I made a terrible blunder this morning in Cheers and Jeers. I called Texas "hell". Here's the thread:
I also offended several of my good friends here on Daily Kos, one of which I have met in person and admire greatly.
I thought that because many of the people who would read this comment knew that I grew up--partly--in Texas and partly in New England, that they would see this as the snark it was. I was sorely mistaken.
Over the fold for my explanation:
I went to High School in Texas. I came back after college and even spent a year in graduate school at the University of Houston. I went away again, and came back to Texas--Houston, in specific. My mother, my brother and his family and many friends live in Austin. I spent most of last Winter in Austin. I thought I was going to move back, for personal reasons. The smell after a rain reminded me of walking home from school. But I couldn't stay. I couldn't take it. I did not recognize Texas any more. I had been away ten years by last fall.
I built my career in Texas. I did a lot of things in Texas--some of which I am proud of, and several things I am not proud of. I don't hate Texas. I LOVE Texas. However, if I lived there, I would have the same criticisms of Texas. Texas is unhinged. For me, it HAD become "hell". That does not, however, make it right what I wrote. At first, in that post above, I wanted to say "Mississippi" and then I thought "No, commonmass, you can only say that about a state you have really lived in, that you really know". So I did. In the process, I offended everyone.
I have family in Texas. I have friends in Texas. As I said, I LOVE Texas. I just don't recognize it any more.
I am sorry that I hurt people's feelings. I shouldn't have done it. I should simply keep it to myself.
Specifically, I want to apologize to mjbleo and triciawyse who were really offended.
I worked hard in Texas in the 90's. I was a Precinct Captain, even, and an election judge once. My first boyfriend works in a high position for the Mayor of Houston. I have such fond memories of Texas. It's just that I want to keep them that way.
Truce?