Non-Responsive Letter from Clay Johnson, Exec. Asst. to (then) Gov. George W. Bush

 

31 May 2000

 

Mr. Denne A. Sweeney
Commander, Texas Division
Sons of Confederate Veterans
347 Ridgewood Drive
Ferris, Tx  75125

 

 

Dear Denne:

 

     Thank you for your letter and for your time during our recent meeting.  I appreciated the opportunity to discuss with you and your colleagues the plaques in the Texas Supreme Court Building.  You helped me fully understand and appreciate your concern about any possible attacks on Texas history.

 

     I assure you that Governor Bush opposes any attempt to rewrite Texas history.  Historical representations of the six governments that have governed Texas are displayed throughout the Capitol complex.  These symbols and emblems reflect the history and diversity that make Texas unique.  As I’m sure you know, three large monuments on the Capitol grounds specifically commemorate our state’s involvement in the Civil War, and they will continue to do so in perpetuity.

 

     By law in 1955, the Texas Supreme Court Building was “designated as a memorial to the Texans who served in the Armed Services of the Confederate States of America.”  The Governor believes that the building remains dedicated to the Texans who served the Confederacy, but that new plaques could better explain why the building was dedicated as it was and reassure visitors that our courts provide equal justice to all people.  Governor Bush supports replacing the plaques, not removing them, and explaining history, not revising it.

 

     I appreciate your candor and strong commitment to our state.  I will respond shortly to your questions about a subject marker for the building and an alternative use of the [plaque with Lee’s quote.

 

Sincerely,

 

CLAY JOHNSON
Executive Assistant
To the Governor