This reminds me of the fact that we have diversity in this country. Different approaches to handling different issues. As an example, in Texas, it is permissible to shoot someone stealing your hubcaps after dark, but it is not permissible to shoot him while stealing your hubcaps during the day. Now most states aren't as enlightened as Texas in dealing with crime (and remember in the DC case above, the man messing with the flag committed a crime and was not stopped by police). But that is okay as other states can set their laws on how to deal with criminals as they wish and get to live with the consequences.

"Don't Mess With Texas" is a state-sponsored anti-littering slogan.

Yeah, it's meant to convey the sense of anti-government independence Texans like to feel (as they cruise down federally-funded roads).

But it's just the above, nothing more.

/despite the TX Guv's recent statements asserting the right to secede from the union. Hell, any state could come up with that. One can only hope that electioneering TX pols come up with something BIGGER to say than, say, insignificant Vermont.