“Is that North Korea?”
Texas Governor Dan Patrick, the most powerful Republican elected in the state, comes under fire after passing a new law requiring the national anthem to be played before any taxpayer-funded event – at “all publicly funded events.”
Patrick’s new bill comes in response to the short-lived announcement by Mark Cuban, owner of Dallas Mavericks, that he would not play the national anthem at his team’s games.
“It’s hard to believe that this could happen in Texas, but Mark Cuban’s actions yesterday made it clear that we need to specify that in Texas we will play the national anthem before any major event,” Patrick said in a statement in which The new legislation announced he claimed “already enjoys widespread support.”
“At this time when so many things separate us, exercise is one thing that brings us together – right, left, black, white and brown,” he added. “I’m sure it will happen and that the Stars and Stripes in the Lone Star State will not be threatened again.”
To be clear, the Star Spangled Banner was never threatened in Texas, but Patrick is a right-wing extremist who uses his office to attack people and policies he disapproves.
The legislation raised both eyebrows and questions about how far it would go. What is an “event”? Does the Star Spangled Banner have to be played at the start of every public school class? If a church receives public funding (some do so for activities that are not “inherently religious”), do they have to play the national anthem at the beginning of those activities?
Some have also called the anthem racist.
Patrick also posted this shot over the bow at Cuban, which received some passionate reactions.
Speaking of embarrassment https://t.co/1HK4Pgk3KR
– onore (@onorev) February 10, 2021
The Texas Democratic Party made a bloody statement in response.
“If only Dan Patrick and the rest of his Republican Trump brothers cared more about a violent right-wing mob trying to overthrow our Capitol than what a private organization is playing at their home games. Patrick is not a patriot. He is a secessionist coward whose rhetoric and actions sparked the violence in the Capitol that killed 6 people and risked the lives of thousands more. “
Patrick was quickly ridiculed on social media.
really fantastic stuff here pic.twitter.com/pewPyH9dAK
– Jordan (@JordanUhl) February 10, 2021
I would hate being a kid in college in Texas. Imagine having to say the stars and stripes before each class. https://t.co/CAMS5xzSxu
– Smitty WerbenjagermanJensen (@_UncleRufus_) February 11, 2021
It’s pathetic for Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick to focus on passing Senate Star Spangled Banner Protection Act 4 while thousands die in Texas. But refuses to hold Senator Ted Cruz accountable for inciting the Capitol uprising. The song does not represent a unit.
– Phillip (@PhillipOlevic) February 11, 2021
The Stars and Stripes Protection Act is perhaps the stupidest thing I’ve heard in at least a few days.
Does he have any idea how many events take place in public buildings every day? Will they repeat it outside of Bridgestone like the announcements?
– Katherine T. (@ i24predsfan) February 11, 2021
Enforcing patriotism revives the people of the land of the free
On reprimand by Mark Cuban, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick joins the Star Spangled Banner Protection Act https://t.co/MQBnGDTOYE
– Shakka (puts the S in socialism) Zulu (@shakkazulu) February 11, 2021
I’m trying as hard as I can to come up with something dumber than the Star Spangled Banner Protection Act
– Your Captain Dave (@daveswebsite) February 11, 2021
The Star Spangled Banner Protection Act … damn it, the leadership of this state is as stupid as it gets
– Tyson (@ Secret_Will214) February 10, 2021
Sorry? is that north korea? Russia? Last I checked if it was USA. This is the kind of crap that destroys the GOP.
On reprimand by Mark Cuban, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick campaigns for the Star Spangled Banner Protection Act through @houstonchron https://t.co/JSmLw54OBJ
– can’t have it (@eclecticbella) February 10, 2021
How does this save lives and ensure Texans can recover from the economic, social and health disaster we are currently going through, Dan? Focus on helping Texans without mocking the legislative process! You are an embarrassment and should step back.
– Nathan (@NTinTX) February 10, 2021
This is real cultural revolution-style forced patriotism, Danny Junge. Patriot chairman Mao (who was the gun owner) would be proud.
– Former President’s Office and Massage Parlors (@StillNotPHarris) February 11, 2021
Oh yes, little government conservatism in action.
Legislatively enforced nationalism disguised as patriotism. The national anthem doesn’t need protection, Dan. The decision whether to play it or not is and should be a choice.
Unless, of course, you don’t believe in freedom.
– KBB-The Burner Account (@ KBB45575459) February 10, 2021
🤷🏽♂️ forced nationalism…. That sounds pretty fascist to me … and wasting time on legislation?!? Smfh
– job finished! 2020 NBA CHAMPS (@iWearMyKicks) February 11, 2021
This is weird North Korean shit.
– Sparkle_toss @ (@SparkleToss) February 11, 2021
Image by Gage Skidmore via Flickr and a CC license
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