Mike - Yes - I think that slogan is in his book. The star is fashioned after the Ranger's stars, but it isnt official. A friend of theirs had it made for her right before his book came out. It is hard to see, but it had a big 'ol diamond in the middle. The official stars don't come with those.
Oh yes - the Rangers are alive and well! What a long history and tradition they have. I've learned more about them because I met Elmer Kelton here recently - he is a very celebrated western writer and several of his books I read were about the origins of the Rangers. Let me just state for the record that I never read a western before, my tastes run more towards the scifi genre if I'm just reading for entertainment. These were terrifically entertaining and from what I hear - historically accurate.
The Rangers (and you may already know this) started out as virtually unpaid preotectors of the settlers of Texas. Against indians and outlaws. There werent many laws back then - so they did what was 'right and just' is how I think it is usually described. They are still - at least I have this impression - quite a bunch of lawmen who are more concerned with what is commonly considered right vs. individual criminals' rights. I believe as the law goes they are akin with Border Patrol - who are now part of Homeland Security - and whom have more powers than regular state police or sheriff's.
I've always been confused by the set-up. Where I am from there are local police and state. Here - there are police, sheriff's and Rangers, highway patrol, etc. After reading Joaquins book I believe the Ranger's role is to cover the more wilder parts of this huge state. They appear to have detective roles more than anything else. No speeding tickets - mostly investigative work like murders, fugitives, cattle rustling, etc.. (yes, there are still cattle thieves here!) They have jurisdiction everywhere and work in conjunction with the local authorities. They still will be having manhunts in the desert or mountains and find it necessary to sleep on their bedroll. They still use horses in places vehicles cant go. They have less procedures because of more power - so the sheriff's and police love to have their help from what I understand.
I know awhile back they started incorporating women into the Ranger's. There was a huge uprising from the men - not because they were women, but because of political correctness and needing to get women in there - they recruited 2 ladies who's only experience was working in the Department of Motor Vehicles giving out licenses.
They are fully computerized now with laptops in their vehicles right beside all the guns.
I wish I knew more - and will read as I can. It's a fascinating history for sure! There are so many parts of this state that are still so wild - therefore at times you can almost think you stepped back in time. I dont know many official Texas laws, but there seems to be more leeway out here for the lawmen to do what is necessary. The Rangers also seem to be a group that has proven over the years to have very very little corruption. These are very proud and tough guys.
Ok - I'll stop now. Wow - maybe I have gone native.
