In the Agnew family, here is the mother, Charlene, 45, a legal consultant. The father Howard, 46, is pastor. Followed by three sons Nathan (17), Jacob (19) and Michael (21 years old) soon married to Zara (21 years).



The parents and Nathan live in Pearland, near Houston, and come once every two months to visit the two boys studying in Waco. It is here that we encounter them in a Cracker Barrel. Michael, the eldest, studies communication at Baylor University, the largest Baptist university in the world. He met there his fiancée Zara, a student in the fashion business. Jacob also studies communication and religion. He wants to become a pastor and leader of the choir.



This family defined herself as "just Christian" in comparison to all other denominations like Baptists, Methodists, Pentecoasts, etc.. "The music and the church are a big part of my life" says Jacob. The father, also a pastor and leader of the choir, is returning to school to study the Bible more in depth. Charlene, the mother, has a litigation consulting firm. At trial, she is presenting to the jury the evidence on computer.



Since 13 years, she is independent and takes care of her own business. "Here in the United States, it is encouraged" she assures. But it is not the income of the couple married for 23 years who can make the three children to pursue higher education.



WACO THEIR LOVE



The parents of Charlene are paying for all the studies of the grandchildren (eight in all). And even if all the young Agnew have scholarships, the note remains salty. $20,000 for one year of study (grant deducted) for Michael. "My grandparents sold some land so that I can go to college and I do not want to waste their money" he says. For Jacob, it is much cheaper. $1 700 per semester at McLennan Community College.



If all children go or plan to go to Waco specifically, it is because their parents have studied and have given them the love of this city. The couple love to return to Waco, where he has his memories of youth. "I love being here, return to the Dr Pepper Museum, the zoo ..." says Charlene. Dr Pepper, created in 1885, is the star drink of the city. Zara admits: "Before, I prefered Coke but now I drink Dr Pepper!"



Michael and Jacob are involved in the life of their church. And for Michael, even if on the campus you can not drink alcohol, in Waco the life is great. "I like the fact that it is a small town. And I do not care about the clubs." Zara adds: "Waco is truly unique. It is important for us to go to a Christian university and to help the community through projects."



Charlene says: "Waco is a poor city and I am happy that my boys give their time here. Michael plays basketball with beaten children. All are trying to help better the community. I'm proud of them. Certainly, there are many churches, but there is little participation. Finally, we can not catalog Waco as a Christian city."







































 



PROUD OF TEXAS



For Jacob, Texas "is the best state." He is very proud of the "southern hospitality" and to carry weapons. This part of the Texas identity is important to him. "I have two weapons to defend myself and to hunt. I have never been beaten but I want to be ready. You know, everything is bigger in Texas and that includes our ego and pride."



Hold a weapon was not obvious to Charlene. But when a man began to harass her several years ago, she asked her stepfather to teach her to shoot. "When I was personally threatened, I have changed my mind on weapons. But we always kept weapons and ammunitions in two separate locations." Nathan, who is very active in his school at his Christian group, says: "Our parents told us that guns are dangerous. I learned to use them and I realize that it is deadly. A gun is not for everyone. Not everyone should have one."



ALL REPUBLICANS



In the family, everyone vote Republican. Only Zara will not vote. "I do not feel educated enough to vote. I do not really have strict opinions and I just feel like not knowing." Her boyfriend Michael is not as passionate about politics as the rest of the family. "Many people vote against a candidate and not for someone. I will vote Romney because he is the one that is closest to my beliefs. I do not want to take money from those who work hard to give it to those who do not. My grandparents, for example, would pay more taxes and they have worked hard all their lives...​"



Nathan has not the right to vote yet, but Romney is his choice. "With his past as a businessman, I think he is better able to manage our money." Howard mostly vote Republican but admits that he voted for Democrats in local elections when he knew them personally. "I prefer the Conservatives. The United States was founded on a weak government presence. It is not easy but I think the government should be less present in our lives." All on the other side are convinced that the Church should take care of people in distress and that it is not the job of the state.



DEFEND ISRAËL, ALLY NUMBER 1



For Jacob, the promise of Romney to increase military spendings is crucial. "The United States are there to create peace. We won the # 1 spot in the world by wars. And we are losing it." But Nathan does not quite agree. "I am opposed to going in a country for reasons such as oil. We are the country that spend the most in the world in military. I think we should use our money otherwise."



Charlene is sometimes embarrassed by the words of Mitt Romney but will vote Republican anyway. "I believe in what he says. We are the United States of America and our states should have more power. If Obama is elected it is hopeless. He apologized to countries on behalf of America, I do not like it. But there are good and bad people everywhere so before voting I always research the programs of the candidates and I vote accordingly."





"You know, September 11 changed everything. All of a sudden, we became an afraid nation. It was a slap in the face of America.

We have been weakened. Saddam Hussein had to be dislodged. He killed his own people and financed Al Qaeda.

For me, the weapons of mass destruction were dismantled and buried." Charlene Agnew.​





Regarding Iran, the mother is more nuanced. "If Israel bombs Iran, of course we will defend our ally. But first, we must wage a war to destroy their electronic computers, destroy centrifuges." One thing is sure: "I do not want to sacrifice my sons for Iran."



However, Nathan and Jacob are willing to join the army if necessary. Howard assures: "Biblically, Israel is a soil we must protect. As Christians, we must defend her."