The Fergusons

As the impeachment trial of Ken Paxton starts next week, I thought a little historical context might help, no matter what happens.

It is easy to get cynical and despondent over the state of politics today. The rancor and division is so thick you can cut it with a knife. Corruption seeps out of every pore. When it seems like this is the worst things have ever been just remember: We’ve been through all this before.

In 1917 Governor Jim Ferguson, who never met a Klansman or a pardon he didn’t like, was impeached by the House and convicted by the Senate and removed from office. His crime? Vetoing the University of Texas’ appropriation because it ignored his instructions to fire professors who were his political enemies.

With “Pa” out of the way, his wife, Miriam “Ma” Ferguson ran for Governor promising “two Governors for the price of one.” During her campaign she would introduce her husband at rallies and then sit down. Of course, “Pa” ran the show after she won. And like her husband, she too liked selling pardons for profit out of the Governor’s Office.

We can thank the Fergusons for one thing. After they retreated from public life the legislature created the Board of Pardons and Paroles which ended the practice of selling pardons. Good can result from even the worst and most corrupt administrations.

Sometimes in the news or on social media you will see impeachments referred to as a “constitutional crisis.” They are not. They show that our Constitution is strong and is working just like it is supposed to. It is hard to remember this when we get caught up with everything happening around us.

But we have survived worse and more corrupt officials than Ken Paxton (although that may not seem possible right now). These days it feels like this is the worst our politics and respect for the rule of law among our elected officials has ever been. These guys today do not even come close. Admittedly though Paxton appears to be giving the Fergusons a good run for their money.

So watch the historic proceedings and remember Ma and Pa Ferguson. There is nothing new under the Sun and the republic will survive no matter the outcome.