When I watched on mainstream news Abbot handing out the checks I thought it was interesting they did not mention the source. It's too bad Mr Strait did not find a non political avenue to disperse those dollars. We see you now Mr. Strait.

Let me take your mind off George Strait for a moment and introduce you to The Tragically Hip. There are few lyricists/poets that can put together lyrics like the late Gord Downie.

Trump names George Strait as a recipient of a Kennedy Center Honor…

It might be time for a new hat

It's hard for all of us to let go of the people we thought we knew who they were.

Raising awareness. Standing by your code. You are already doing it.

Could it be that the state has the mechanisms in place to process and distribute the checks where George Strait may not or doesn’t have a staff in place to do such a thing? I hope when Greg Abbott handed them to the families he made sure to let them know that the money was raised by George Strait. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Paul, I know exactly how you feel, after this last election, it was he final straw for me, I severed ties with a former colleague & friend of 35 years, I knew she leaned to the right, and I am a Democrat,we had our first bad fallout over the Kyle Rittenhouse incident, I'm very frank like you Paul

2. I tell it the way it is, she didn't speak to me for a year,we reconciled, although the relationship was never the same. Then came Nov 2024, her choice was Trump, I sent her a message telling her why I was severing ties for good, she has relentlessly tried to reconcile, but I have refused.

3. You see Paul I realized it was not just political differences it was a matter of values, she is an Evangelical Christen, who I call fake christians,who really don't believe in the teachings of Jesus, or they wouldn't be so hateful & cruel towards others that are not like them.

4. I see the disappointment in your eyes Paul, regarding Mr. Straight, what he did was a good thing,funding raising for the flood victims, but turning that money over to Abbot instead of the victims,showed you who & what he really is. People who support this regime are not good people.

I also stopped listening to a lot of country because it's problematic

Codigo is Strait’s “private” tequila - Anejo $110 at my Safeway. In Tequila, you can buy 5-liter jugs. Codigo is one of hundreds of no-name tequilas Strait markets to US pendejos. It is ok tequila at $8 a gallon, but dont patronize MAGA and dont buy Codigo - except in Mexico & in 5-liter jugs.

Stick with Willie and Outlaw Country from Austin or Bakersfield country with Dwight and Buck and go from there. 25k didn’t need to run thru wheelchair guy and his lazy eye attorney

Oof. Didn't know Strait handed the checks to Abbott. 🤡 Back to Willie Tim Faith and Dolly as my go to Country playlist. 💙

Why did he give the checks to Abbot? Was it easier to get them to the families? IF the families actually received the $$ then that’s okay I guess. I can’t stand Abbott either

Don’t give up on all Country Music. There are Democrats - even if they are in hiding - in country. Faith Hill and her hubbie are just two. Some remain quiet for obvious reasons - (See: Dolly). You alienate your fan base if you come out politically. That’s what George just did. It’s a shame.

Are we certain the money got where it was intended?

There are still great people who identify with old fashion Republican ideals. Then there are the current GOP leaders who have sold their souls to the devil. Then there are the MAGA nuts who believe all the lies spewed from the devil. George is an old Republican who trusted the devil’s own.

This is the Abbot solution

You aren’t going to see many Johnny Cash’s, Dolly Parton’s or any like the highwaymen. Most of Those people served. Those of those people lived in poverty and never forgot where they came from.

Strait didn’t give the checks to Abbott. He handed them to Abbott because he believed Abbott would get them to those in need. It was a very public handover so Abbott will have to follow through. That is my hope.

Personally, I don’t care how those people get relief. I just care that they get it. They have lost so much, this is not the time to play politics. Pachyderms will be pachyderms. Have a great day.

I'm good, until I'm not. I don't care if it's a friendship, family relationship, celebrity or musician fan, etc., if a line is crossed, I'm out.

Me too!!

Sorry, but he is not who you thought he was - especially giving the $$$ to Abbott - a sycophant for Trump. There is no “ both sides” anymore. There just isn’t. The silent Republicans are complicit imo.

