Galveston was down and out when the state economy shifted from agriculture to oil in 1901. Houston was bound to become the center, to represent the state's economy.

Agriculture came in better and remittances continued to be good. These two factors reduced the impact of higher oil prices on spending.

The evacuees in Houston have been traveling for many hours to reach a safe place. They're not only exhausted, but most have been cut off from their loved ones and important contacts such as insurance companies since the hurricane struck. Just being able to make a quick call can be of great help and comfort during this uncertain time.

The economy of the state has changed dramatically. The changing face of agriculture drove out farmers and farm families, which drove off businesses that rely on farm families.

We've based our entire economy on agriculture. Is this what we want to do -- ship all our water out of state?

In the big oil shocks that really damaged the economy, the tax on the consumer was many times more than that, but that alone wasn't enough. You also had to have people worrying that prices were going higher forever.