As Texans, we’ve learned to temper our expectations for state lawmakers.

Mystique

Regarding “Myths die hard” (Page B15, Sunday), the suggestion that it’s time for “the straightshooting, straight-talking Texas cowboy to ride into the 21st century” may be a bit premature, at least at this point in time.

The myths that have persisted about Texas over the years such as everyone wearing guns as well as everyone having an oil well in their front yard along with many others still add a lot of color and a bit of mystique to our great state.

I can remember several years ago while working overseas when people would ask where I was from. When I would tell someone whom I had just met that I was from the U.S., it might cause one to raise an eyebrow. Seeing people’s reaction when finding out I was from Texas could be almost amusing at times.

Your editorial quite correctly points out that people are coming to Texas for “jobs and a more affordable way of life.” Stephen Klineberg whom you quote states that there is a reluctance in Texas to “give up the imagery, romance and nostalgia of the 19th century.” Count me in that group of people.

John M. Massey, Dodge

Unrepresented

I agree that the outdated stereotypes that define Texas for the rest of the world do not accurately depict most Texans today. Unfortunately, we have no chance of changing that image, because violent, lawless, obsessed with guns and reluctant to give up a 19th century mentality is a perfect description of the people in charge.

As a politically moderate citizen with no tendencies toward paranoia, I feel completely unrepresented by the politicians who run my state. And as long as we have a system that allows a small, extremist minority and their lobbyists to buy the votes of our elected officials, there is very little hope of that changing.

It was the extremist minority’s irrational fear of Texas being seized and controlled that led to the absurd plan of having Texas State Guard monitor our own military.

It is sadly ironic that many Texans feel that scenario has already happened; our state has been seized and is under the control of politicians who are paying no attention to the opinions of the majority of its citizens. Maybe that paranoid mentality isn’t that irrational after all. Susan Ellis Brittain,

Houston

Strong beliefs

I don’t think these beliefs about Texas are just myths.

I am a 68-year-old, fourth-generation proud Texan, but when our elected leaders send the Texas Guard to “watch” the U.S. military, support open carry of handguns, want to allow handguns on college campuses and send the National Guard to monitor a border problem that does not exist and is the responsibility of the Border Patrol, I feel ashamed of our government.

Obviously, however, the majority of Texas voters support this bizarre thinking and behavior. Where are all of the level-headed voters?

Wayne W. Fluke, Stafford