April 2005
Table of Contents
Features
Truth, Justice, and the (Un)American WayEveryone expected Clark Kent Ervin to parlay his loyal Bush Republicanism into big things in Washington. Which is why his sudden exit from the Department of Homeland Security was so surprising. On the Road Again—PanhandleSouth from Amarillo to Tulia, east to Turkey, west to Silverton, and north, through Palo Duro Canyon, to Amarillo. On the Road Again—Hill CountryWest from Dripping Springs to Johnson City, south to Blanco, southeast to Fischer, east to Wimberley, and north to Dripping Springs. On the Road Again—Big BendSouth from Alpine to Study Butte, west to Presidio, north to Marfa, and east to Alpine. |
On the Road Again—Piney WoodsNorth from Lufkin to Nacogdoches, east to San Augustine, southwest to Zavalla, west to Diboll, and north to Lufkin. Safe at HomeYes, I am one of those parents, the sort who takes his perfectly contented ten-year-old out of a relaxed neighborhood softball league and propels her into the hypercompetitive world of youth tournament sports. But you know what? It’s what Maisie wanted. Unholy ActNo one in McAllen saw Irene Garza leave Sacred Heart that night in 1960. The next morning, her car was still parked down the street from the church. She never came home. |
Columns
Michael EnnisDissing DarwinWhy Texas could lose the biotech revolution—and end up, once again, an economic also-ran. |
Reporter
ReporterI Inject, Your HonorThe Panhandle DA known statewide for his zeal in busting drug dealers and abusers turns out to have been an addict. Prosecutor, heal thyself. |
The Filter
Pat’s PickJaden’s |
Pat’s PickLiquid Assets |
Miscellany
Texas Monthly TalksThomas Haden Church“I knew immediately that they’d be serving ice water in hell about the same time I’d be cast in [Sideways].” |
ContributorsBrent Humphreys, Pamela Colloff, and Sarah Bird |
Web Exclusives
Homeland Job InsecurityFormer Texas Monthly senior editor Robert Draper on writing about his high school nemesis, Clark Kent Ervin, the former inspector general of homeland security. Miles and Miles of TexasWriter-at-large Suzy Banks, executive editor S.C. Gwynne, senior editor Michael Hall, and new-media director Charlie Llewellin talk about hitting the road for this month’s cover story. Case Not ClosedSenior editor Pamela Colloff on the murder of McAllen beauty queen Irene Garza and confronting the longtime suspect, John Feit. Cover BoyPhotographer Dan Winters on red Saabs, old pickups, and Thomas Haden Church. |
Texas TidbitsIf you ever plan to motor West, in West Texas that is, there’s only one highway that’s the best. Happy TrailsAfter just one visit, I fell in love with Wimberley. No wonder—the Hill Country hamlet is full of antiques stores, good food, and art studios. Texas History 101The oldest drive in Texas didn’t have any tolls, passing lanes, or shoulders. In fact it wasn’t much of a road at all. The Chisholm and Goodnight-Loving trails were the superhighways of the legendary nineteenth century cattle industry—the pinnacle of a true Texas drive. |