Nobody gets a pass in this climate imo. Full stop.

He isn't just Republican. He's maga.I'm sorry your losing a ideal, I Ipersonally lost some I can no longer support to the dark side, with everything going t9 hand Abbott the money shows he's ok with them just not out

He has never been associated with Trump. I would say that was on purpose.

As a Nasty Canadian,warily watching our neighbour to the south,please don't go down every rabbit hole.One can never agree 100% with another.He did a wonderful thing...more than the politicians did...and while battling a degenerative neurological disease I believe.

The music aside... He is still someone I could have a beer with. Abbot ...not so much. remember...they want a divided country don't let the bastards win

I saw George back in the 80s live at Gilley’s in Pasadena, didn’t know who he was but followed him ever since until politics got divisive and I dropped country music. Every now and then I put on Amarillo By Mornin and reminisce and wish things could be different. Unfortunately, you reap what you sow

Here is my thought. I used to think there were good people on both sides but if they voted for Trump they aren't. A person can make good music, even do some good things for people and still be an idiot.

Agree!💯

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing".

I admire your commitment.

Dad Rat it! So am I a big fan of his music. Someone out there please get with Strait and shake some reasonable sense into him. Yes, his action of choice is a bridge too far. I am with you in not knowing what to do about this issue.

Well i never have been into country music fan except for the Dixie chick's now just Chick's. However with what George Strait did I'd loose the hat. My opinion. Love your vids. Keep it up TEX

Just so you know I do my own part of raising hell about the FUCKING TACO in charge and RETHUGS I just don't do commentary vids I do meme vids with my own special blend of commentary I also watch alot vids on Facebook and when I like them I post here but now I know how to pull vids from YouTube💙💙💙💙✌️🤟

Well it was his decision and you gotta let it go. George obviously has no issue with Abbott which is unfortunate.

Grieve.

I wish I could help you. I know you'll do the right thing.

And this happens. 🤣

Yea weird right. I blocked it when it followed me.

I think you know the answer time to buy a new hat

Why didn't he give the checks directly to the families?

Or, the counties.

👆👆👆👆👆 Yeah?

Follow that money and see if it actually gets to the people that were promised it

Thanks Paul. A lot of good words and advice here. I could write a book, but I won't. My family roots run deep (1700's) to VA, TN, and yes, TX. We have fought in every war this country ever had. Our family is split. Sometimes, ya jus gotta 'Let Go' & 'Let Live'.

Being a good musician does not necessarily make one intelligent. Those folks probably will never see a dime of that money. And this story will disappear into the ether.

I didn’t realize that George Strait is a Republican. It bothers me that he’d associate with Greg Abbot. The gov of Texas is reprehensible. The worst of the 47 ring kissers. George! Is it just about your wealth? Republicans are always about money. Maybe he should write a song about all his money.

Won’t matter because the money raised will not be distributed as intended. Shame on George! Fuck hot wheels(no caps cause he doesn’t deserve respect)!!!

I think this may be a case of Hanlon's Razor

Hey Paul, The reality of this situation is - Short of actually speaking to fams affected by the flooding, we will never know what Abbott did with the $$. IMO...(just speculating) If Abbott delivered even ONE of the checks to ONE family, he would have had local news there for the optics. IMHO...🤷

You have my sympathies, sir. I feel the same whenever an entertainer I like turns out to be an ass or just doesn't care. Despite my anger and mistrust toward them, I genuinely don't want bad things to happen to people who vote Republican. Unless they do so specifically to hurt others.

Very complicated feelings.

When a person aligns himself with someone… that tells you what they support and endorse. Yeah. I have always loved George Straight’s music so it makes me shake my head… what a shame.

That’s disappointing. I quit country music too except for Willie. This is the problem in Texas. The good old country people here have this ridiculous idea that repugs are Mom, Apple pie and the flag. Willful ignorance?

