Friday, August 05, 2005

Name Game

With $35-billion added to next year's deficit, a war in Iraq, and homeland security dollars safely on their way away from places that need them -- Congress can get down to some really important business: Renaming a street after Ronald Reagan.

The 40th President already has an airport and the world's second largest government office building named after him in DC. But Rep Henry Bonilla (R-TX) wants to rename 16th Street NW in Washington "Ronald Reagan Blvd."

It's part of a nationwide campaign to name stuff for Mr Reagan. So far, in addition to the stuff in DC, there are 65 streets and an aircraft carrier carrying the name.

There are other DC streets named after Presidents. But 16th Street is a key part of Pierre L'Enfant's historic 1791 plan for the city. It has been briefly called "Avenue of the Presidents," honoring all who've lived at it's terminus -- the White House.

There are some other problems: The city is 77% Democrat and it would require local taxpayers to foot the $1 million to put up new street signs and change maps.

Mayor Anthony Williams suggests Rep Bonilla change a street name back home in San Antonio in honor of President Reagan. (USAToday)

No comments: