Rep. Brown Responds To Op-Ed On Hamubrger Capitol Designation

[From Rep. Betty Brown's (R-Terrell) January "Austin Update"]
Recently there was an op-ed in an Austin Newspaper about my bill officially designating Athens as the original home of the Hamburger.  I am sharing my response to the editorial with everyone so that everyone may understand why official designations are important.

Dear Editor,

Recently, John Kelso wrote an article (”Legislature comes up with a side order of dumb,” December 1, 2006) calling the Legislature “the original home of the irrelevant resolution,” in response to a bill I filed on behalf of the City of Athens, designating it as the original home of the hamburger.  The article, in effect, stated that any resolutions filed by lawmakers that seek official designations are a waste of time, and “that gives them less time to screw up your life with bad laws.”  A jaded opinion for sure.

Since this same article is written every session, as apparently there is nothing new to report, I think it is important to understand what official designations mean to communities across Texas.

It is not the attack of my bill that bothers me, but rather the lack of an understanding of the importance of civic pride that was expressed in the article.  By developing awareness of our heritage and instilling a since of pride in our history, our communities are strengthened. This is why many towns in Texas have parades and festivals.  Is the Texas Rose Festival in Tyler a waste of time?  Or does it provide an opportunity for the citizens of Tyler to rally together and show support for their town and the many people who work in that industry?  The answer is obvious.  The festival is part of the fabric of life in Tyler, but according to the article, civic pride and the Texas Rose Festival is a waste of time.

Last session, the Legislature voted for a Holocaust Remembrance Day.  Was that a waste of time?  No, it honors those that suffered and sacrificed.  I do not believe that there is anyone other than the author of the article and possibly President Mahmoud Ahamdinejad of Iran that believes this is not a worthwhile cause.  This not to say that remembering the loss of lives in the Holocaust compares to the bills Mr. Kelso focuses on, but my bill brings some distinction to this little town and gives then some added bragging rights.

Over 400 bills were filed last session seeking official designations.  What this means is that our citizen-legislature understands the importance of communities - not that we are wasting time.  Perhaps Mr. Kelso would benefit from a trip out of the big city to a place where he could not only enjoy a good hamburger but also a taste of civic pride.       By the way Mr. Kelso, this designation was brought to me by constituents who feel it is important to my district, and I am pleased to do everything I can to see that it is passed.  The article may have been aimed at me, but it picked a fight with a proud community.

Sincerely,

Betty Brown