BROWNSVILLE

Brownsville is a cursed city. Until it changes it name, Brownsville will be haunted by an evil spirit who will condemn this city to a purgatorial existence. Major Jacob Brown was a killer. He came to the Rio Grande to kill Mexicans and rob their land. He was an officer in an imperialistic army that slaughtered Mexicans for sport and raped their women for fun.

He was a criminal. He may have been a swell guy swilling beer with his buddies (Eva Braun insisted to her friends that Adolf was a sweet person once you got to know him), but he joined a bloodthirsty army and participated in a bloodthirsty act.

People are not proud to live in a city named after a criminal.

Who would want to live in a place named Hitlersville?

The Brownsville Herald must lead the way, but the daily continues to perpetuate the legacy of Major Brown as a hero rather than a villain. Should the newspaper's stance surprise anyone? The Herald built its reputation defending the white trash that followed the conquering army.

Brownsville's first leaders abused both blacks and browns. No surprise. It was a Confederate town with no love for niggers or spics. The Herald, however, has always groveled for advertising and never fought for justice. From the times of founding father Charles Stillman, the white man hast ruleth.

Brownsville is a dirty sounding name. Laredo should have been called Brownsville. This is a tropical paradise, particularly in the wake of bountiful rains. Resacas meander through neighborhoods, palms trees line streets and bougainvillea bloom on corners.

Brownsville is an ugly name. Newcomers are afraid to ask about the name's origin because they don't want to offend anyone. They don't want to suggest that Brownsville received its name as a result of the large number of Mexican-Americans residing in the area.

An enlightened leader should deliver the same speech to the rich of Rio Viejo or to the poor of Las Prietas: "Change the name of this city and our fortunes will soar."

"What should we christen ourselves?" the masses would clamour.

"Paradise," the candidate would answer. "Paradise, Texas."

El Pueblo must rise and cast Brownsville into the fire.

From the ashes will rise Paradise.