On the road again
A bill to name new Texas toll road 130 after country singer Willie Nelson passed committee Wednesday but will likely hit opposition in the state Senate. It seems that Republicans are loathe to name roads to honor lifelong Democrats.
But let's be frank - it's not Nelson's political endorsements or alleged marijuana use that the road would honor. Most people don't hear the name "Willie Nelson" and immediately think of Nelson's political forays and foibles, but rather think of Nelson's music. Actually, they probably think of his music first, his movie career second, his charity work third, his hairstyle and headband fourth - his work with the Democrats comes in a distant fifth, best.
C'mon, guys. He's Willie Nelson. The day that Texans of all stripes, even those with 'R's after their names, can't cheer for the greatest living country singer (still miss ya, Johnny) is the day that this state loses what makes it Texas. We might as well rename the state "South Oklahoma," the Alamo the "Osbourne Latrine," rename Austin "Waterloo" and give the state to the French. Not the good, internationally diplomatic, cradle of culture French, either. We're talking about the France that all the stereotypes come from. The one without a language, just an outrageous accent.
The idea of naming a road after Willie Nelson is oddly fitting. Aside from his repertoire, which includes "On the Road Again," "The Highwayman," "Midnight Rider" and "Highway," his work promoting good-ol American country biodiesel as an alternative fuel source also comes none-too-soon. At $2.20 a gallon in some places in Austin, gas prices are higher than Willie ever was. According to the Associated Press, Nelson's fuel for diesel engines will cost $1.79 per gallon. Music to our ears.
The idea that Republicans can't even consider honoring someone who has contributed so much to this state through both music and charitable works, simply because that person isn't a Republican, indicates that the Texas GOP wants to punish those who disagree with them, no matter how deserving they are of praise. It's an ominous sign for anyone in this state who chafes at the Republican party line.
Because free Internet in libraries would be un-American
A bill that would prevent municipalities from competing with private broadband ISPs, House Bill 789, is now getting support from telecommunications company SBC, in the form of an advertising campaign urging voters to support the bill.
SBC's support of the bill isn't surprising. The three main affordable technologies for providing broadband access are cable lines, telephone lines and 802.11g wireless networking. SBC has telephone lines locked up, and it's not looking for any competition from municipalities using the newer wireless technology to provide broadband cheaper and better than SBC.
Banning municipalities would do nothing to promote Internet access or usage, and would harm the ability for the rural and poor to get Internet access. HB789 is basically a handout to the telecommunications and existing broadband companies, ensuring continued monopolies in their markets.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Phil King, R-Weatherford, received $5,100 from the SBC Employees PAC, as well as $9,000 from Grande Communications PAC, $5,000 from AT&T, $5,000 from Texas Friends of Time Warner Cable, $5,000 from the Verizon Good Government Club and an additional $6,500 from various telecommunications industry companies and PACs according to the semiannual report of campaign contributions filed with the Texas Ethics Commission last January.
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