Posted on 01/04/2007 5:09:02 PM PST by SwinneySwitch
McALLEN — As state lawmakers brace for what could be a bitter debate over illegal immigration in the upcoming session, one local legislator has taken it upon himself to raise an issue that goes to the very heart of Texan identity.
In an inspired stroke of statesmanship sure to win favor with The Boot Jack crowd, Rep. Armando "Mando" Martinez, D-Weslaco, has authored a concurrent resolution that would designate the bolo tie, or the bola tie as it’s also known, as "the official State Tie of Texas."
"A fashion accessory that can be personalized to reflect the wearer’s taste and interests, the bolo tie is well matched to the individualism that is so much a part of the Texan identity," the bill reads.
"Moreover, the selection of a bolo over a standard tie can suggest that the wearer refuses to be bound by convention and relishes the freedom to exhibit a distinctive sense of style even as they maintain a dignified, formal appearance. … The bolo tie symbolizes both the state’s iconic western culture and the originality of its residents."
Except it seems that originality has its limits when it comes to thinking up official state symbols to legislate.
It turns out that Arizona designated the bola tie as its "official state neckwear" back in 1973 — that’s 1973, as in the year Pink Floyd released its Dark Side of the Moon album and Roger Moore succeeded Sean Connery as British secret agent James Bond.
To be fair, it’s not as if Arizona were trying to claim dog mushing as its official state sport — which probably would really tick off Alaska. The bolo, after all, was purportedly invented in Wickenburg, a town about 50 miles northwest of Phoenix. Even Martinez acknowledges in his bill that Arizona silversmith Victor Cedarstaff was the one who patented it back in 1959.
Martinez, for his part, doesn’t worry about competing claims to the bolo as a state symbol or the possibility that people outside Texas might not see the tie as distinctively Texan.
"Anybody can go ahead and lay claim," he said. "I’m not going to be out there and try and argue with anyone on that. It’s just a symbol that’s been around Texas for a long time."
And in any case, the origin of his rather unorthodox legislative proposal has roots not only in Texas state history but also in Martinez’s family history.
"My uncle, the late state Rep. Renato Cuellar … always wore a bolo tie, and he was actually one of the first representatives to be wearing a bolo tie on the House floor," Martinez said. "At first, there was a big old controversy whether or not they would allow the bolo tie to be used."
House rules and precedents require "gentlemen" to wear a coat and tie in the chamber. But when bolo ties first began showing up around the necks of House members, some peers questioned whether the accessory met the standard of proper decorum.
The controversy eventually died down, and now as many as 40 of the chamber’s 150 members wear a bolo on the House floor from time to time, Martinez estimates — including him.
He doesn’t worry about the teasing or criticism that inevitably occurs whenever a lawmaker files a quirky bill. At least he wasn’t the Nebraska legislator who motioned to make Kool-Aid the official soft drink of that state (it really is).
"That’s politics," he said, laughing. "And when you’re a public official you’re going to get hit from all ends, and you just have to go with it. You can’t get upset."
So despite the gibes that have appeared in online forums and mainstream publications alike, Martinez relishes his pats on the back.
"Actually, when we filed the bill there was a couple of the staffers that work in the Capitol that called and were like, ‘Wow, that’s neat! It’s a good thing that you’re filing that,’ and ‘That’s an awesome bill. That’s something to take our minds off of all the other hard work.’"
State Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, supports Martinez’s sideshow effort, as well. How could he not, considering the successful chuck-wagon bill he authored during the 2005 regular session.
"I think the debate will be interesting," Seliger said, but probably not as divisive as previous proposals to make the official state tie the burnt-orange bow tie or the maroon four-in-hand — neckwear featuring the symbolic colors of archrival institutions University of Texas and Texas A&M University.
Here in Hidalgo County, those who deal in Western wear welcome the idea of the bolo becoming the state tie.
"It’s not usually worn on a daily basis, but we sell quite a number of them, where we have to re-order them pretty often," said Kim Jones, a sales associate at The Book Jack store on North 10th Street in McAllen.
"They come in so many different styles," she added. "You get your own preference of how you want it. You can make it more personal than just a regular tie."
Generally speaking, Jones doesn’t mind lawmakers devoting time and resources to proposing new state symbols.
"I don’t think it’s a problem unless there’s something more important going on that needs to be taken care of first," she said. "It makes us have more things to identify Texas."
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You can reach Marc Geller at (956) 683-4445.
For more on the bolo tie, check out www.themonitor.com/bolo.
South Texas Ping!
Got something against bolos?
How about boots?
Hats?
Good to see the TX legislature has its priorities in order.
Why stop with the bolo tie? Why not wear your boots, cowboy hat, and chaps to congress to express yourself.
Ho hum...dress like a Frenchman...or dress like a Frenchman.?
Just worthless legislation.
No, not worthless.
Does your state have flower or a tree?
... or a molecule...?
State flower of Texas: Bluebonnet
State tree of Texas: Pecan
State molecule: Priceless
Too late! The bolo tie has been the official neckware of Arizona for years.
Now making the bolo Mauser the official pistol; that's class.
Last year they made Pan de Campo the official State Bread of Texas and it's made all the difference... /sarc
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