Testimony Against Naming Freeway After Barack Obama
Delivered by Ed Oden:
I would like to thank Chairman Carona, Vice Chairman Watson, and all of the members of the Senate Committee on Transportation & Homeland Security.
My name is Ed Oden. I am the Director of Legislative Research for the Young Conservatives of Texas, and I am also a student at the University of Texas. I am here today to voice YCT’s opposition to this bill renaming a portion of I-20 after President Barack Obama.
Young Conservatives of Texas cannot support SB 1510 for three main reasons. Primarily, Barack Obama’s philosophy is incongruent with the majority of Texans. Secondly, we believe Texas memorials should honor the State’s history, and its many worthy Sons and Daughters. Finally, naming memorials for sitting politicians is not consistent with American traditions. We believe it represents the dangerous trend of Americans blindly worshiping politicians rather than diligently holding them accountable to the best interests of the nation.
Choosing this name for the freeway does not reflect the values of the Texans that will drive on it. President Obama did not carry the state of Texas. His extreme liberal views on the issues of Life, Taxes, and Global Government are not shared by the majority of Texans.
I think we can all agree Texas is the greatest state in the Union. We have so much to be proud of – our history, our principles, and our people. YCT believes there are enough worthy Texans to provide names for public infrastructure for years to come. Naming things after Texas historical figures increases knowledge of our history, and pride in our people.
Soviet Russia erected hundreds of statutes of Stalin while he ruled. In Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, one would drive down the Saddam Hussein Expressway to the Saddam Hussein Airport. You don’t find this in America. We honor our leaders that have served our country wholeheartedly. But we do so after they have completed this service, so we can give them sufficient due for their contributions.
For all of these reasons, Young Conservatives of Texas respectfully opposes this bill, and urges the Committee to reject it.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Delivered by Brianna Becker:
Good morning. My name is Brianna Becker, I am a colleague of Mr. Oden, serving as Vice Chairman for Chapter Development for YCT. I am also a student at UT Austin, and speak in opposition of the bill.
I too would like to thank Chairman Carona, Vice Chairman Watson, and all of the members of the Senate Committee on Transportation & Homeland Security for listening to us this morning.
I second Mr. Oden’s testimony. However, in the spirit of compromise that so often characterizes this body, YCT is willing to support SB 1015 if it is altered to reflect Barack Obama’s philosophy on government.
We suggest the following stipulations be added to the President Barack Obama highway:
Conditions for Supporting The President Barack Obama Highway Bill
1. A DART train runs down the middle of it
2. There are HOV lanes next to the DART tracks
3. The remaining lanes are congested
4. Tolls are placed on the road that increase or decrease based on a person’s income.
5. The mineral rights under the road are owned by the Sierra Club (i.e. no domestic drilling)
6. SUVs are banned
7. The tolls include carbon offsets and congestion pricing
8. Checkpoints are set up every three miles to insure tires are properly inflated and cars are getting optimal gas mileage
These changes would more appropriately reflect President Obama’s agenda, and would educate Texans on their President’s proposals.
Unless these stipulations on the bill are met, Young Conservatives of Texas respectfully opposes this bill, and urges the Committee to reject it.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.