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The best thing about San Antonio, I would offer, is the people here. They are largely Hispanic, but speak English, and are right proud of it. I could also mention the heat, but it is hot anywhere you go in summertime. Seriously! Folks, it can be hot in Indianapolis, or Minneapolis, or Oklahoma City, or Springfield, Missouri. I've been to all those places in both the summer and the winter, as well as Boise and West Virginia. It just plain gets hot, and San Antonio is only different in that it stays that way. Now, as to the people, you start to understand why in Mexico they take a "siesta" during the afternoon. They will work in the morning, eat a good meal, and relax while it is hot. Then, after a nap, or a rest, they will do some work in the later evening hours.

Here in San Antonio, the people are largely from Mexico, though they are 2nd and 3rd, and possibly 10th generation. Their language is English, and their culture is "Tejano", or "Tex-Mex". There are many aspects of their culture that is hard to learn, but, over time, and with a deep affection for them, one can do so. There is a French phrase that goes "lassie faire", or "whatever will be, will be", and somehow, these people have adopted that attitude. It was both the domestic and foreign policy of the United States for years, in the late 19th and 20th century. But what it means, in real, everyday life, is to let others be, as you are also left free. It's not that things don't get done, because they do, but the point is to enjoy life. If you want to work, work. If you want to eat, eat. If you want to sleep, sleep. If you want to play, play. But don't tell others what they should and should not do, and neither should you be told what you should and should not do, as long as you or they are not hurting anyone else. That's the Lone Star State, folks. It may not work for the rest of the country, but it works down here just fine.

This is not to say that anything goes! Far from it. If you are caught drinking and driving, for instance, the sentence will be more than severe. They'll nail you to the wall. If you are not wearing a seat belt, even as a passenger, they'll most certainly pull you over, and write you a ticket. And if it is the cop's grandmother, he'd probably do the same thing. Maybe not, but you get some idea of the severity of the laws here. However, there is something about the attitude of the people in this locality that denies the possibility of a police state, which has been such an issue for those

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