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The blog of Chicago-based freelance writer David Johnsen.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Put Willie's Name On The Road Again!
As if Texans Bush and DeLay aren't causing enough trouble for our country, two Republican Texas state senators are standing in the way of a proposal to name an Austin highway for Willie Nelson. Although he isn't my favorite Texan musician, Willie holds a legendary position in the canon of Texas music. For that reason alone he should get a highway, just like Alabama has a Hank Williams Memorial Lost Highway (alas, that road wasn't designated until 44 years after Hank's death). But no, these darned fuddy-duddy Republicans don't want a Willie Nelson "On The Road Again" Highway (or whatever they were going to call it) to run through their little fiefdoms.
According to the article, the no-fun Repubs complained about Nelson's "fondness for drinking and smoking, and active campaigning for Democratic candidates." Drinking? Do they want to bring back Prohibition, too? That worked so well the first time. And Hank's reputation for drinking certainly didn't stop Alabama from honoring him. Smoking? Well, the article dances around the issue with that single word. I'm sure what they oppose is his marijuana smoking. He even does public service announcements for NORML that argue for decriminalization and legalization (NORML calls Willie "our most beloved marijuana smoker"). Heaven forbid they name a highway after a pot smoker! (For the record, I have never smoked pot, and I really don't care either way about the issue.)
As for Nelson campaigning for Democrats, why don't you just grow up, you partisan hacks! Besides, most good musicians are Democrats (as opposed to the rah-rah, flag-waving suck-ups in Nashville), and a founder of Farm Aid like Willie couldn't sleep at night supporting the big business party (I know the Dems take a good chunk of change from corporations, but the Republicans, particularly the two mentioned at the beginning of this post, have raised corporate butt-kissing to an artform).
And before anyone offers the "he's not dead yet" argument, note that the state legislature designated a Nolan Ryan Expressway in Brazoria County in 1995. There is also a Nolan Ryan Expressway in Arlington (I'm not sure who named it) running past the stadium that Bush built with taxpayer money as part-owner of the Texas Rangers. Did I mention that Ryan is a Republican? I recognize that Ryan's strikeouts and no-hitters have nothing to do with that. Why can't these state senators see that Nelson's singing and songwriting achievements (not to mention his general reputation as a Texas icon) have little to do with his politics? Let Willie have his highway!
- posted by David Johnsen @ 12:57 PM
