An article (and video below) from HuffingtonPost.com portrays the original Maverick family from Texas and their concern over Sen. John McCain and his running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin using the term "Maverick" and claiming it as their own. What's more, the Republican candidates are calling themselves the "original Mavericks" and the family is outraged."I know my uncle, and my grandfather are rolling in their grave right now," says Maury Maverick. Descendant of the man who coined the original term, "Maverick".Samuel Augustus Maverick (1803-1870) was known for what he didn't do. A liberal politician and cattleman from Texas, Maverick didn't brand his cattle as was the norm and thus coined the term "Maverick", which became known as an unbranded cattle, one who didn't bear the brand of another, or a stray from the herd.Sam was also very spirited and free minded. It was because of this that in 1867 the term "Maverick" was first cited as being used to describe someone with an independent streak, someone not branded.The term, "Maverick", has been used to describe progressive politics since the 1600's and it is not hard to see that this is a bit of a stretch for the Republican candidate, seeing as he has voted with President George Bush over 90% of the time.Terrellita Maverick says it all:“It’s just incredible — the nerve! — to suggest that he’s not part of that Republican herd. Every time we hear it, all my children and I and all my family shrink a little and say, ‘Oh, my God, he said it again.’ ”“He’s a Republican,” she said. “He’s branded.”Sources:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/02/original-mavericks-to-mcc_n_140148.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/05/weekinreview/05schwartz.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=terrellita%20maverick&st=cse&oref=sloginmore about "You're no Maverick!", posted with vodpod

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This is a wonderful piece on the history of the term, "Maverick" from the family’s who’s name coined the term. A must see piece from Brave New Films. Via Huffington Post: Brave New Films talks to the actual original Mavericks, who aren't too fond of John McCain using their name: Fontaine Maverick, great-great-granddaughter of Samuel Augustus Maverick (1803-1870) explains the origin of the expression -- and why it shouldn't apply to the Republican candidate: Samuel Maverick was a Texas cattleman, land baron and politician, so influential that he was one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Fiercely independent and equally liberal. Sam became well known for what he didn't do, however. It seems, according to Fontaine, that he had taken some cattle in lieu of a debt he was owed. He let them roam on an island off of Texas, and for whatever reason, didn't brand them. So, any unbranded cattle became known as Maverick's. Now, this more than likely wasn't an act of revolt. No one knows for sure, but Maverick really wasn't much of a cattleman. He was also shrewd, later on in life if cattle weren't branded, he would often claim them. Sam was also very spirited and free minded. It was because of this that in 1867 the term Maverick was first cited as being used to describe someone with an independent streak, someone not branded.read more | digg story