"Who today is willing to say that Texas and California and the remainder of the Southwest would be better off if they were governed by Mexico?"

In this quote, historian Stephen Ambrose positions a thought-provoking question about the existing state of Texas, California, and the rest of the Southwest region in the United States. He challenges the reader to consider whether these states would be better off if they were still under the rule of Mexico. This question highlights the complicated history and relationship between the United States and Mexico, as well as the continuous arguments about migration and cultural identity in these regions. Ambrose's use of the word "governed" likewise recommends a prospective power dynamic and raises questions about the impact of colonization and imperialism. Overall, this quote encourages reflection on the past and present situations of these states and invites readers to think about alternative viewpoints.