Texas conservatives like to cultivate an image of the state as a frontier of rugged individualism and unbridled capitalism. But it is also the land of the Cowboy Strike and the Texas People’s Party, a contested terrain with an often overlooked history of radical politics. That’s what writer and Austin native David Griscom brings to light in his new book, The Myth of Red Texas. This week, we talk to him about some of the stories he uncovered — and the lessons they provide for the state’s present and future.
Also: the latest on the post-Callais redistricting frenzy across the South; the federal prosecution of the Southern Poverty Law Center; and a Tennessee school system bans Alex Haley’s Roots.
Plus: Georgia artist Amy Sherald brings her exhibition American Sublime to Atlanta, after withdrawing it fro the politicized National Portrait Gallery.
Show Notes:
The Myth of Red Texas David Griscom
David Griscom bio
“Supreme Court halts order for Alabama to use US House map with 2 largely Black districts” Associated Press
“Tuberville casts doubt on Alabama redistricting” The Hill
“US Supreme Court Reverses Mississippi Redistricting Order That Led to End of GOP Supermajority” Mississippi Free Press “South Carolina governor calls for a special session on redistricting” NBC News
“South Carolina House backs congressional map favoring GOP but bill faces a more skeptical Senate” Associated Press
“Federal Grand Jury Charges Southern Poverty Law Center for Wire Fraud, False Statements, and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering” U.S. Department of Justice
“Headlights, Episode 8: Watering the Roots”
“SPLC Files Motions Arguing Trump Administration Officials Made False Statements Related to Informant Program” Southern Poverty Law Center
“The Politically Motivated Indictment of Southern Poverty Law Center” Lawfare
“Tennessee school district bans Alex Haley’s Roots under 2022 state law” The Guardian
“Amy Sherald: American Sublime” High Museum of Art
“Amy Sherald Cancels Her Smithsonian Show, Citing Censorship” The New York Times