“Founded in 1989 with the spirit forged in 1836”—that’s what the cornerstone at the Texas Public Policy Foundation says. Of course, 1836 is the year Texas won its independence from Mexico and became a Republic; the year Texas became Texas. What many don’t know, but should, is the spirit of Texas predates the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto and any battle in the Texas Revolution.
The spirit of Texas was forged by a small community of Texian settlers in Gonzales. Fewer than 150 individuals raised the “Come and Take It” flag above their settlement and dared the Mexican government to disarm them—to infringe upon their right to protect themselves. Mexican authorities accepted the dare—and failed. Known as the “Lexington of Texas,” those Gonzales settlers laid the groundwork for the land and the spirit that would become Texas.
At TPPF we use the “Come and Take It” cannon as the inspiration for our daily newsletter. The Cannon is a daily reminder that we will defend our freedoms whenever they’re threatened. We use our platform to fight for the rights of Texans and to be the voice of the people. As the Texian soldiers stood their ground for their God-given rights, TPPF stands for the taxpayers of our great state.
As we celebrate the 184th anniversary of the Battle of Gonzales and the creation of the “Come and Take It” flag, we remember the birth of Texas and the battles it took to create the republic-turned-state. Come and Take It. It’s a dare, a challenge, but mostly, a promise—a promise that we will defend the liberty we cherish, for ourselves and for our families.
Texas is a state of mind and “Come and Take It” is our mantra.