In Texas They Are Worried That an Historical Document Will be Shot to Death

Not So Worried About People Being Shot to Death

The story that there is a controversy in Texas over whether or not to display a letter from William Travis, commander of the forces at the Alamo has little interest for the rest of us.  It seems the Commissioners who are charge are worried that taking the letter out of its safe storage area and transporting it to the Alamo for display will results in damage or destruction to the letter.

"the precautions failed to impress the board that oversees the archives commission, and the plan appeared to be in peril. Archives staff members recommended that the commissioners not approve the plan, citing concerns about the lack of a fire suppression system in the Alamo as well as Mr. Patterson’s desire to transport the document during the day with as much fanfare and news coverage as possible.

“We feel that the risks of loaning the document cannot be mitigated 100 percent, and we advise against the loan,” the director of the archives agency, Peggy D. Rudd, told the seven commissioners."

 Now Texas is a big gun rights state, the kind of state that not only allows but encourages individuals to pack heat wherever they go, bars, schools, places like that.  So it was not surprising that concerns were raised over whether or not the document might be shot.

"Commissioners appeared concerned with the potential for mishap, theft or vandalism, and they asked two General Land Office representatives if the letter at the Alamo could be protected from a tornado, a flood or even a weapon.

“Is the case bulletproof?” one commissioner, Martha Doty Freeman, asked. (It will not be, though it will be shatterproof)."

The concern by Texans that their precious historical artifact might be shot is touching.  Their equally lack of concern over whether or not innocent civilians might shot by gun carrying nuts, unsurprising.