The first time I heard Amarillo by Morning was from a house band in the hotel bar in Winnipeg. (Same night I had my first black prostitute, escort, from an ad in the yellow pages.) And I’m not allowing trump or maga to ruin my memories or the love I have for George’s music.

But if it comes to it,, I’ll lay him down on the guillotine myself and pull the rope. And I’ll still enjoy his music.

You answered your own question. You said what he did "is a bridge too far". You're upset that someone you've liked for a long time has disappointed you. Give it some thought, then follow your heart. I would ditch the hat. Return it to him if you can, explaining why you no longer wish to have it.

When I saw Abbott handing out those checks I almost threw up my dinner.

He did a good thing Paul let’s pray the Lord move “ABBOTT”do the right thing make sure those funds reach directly to the people affected by the floods.It’s up those affected to be watchful of the money to see make sure they get it.If NOT victims remember u have get people that’s about u! on period!

I’ve been waiting for divine intervention since George Bush was Guv. From there to Rick Perry and now Abbutt.

I feel baby but keep hope alive. There’s GOD & not god that will right this ship ! To give us hope. But when it comes never forget what happened so don’t leave our lives solely up to other folks

I was thinking more in terms of lightning bolts and buttocks boils. We can handle the protesting, etc. It may require more than that before 2026.

Blue-haired commie libtard here. Republicans need to either separate their party from MAGAts or face these kinds of issues. My gramma used to live across the street from George and I too enjoy his music a lot. Less after hearing about this for sure. If I were in your shoes, I’d be buying a new hat.

Thats extremely disappointing.

I have loved George Strait since he started. I didn't know what he did with that money. Makes me think twice. I'm so sad to hear this. Too bad one awful act, like what he did, can make love die.

It’s simple. George should know better. I’m sure he’s been friends with Abbott long before MAGA. But still, he should know better and / or have people around him who know better. Then again Strait did the Trump dance on stage months ago.

Though at least he did something to help. Something Abbott didn’t do

They don't know it, but I excommunicated my family over their support for Trump. Isolating them will probably hurt them or make them worse, but they were gone anyways. If there is a conflict I would gladly fight against them. He knows what he was doing. Don't let him pretend he didn't.

He's just trying to hold onto his fans who are overwhelmingly Republican. He doesn't have the courage to do what's right if it hits him in the wallet.

I'm one that finds it really difficult to separate the art from the artist. It may be different for you, and fine if it is, once I know a problematic thing about an artist, I can't consume their art without remembering what I know about them. Fleetwood Mac, for instance.

They've, as recently as a few years ago, tried to work with former member, and Children of God pedophile cult member Jeremy Spencer. He is "Uncle Jerry" in Daniella Mestanyanek Young's memoir "Uncultured." He is probably still raping children. I can't hear Stevie Nicks without remembering that she

tried to work with him within the past few years.

@realtexaspaul.com- I am not making excuses for George, but maybe he thought he was doing the right thing giving the checks to Abbott. Politics, as you know, is a complex beast and some people think the institutions are there for the people not for themselves.

Ppl know that to Abbott everyone is a political pawn. Strait is a big enough star to have publicists who tell would tell him this was bad optics. BIG mistake.

I still see plenty of liberals driving their Teslas (like assholes I might add) but they put little anti-Elon bumper stickers to try and distance themselves.

They can’t sell them. No one wants them now. They are stuck with them.

Yea and the money is already spent. And they continue to reduce pollution.

So incredibly disappointing. Why George didn’t give the checks to the families, which probably would have meant a lot to them, is beyond a shame. He’s let us know who he is, and listening to Amarillo by Morning will never be the same.

My feelings precisely, I read that the Straight Foundation actually raised 7 million, but you the election of Trump this time revealed who are family, friends and admirers really are. It a matter of values, you're not a good person if you support this regime.

Sounds like it was one big photo op for everybody. That’s too bad. “Amarillo by Morning” still chokes me up a bit.

This is when “the cowboy rides away”.

