Texas vs. California: A History of Their Struggle for the Future of America

Texas and California offer two opposing possibilities for the political, economic and cultural life of the nation and Miller does an excellent job of laying out the details. As a native Californian, as well as a long-term resident of Texas, I can certainly appreciate both sides of this ongoing debate about the direction the nation’s future might take—and especially the discussion of the many fronts on which California has led the way (well, the “blue way”).I have written two books about California myself and have found, as has Miller, that the ways in which California has routinely broken new ground in the life of the nation continue to be intriguing, if not always popular (like with Texans, for example). I have uncovered many California firsts in my own studies of the state, and Miller, in the course of discussing politics, economics and culture in California and Texas, draws the reader’s attention to many more. Well worth the read.

This is an excellent book on the similarities and differences between the two most competitive states in the U.S. Miller has done an outstanding job of detailing the histories of Texas and California, documenting their similar demographic makeups, and tracking their histories on economic, social, and cultural philosophies. How two states with such similar early histories with Spain and Mexico could be so different politically is detailed in a very intelligent and thorough research manner by Miller. This is a book that would be interesting for those on the left, right and smack dab in the middle of the political spectrum. It is an academic book but worth the read even for the non-research-oriented reader.

Texas red and California blue.

This book is an amalgamation of the differences between California and Texas. The interesting metaphor is the Mexican cultural similarities between each state.

This is a fabulous book, very much grounded in Justice Brandeis’ famous description of the United States as a compilation of state “laboratories.” Miller captures the many similarities between the two states’ origins but then meticulously describes how each evolved into stereotype that exists today. As a Native Texan, I can attest that Miller understands our evolution well (and puts together a few pieces of the political puzzle that I had missed), but it was absolutely fascinating to learn how California became the blue state it is today — and why it is far more likely to stay blue as opposed to the hints of “purple” now showing up in Texas.Further, the energy industry is watching Silicon Valley no longer merely content with providing it tools to be more effective, but now instead becoming its greatest competitor. There are many stories we Texans can tell ourselves about why or how this is happening, but without a thorough understanding of our new competitor, it is unlikely that we can learn, adapt, and thrive in the future. This is true for Texans, but it is equally true for our new found colleagues from the West. Texas is far “greener’ than most people realize, a fact that Miller articulates well, but our approach could not be more different than California’s. If we can cut through the mistrust and instead view our roles in the Energy Transition as complementary and each necessary, the industry would be far better placed to meet both the energy and Enviornmental needs of our planet.Miller exquisitely captures the fundamental challenge facing the country: the creative tension from the competing Texas and California models can be an incredible propelling force for our country (and indeed the world) in the 21st Century — or it can add fuel to fire of the divisions that are currently tearing at the fabric of our country. Insight and understanding are critical first steps to avoid this meltdown scenario. Miller’s book lays an excellent foundation for those seeking to keep this competition healthy and beneficial for all.

What's surprising about such a systematic treatise is that it's also engaging, even entertaining. You learn vast amounts about TX and CA over time and in big thematic areas of comparison. The author draws you along with fascinating details and useful generalizations.It's a big book. But fortunately, you don't have to plow through the whole thing to get value. (But the ploughing does pay off.)

What a thoughtful, engaging book on 2 extremely different states, each one representing unique aspects of the American "family." This book is an excellent read for anyone who wants to understand the polarizations in our country from a thoughtful, nuanced perspective. I came away with renewed hope that it might be possible to honor genuine differences while preserving the integrity of a united country. Well done!

This is an excellent and unbiased overview of the history and present state of politics and government in California and Texas. There is a wealth of information and each chapter and in the footnotes, and the book has a comprehensive index that will help the serious student of politics and government.