By: Moody H.R. No. 478
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, On August 12, 2017, in Charlottesville, Virginia,
numerous people were injured, H. Jay Cullen and Burke N.M. Bates
perished serving and attempting to restore order within their city,
and Heather Heyer was killed by an act of domestic terrorism; and
WHEREAS, This tragic event demonstrates that the resurgence
of white nationalism, fascism, neo-Nazism, and similar movements is
a clear threat to America and her people; and
WHEREAS, Since the inception of our nation and state, these
divisive ideas have, like persistent weeds, twisted within the
bedrock of our democracy and stood in opposition to the principles
of liberty, diversity, and justice that have truly made us great;
and
WHEREAS, The rebranding of these ideas as the "alt-Right"
does not disguise or legitimize them, and we recognize them as
merely a modern incarnation of the animus behind disgraceful
chapters in history such as slavery, Jim Crow, and the Holocaust;
and
WHEREAS, These sentiments are incompatible with the values we
hold dear as Texans and Americans; and
WHEREAS, While supporting the constitutional freedom of
speech, we nonetheless unequivocally reject and repudiate any
message denigrating others based on race, ethnicity, religion,
sexual orientation, immigration status, or any other consideration
beyond the content of their character; and
WHEREAS, Any group which promotes intimidation and violent
repression is, by definition, a terrorist organization; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby condemns white
nationalism, fascism, neo-Nazism, and similar movements; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby urges law enforcement
agencies to regard and pursue the criminal elements of such
organizations as terrorists; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Chief Clerk of the Texas House of
Representatives forward official copies of this resolution to the
President of the United States and to all members of the Texas
delegation in Congress with the request that this resolution be
entered in the Congressional Record.