the defenders will be overwhelmed and the superior forces will win the battle. (If I'm wrong and this never happens, I'll be happy to eat my words.)
In winning the battle, though, Perry, Dewhurst and the GOP run a huge risk of losing the war. Popular sentiment is already turning against them, and if their ham-handed tactics accelerate that movement, they could find themselves out on the streets come the next election.
And then, as always, the Democrats will be left to clean up the mess.
So, people of Texas, when you face the fight ahead in the second special session, remember the Alamo! But just as important, remember San Jacinto.