Ooofta. The hard part is music is art, and art is subjective. It brings emotions out of us we wouldn’t otherwise feel if we hadn’t experienced it. Now you have this physical act that is overshadowing any good emotions George gave you. My thought? Give it time and listen again. You’ll know.

You do know. It is a decision you need to make.

You can like his music and dislike his politics. Remember that he was not solely responsible for you being able to enjoy his music. It took a whole lotta people.

There’s always Taylor Swift.

Karma is a real beeotch and she’s about had it with ole Greg

FYI Paul. We know Ray Benson well out here in California. Asleep At The Wheel started when Ray lived in Berkeley, California.

Bye, George.

This is tough. George probably didn't have the resources to connect with each family, but a Governor would. However, George more than likely knows plenty of people and knows what Abbott is up to so it was a conscious decision to hand the money to Abbott. Conclusion: time to let go of the hat.

MAGA-SS Shock Troops land in DC youtu.be/YSvS4LY26Yg

Did Greg Abbott pass on the checks to the families? George Strait was my favorite country star. I think I had cds of most of his songs. I loved watching his concerts. I have left country music too. It breaks my heart.

To borrow a line, “If you’ll buy that I’ll throw the Golden Gate in free.” Freedom isn’t free, but boy these people will toss it aside if might mean a little comfort and safety for themselves.

Personally I don't care how those wonderful people who lost so much, got some decent help. Just let it go.

My concern here is that he's proven he can't be trusted to make good choices & not just that, make horrific choices. I have no idea what he's actually doing with that money. Why not the local government of those counties instead?

Even bad people sometimes do good things. Even smart people sometimes do stupid things. Handing the cheques to Abbot shows that George Strait does not understand what Abbot is. That is certain. To imply anything else from just that could be a mistake. Good luck.

While Strait’s music is legendary, supporting an evil MF like Abbott is non-negotiable. Fortunately there are many spectacular progressive country artists: Willie, Isbell, Earl, Brooks, Raitt, Lovett, Parton, etc…

I enjoy his music as well Paul but where do you think that money is going to go once it hits Abbott's hands? He knows it's not going to the intended people. Time to cut ties with George

Look, I don’t disagree that maybe they should’ve handed off the check themselves, but I think we can go too far into a hole of things. I think if the people got the checks, we need to pick our battles. There are so many other things.

You don’t put money in the hands of a crook like Abbutt. Say good-bye.

Personally, I'd burn the hat, but that's me. Way back when I was younger, I used to think it didn't matter if it was a democrat, republican, or independent just as long as they did what's right for the people and the country. I realized I was wrong during the Reagan era. A bit long-winded here (1),

(2) That realization was the republicans only stand for political power and money. Like I said, I was young and nieve. So the George/Abbott thing is following the republican platform. Just my nickle ninety eight on this. Keep fighting Paul and stay strong.

Did Abbott give the check to the family who was supposed to get it?

George Strait raised $25k per family and yes Abbott passed out the checks as though Republicans had done something which is the opposite of what they do here. Republicans govern and do less than nothing. They implement policies that make us start at less than zero in most cases.

I'm glad to hear he handed out the money.

In 2021, the maga of Kerr County told their commissioners to turn down $10.2 B from the Biden admin for flood improvement. They didn’t want “to be bought” by the libs. Turns out maga killed people with their smug stupidity.

I have been trapped in my home for over a month because the flood took out the road. Never got a meal, let alone a dime from FEMA, Red Cross, or any state, federal, or county government! The people will never see a penny from fundraisers--its all about publicity, propaganda, and profiteering.

I’m so sorry

So if Beto and Willie hold a benefit concert, they can give the money to the Dems who left the state ?

I think it’s obvious the Governor Abbot will never be transparent about where that money went! Shame on George for not doing that himself.

THIS GUY HAS A PLAN! youtu.be/EoJ_5H7R-3k

It's a sad day when a good deed is held in so much controversy. That's the world we live in now, where no one thing means the same to all. Go with your gut and your heart will always lead you in the right direction.

