Editor’s Note: Since the historic election of Donald Trump on November 8, 2016, there has been endless talk of Russian collusion as if no one in America ever cast a vote for the man. Liberty Nation National Correspondent Sarah Cowgill spent the last week traversing a section of the country known as fly-over country to see what folks are saying about POTUS 45 and his policies. In this first part of her exclusive five-part series, Sarah takes us deep into the heart of Texas and Oklahoma.
In the heartland of America are two states that are home to cattle barons and oil magnates, Texas and Oklahoma. Numbers 28 and 46, respectively in admission dates to the Republic, have fed a long bitter college sports feud that rivals the Democrat and Republican Parties. The main difference is that when Friday night lights are extinguished, the fight is left on the field, and citizens go about the business of being Patriots for a country beloved.
I was in, as George Straight sang, “Amarillo by morning,” and opted to drop by a truck stop plaza for a hearty, homestyle breakfast and local conversation.
The television mounted high above the coffee bar was tuned to Fox News, and the story was growing tensions with North Korea. The waitress, a twenty-something with a name tag that read Cassidy, bustled around filling coffee cups and clearing dishes from the morning rush. Happily discussing the status of political dodgeball were a group of three men dressed in a uniform type button down shirt and khaki pants and being an investigative snoop, I nosed into their conversation and began asking questions about the security of the nation.
All three agreed to talk on the record if their employer remained unaware. So, we’ll just call them by their first names: Juan, Kevin, and Derek. All three are employees of a local business that maintains uniforms, welcome mats, and first aid cabinets for small enterprises in the city. With friendly smiles and the smell of bacon and sausage in the air, I asked these kind gentlemen the first of two questions; Is our country safe under the current administration?
Kevin, 51, a decorated Marine from Desert Storm, jumped right in. “For the first time in a long time, I think we are on the right track with punching up our military and having a president and cabinet that aren’t afraid of being tough.”
Juan, 26, nodded in agreement adding, “The last administration wouldn’t even name the enemy. At least we have a man not afraid of being politically correct,” at which Derek, 22, chimed in with, “Yeah, he relates to us. Not the city-dwellers or the out of touch Californians. We bust ass out here to earn a paycheck.”
Next, I asked if a border wall was a necessity in the current climate of advanced technology. And this was met with a resounding and unanimous “YES!” So, it seemed that no further comments were necessary.
Texas County, Oklahoma (don’t ask) is a conservative bastion in the middle of nowhere also known as No Man’s Land. With a population of 21,000 locals and a few migrant families (which equates to ten people per square mile), Texas County vociferously supports President Trump’s agenda.
In the immediate past presidential election, 58% voted Republican. And even with incessant news reports of Russia collusion, North Korea rhetoric, and now a transgender military ban, farmers and ranchers who dominate the local economy are unwavering and unapologetic in their commitment to their president.
My quest for more political commentary from those in fly-over country, landed me in Guymon, Oklahoma, at the Budget Inn and Suites on the main drag. Lalit Himanshu, a first-generation American, is the proprietor and general manager of the establishment and owner of the onsite restaurant and bar, “Wise Guys.” Lalit was just as forthcoming in his opinions as my three friendly diners. And in thick, Indian accented English, Mr. Himanshu explained how proud he was to have voted in the recent elections for president, and why he, too, supported and still supports President Trump.
“This [Trump] is a man who wishes for America to succeed. To be respected once again,” Himanshu stated. “If the Congress will help, he will bring back economies that this part of America has suffered by their loss. He is a good and honorable man, let him help us.”
Like many in this recessed area who do not trust the federal government to do right by those who live in the middle of the country, Lalit added, “Mr. Trump is the first to understand what we need -- “and I support him 100%.”
As suspected, it is not hard to find Trump supporters in the Panhandle, whether Caucasian, Hispanic, or newly minted Indian-American. I couldn’t wait to blow into Kansas and see what they had to opine about the state of the Union. More on that tomorrow.
In Part Two tomorrow Sarah travels to New Mexico for a story you won’t want to miss.
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