As a native Texan, I am often amused at the reaction of non Texans when they encounter members of our State Legislature. The position is a part time job that only pays $600 per month and meets in regular session only 180 days every 2nd year. During most of that short period, they spend their time approving the budgets for the various state commissions and agencies with very little time left for anything else. During special sessions, they can only deal with the single issue they are called for and then have to go back home. The legislative process is tightly controlled by the leadership and time constraints and the average member has zero chance to accomplish anything even if the want to. You could probably poll the first 100 people you meet on the street and possibly 1 would know the name of their state representative. Three or four may know their Senator and that is only because they normally stay in office longer. Our confusing and disorganized 85,000 plus word constitution helps insure that our government and our officials remain weak and unable to do too much harm. Rather than embarrassing us, our unimpressive and often incompetent representatives make us feel safe and secure.