It's so disappointing and disheartening to see your heroes do shit like this.

I get it. I had to let go of several of my friends (professional musicians, internationally well-known band, metal) because they're MAGA. You just let them go. And keep all the fond memories. It's all you CAN do. (And I know what you mean about modern country music. I can't do it, either.)

Thank you. Your response is thought out and very adult.🙏🏼

Yeah, that's upsetting me, too. 💔 It's especially hard because I've not only admired his talent as a musician & performer. But I always thought of him as a good man. Now, I'm not sure...

I guess that would not be a red line for me, for a basically good man with a good heart and a temporary lapse in good judgment.

That’s a tough one -a plus and minus column will tell you but …reach out to him and ask him —WE appreciate your honesty…❌👑🤬

I like your honesty, sometimes we have to move on from people, it’s just the way it is. Not easy, however, we know when we feel “uncomfortable “ , with some of their actions. It’s time to move on .

The point is it quickly went from neighbors helping neighbors to a political stunt.....and not by accident.

Trump held up sending out stimulus checks so his signature could be added. Today he talks about the possibility of sending checks to families again ahead of the midterms. Bribing us w/our own money. He has driven up our national debt, wastes taxpayer money constantly. www.pnj.com/story/news/2...

I was a country DJ in the 80s & 90s. Played a LOT of George Strait. “All My Exes” is my go-to for karaoke. Saw him live at the Houston Rodeo in 1992. Since Trump there’s an asterisk next to Hank Jr., Charlie Daniels and now I suppose George Strait. They get a solid middle finger from me.

Aww not King George! Really never thought about his politics, but yea...my heart hurts now. If anyone reading this wishes there were good country artists to support you can find Kacey Musgraves & Maren Morris fighting the good fight! 🕊

This is how it feels knowing Corey Booker takes AIPAC money and still votes to send weapons to Israel. I don't know how to feel about him now. After the 24 hour speech I was rooting for him. Here's his moment to shine, and in the end he was a letdown.

What is it about you folks that you are completely immune to the fact that Joe Biden and the Democrats limited arms shipments to Israel? I mean really it is just reality. Democrats were in an election and trying to keep their coalition together but STILL limited arms shipments to Israel.

Inflection is difficult in type so know I meant this in a very friendly tone. Not hostile what so ever. I just don't get it.

I get that... and I've even argued that point myself with others. It's just disappointing in light of the current situation. That's all I was trying to say.

Watch a CBC report, talked to lady in Alberta who loves bicks dill pickles, they are hard to find on store shelf because of 25% tariff. Pickles are grown in Ontario, Canada but "packaged" in US (please note pickles sold in Canada), because they come back across border they are hit with 25% tariff.

As an aside it might get pretty interesting if someone like Texas Paul were to do video which goes viral about visiting walmarts in Canada and seeing all the Canadian flags everywhere, you know dunce head Trump thinks Walmart outside US is just constantly throwing the US flag etc in Canadians faces.

For those who think "stupid Canadians" we have tariffs because US have them, chances are for every one "stupid" tariff in Canada US under Trump probably has least 10 and it's US consumers paying them in the case of the pickles not even getting choice because stores won't stock them at tariff price

The fake left!

Really?

We had a way better shot at helping Gaza with Kamala. Orders of magnitude better!

Kamala would be better at everything. But how does that make the left fake?

Ah, let me explain. The left isn't fake. The "fake left" is the far left extremists.

I still maintain I would rather have Dems in power and it wasn't a reason to not vote for them.

💜💜💜

Disappointed in George. Handing the checks to Abbott was a big mistake, made Abbott look like a hero. Unfortunately my feelings for George have shifted to not a big fan of his anymore.

Its amazing how many people disappoint us these days. Family, friends, entertainers, politicians. You’d think they would all stand behind the American flag, defend the constitution and reject a felon who is turning (turned) the country into a dictatorship. Turns out they are NOT the real patriots.

