A snippet that illustrates Just How Deep CORRUPTION in Texas has historically run....

"For thou wilt not leave my soul in the grave: neither wilt thou suffer thine holy One to see corruption."
Psalm 16:10

We're currently reading 1960's Austin Gangsters: Organized Crime that Rocked the Capital, by Jesse Sublett.  It's a fascinating account of some of the more "colorful" aspects of our history.  You can read the Austin Chronicle's 2015 review here.

But one paragraph on the group's prostitution operation stands out:

Plainview was one of more than a dozen stops on the pro stitution circuit.  Most were country towns.  San Antonio was an anomaly.  Lubbock was bigger than most.   Besides Plainview, there were Abilene, Amarillo, Kilgore, La Grange, McCamey, Midland, Mineral Wells, Odessa, Pampa, Sweetwater, and Tyler. 

[Note: Emphasis added.]

In other words, in small town after small town across the state, you had a bunch of rural good ol' boys interacting with a bunch of literal gangsters; it doesn't take a genius to see how this could get real toxic, real quick.

And, of course, every single one of those towns had a state representative and a state senator.   And, did you notice, that while the gang operated all over the state, they were based out of Austin?!?  Once again, it doesn't take a genius.

Bottom Line: It's not surprising. But it is revealing.  And it really is THAT entrenched....