Q&A with Judge Bert Richardson
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American? CITY OF HOUSTON CONTROLLER RONALD C. GREEN: "People around the globe are envious of the enormous opportunities that most Americans have. I believe the greatest advantage we have is the ability to choose our leaders—and our history is rich with brilliant, humane and thoughtful leaders. Democracy is synonymous with America. I am personally proud that I have served my community through elected office. In the larger scheme, I am proud of the ingenuity that defines America: our industrial and commercial strengths, our medical and scientific breakthroughs, our arts and cultural geniuses. As an African-American, I take special pride in that heritage and the many individual accomplishments made to this country by those of my race who came before me."
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American? JUDGE BERT RICHARDSON: "I am proud to be American because of the many opportunities we are afforded as citizens of this great country in so many different ways. To the person who is willing to work hard, obtain an education, the opportunities are limitless. These are opportunities not readily available in other parts of the world. While my father had a successful military career, he and my mother both started their own business in the fine art industry after that career and have one of the most successful fine art galleries in San Antonio. My parents made sure that each of their children obtained college degrees geared towards helping us gain employment and support our families. These are blessings many take for granted, but given my occupation as a former State and federal prosecutor and judge, I am constantly aware that others would risk their lives to come to this country just to have those advantages."
Bert Richardson
Q&A with Controller Green
Q&A with Justice Wise AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American? JUSTICE KEN WISE: "I am proud to be an American but even more than that I am so grateful to God for being born an American. No other country in the world gives its citizens the freedom we enjoy. The freedom to worship as we choose, build a business, raise a family, and do it all without a government directing how it is to be done is a precious state of affairs. I am proud of my country and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a small part of her government."
Q&A with Comptroller Elect Hegar Q&A with Congressman Brady AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American? CONGRESSMAN KEVIN BRADY: “I first understood why I’m proud of being American from my mom. In 1967, my world changed when dad took on a difficult case for our local church. While helping an elderly woman escape an abusive marriage, we were repeatedly threatened. Mom even learned to use a gun, just in case. When the trial started, this angry man burst into the courtroom, killed his wife, killed my father and shot the judge – who thankfully lived. His actions left our mom to raise five children by herself – ages 14 to 3. I tell you this because being an American is about making my fiercely independent and determined mother proud. She kept five kids on the straight and narrow with a good offense. She had us serving our community from morning to night. For me, it was Boy Scouts, altar boy at two churches, year-round sports and student government. In our community, if a club or activity existed, it was a good bet you’d find a Brady kid there. She taught each of us to be independent, optimistic, to have faith in God and to give back. Everything I am. Everything I know about being an American, I owe my mom.”
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American? TEXAS COMPTROLLER ELECT GLENN HEGAR: "I am extremely proud of the millions of soldiers that have put their country before themselves, all in order to defend these fought after liberties. Not only have they protected our freedom, they have also fought to defend the safety and freedom of millions all around the world. Our Founding Fathers ensured that everyone is entitled to unalienable rights given to them by God, and no one is allowed to infringe on these rights of ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is because of this that I am proud to be an American and a Texan."
Q&A with Attorney Roberts AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American? ATTORNEY SEAN ROBERTS: "I am proud to be an American because we strive to provide opportunities to succeed to anyone willing to work hard enough to achieve their goals."