So many men that demand and/or are given unearned adulation fame and respect so few with TRUE honor and integrity That’s why it’s so disappointing when things like this happen - oh well yet another 🤷🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️😖

Country music is notorious for being racist deplorables, all while waving and wearing red, white and blue. The musicians who reveal their liberal beliefs are usually run out of town, kicked to the curb and more than likely female. I don’t hate the genre, just the people.

Well, whad’ya know…..George Strait followed me after my post calling out deplorable country singers. If the cowboy boot fits.

The biggest gofundme in the world already exists and it's supposed to be funded by billionaires. It's called the US government. But we need charities to privatize losses to the general public. F that!

I hate when charities are forced to do the job of government. F them.

Don Walser’s will included a request for Ray Benson to sing “Danny Boy” at his funeral. Walser knew Benson would decline; Benson chose another song to sing, Danny Boy is not in Benson’s wheelhouse. Mark Rubin finally sang DB that night over Walser’s grave. RIP, Pavarotti of the plains.

Auction the hat off, and donate the funds to a shelter, Planned Parenthood, or any other organization that pisses off RethugliKKKans. I would.

😢💙☠️ Agree with everything you said. So very tired of being disappointed by people.

There's many celebrities I've stopped being a fan of once I found out they're a republican because I choose to stand by my morals, hope this helps 🫂

I would be perplexed and disappointed myself. I have no answers except keep spreading the word.

I had to dig in on my favorite country artist Hank 3 because he had made some questionable comments, but came to find out he fully supports these guys Brujeria. I started listening to him again. His dad, Hank Jr. on the other hand, not sure bsky.app/profile/anon...

"Low down, once again, just trying to get by my friends" youtu.be/wM0Q__hBauk?...

I grew up a country fan as well and love George straight. But listening to country music has been really hard these days. I vet the singers I listen to and have had suspicions about George. I don’t know, it’s so hard to know what to do.

Damn. This makes me sad. It’s a tough world to be a liberal country girl. I’m really thinking I’ve gotta ditch Texas. I have a few folks here that I love and I see the efforts of people like you, but I’m so exhausted of feeling like an outsider in my own town. Damn it! Shouldn’t be this hard!!!

Feeling your pain. Been here 3 years and second guessing.

I think you have to consider that there is Republican and there is MAGA, and they are not the same. Find out which GS supports and go from there?

I would no longer be a fan of Mr. Strait. The money should NOT have gone to Abbutt (not misspelled) to determine who should get the raised monies. Just my opinion but sayonara Mr. Strait.

It’s exactly like the Republicans who voted against helping people, but went home and took credit for the help. Hypocrisy thy name is Abbott. He obviously believes the people need help, but he’s unwilling to do it unless it’s someone else’s money. He’s basking in reflected decency. Strait allows it.

Seems like a political gesture to me. I say this as a fellow Texan and Democrat. That gesture would change my feelings about Strait. I’m a diehard rock and roll hippie chick and not a fan of country music. Disappointing, but not surprising in today’s climate.

I feel the same about George Strait, he is one of my favorite country music artists. This is an issue, he may be quiet about his politics, but if he is willing to make this association with the dumb fuck Texas governor ... I'm done with him. He doesn't have to broadcast his politics, they are clear.

I was wondering if this was George’s idea or did he agree to perform for some organization holding the benefit concert. The organization would then be responsible for how the distribution of funds was done. In any case the important part would be did the victims get the funds? Right?

Those families will never see a penny.

There are good people out there Paul. My mother in law (deceased) was a STAUNCH Republican. College educated. Played bridge. When DT was running the first time we ask her if she was voting for him. In a Bellowing voice I can still hear saying NEVER!” And it was nasty as cat shit.

Back in 2020 I had a good 20 minute conversation with Lee Greenwood. Super nice, personable, talked about everything but politics.... I liked him. However, actions speak louder than words! He's a fascist draped in an American flag and he sucks and so does his music!