COMMENT OF THE DAY: HOW ABOUT A TRIAL FORGETTING PERIOD FIRST? 
“It is really not in play in the ‘tear it down’ vs. ‘leave it there’ debate, but it has always been my considered opinion that that nothing should be named for anyone until 10 years after their death. So many things are named for recently deceased, relatively unimportant politicians these days. Few remember who they are 10 years later. If there is still a hue and cry to memorialize someone ten years after their death, so be it. As stated in a quote attributed to Cato the Elder, “’I would much rather have men ask why I have no statue, than why I have one.’†[Al, commenting on Comment of the Day: Statues of Limitations] Illustration: Lulu
Sign up for the Newsletter
I think reverend T C Jester would disagree with you….
This idea, “nothing should be named for anyone until 10 years after their death”, wouldn’t have vetted the controversial statues, streets, etc. that currently controversial. Almost a 100 year waiting period would be appropriate for history to kindly judge the past.
There doesn’t seem to be too many things named about “recently deceased politicians” around Houston. Off the top of my head, I can’t name anything. There’s George H. Bush Intercontinental Airport and the Tom Delay Control Tower (in Sugarland) but that both still around. And both were not “unimportant”, perhaps controversial.
Blake: True. In fact, it may provide an arguing point to those who believe some or all of these monuments were really erected for another, more sinister purpose – as continuing symbols of racial oppression. Doesn’t really matter who is memorialized if that is your purpose.
It sure will be nice when Swamplot gets back on topic…
What’s “recent” to you? What about Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center?
Weren’t a lot of those statues put up during Jim Crow era/early 20th century? I don’t think many were even established until well after the war.
@Blake – The international terminal at Bush airport was renamed for Congressman Mickey Leland shortly after his death in the early 1990s. But that’s probably the only one that I can think of, and I’ve lived in Houston for almost 50 years.
In addition to the Mickey Leland terminal at IAH, there’s the Mickey Leland Federal Building on Smith St..
And in addition to George Bush Intercontinental Airport, there’s George Bush Park (formerly Cullen-Barker Park).
Also, HISD has a Barbara Jordan High School.
METRO has the Lee P. Brown Metro Administration Building.
Let’s not forget Bob Lanier Public Works Building.
And Dave Ward (although not a politician) has had the Crimestoppers building named for him.
There may be more. At any rate there seems to be no dearth of public entities named for living or recently deceased Houstonians.
(PS: Eleanor Tinsley Elementary School.
Eleanor Tinsley Park.
Ervan Chew Dog Park.
Johnny Steele Dog Park…..)
Sylvan Rodriguez Elementary School… (also not a politician)
Louie Welch Middle School…