Why Is Midland, Texas Using $50,000 of Taxpayer Money to Pay for a Christian Concert?

Odd, several years back the Confederate Air Force changed it’s name to the Commemorative Air Force yet this statement still uses the old name that was deemed potentially offensive.  

Odd, several years back the Confederate Air Force changed it’s name to the Commemorative Air Force yet this statement still uses the old name that was deemed potentially offensive.  

Well, that explains why I couldn’t find any hotel rooms in Midland/Odessa on Aug. 4 (driving through to Tucson).

Looking at the website it seems like a pretty big event, it really has the potential to bring in A LOT of tourism money. 

Looking at the website it seems like a pretty big event, it really has the potential to bring in A LOT of tourism money. 

Somehow I expect the answer is somehow related to the budget item directly below it.

Somehow I expect the answer is somehow related to the budget item directly below it.

Somehow I expect the answer is somehow related to the budget item directly below it.

Ugh, that Rock the Desert web design is painful on the eyes!

Ugh, that Rock the Desert web design is painful on the eyes!

Isn’t that, like, a place for special children?

Isn’t that, like, a place for special children?

Isn’t that, like, a place for special children?

it’s nice to know they value the air force just as much as Christian proselytizing.

it’s nice to know they value the air force just as much as Christian proselytizing.

it’s nice to know they value the air force just as much as Christian proselytizing.

I’m utterly shocked that a town that spends money on “Confederate Air Force”, the “President G.W Bush Home” and the “Petroleum Museum” would flout the Constitution to turn young people into faithful Christians.

/sarcasm

I’m utterly shocked that a town that spends money on “Confederate Air Force”, the “President G.W Bush Home” and the “Petroleum Museum” would flout the Constitution to turn young people into faithful Christians.

/sarcasm

I’m utterly shocked that a town that spends money on “Confederate Air Force”, the “President G.W Bush Home” and the “Petroleum Museum” would flout the Constitution to turn young people into faithful Christians.

/sarcasm

It seems to me, that supporting a large-scale event likely to bring many people to town might boost the local economy – restaurants, hotels, shopping, etc. While it seems odd to spend $50,000 on a religious event, looking at it from a business standpoint, it’s a large concert event spanning several days, likely to bring in revenue for businesses.

It seems to me, that supporting a large-scale event likely to bring many people to town might boost the local economy – restaurants, hotels, shopping, etc. While it seems odd to spend $50,000 on a religious event, looking at it from a business standpoint, it’s a large concert event spanning several days, likely to bring in revenue for businesses.

It seems to me, that supporting a large-scale event likely to bring many people to town might boost the local economy – restaurants, hotels, shopping, etc. While it seems odd to spend $50,000 on a religious event, looking at it from a business standpoint, it’s a large concert event spanning several days, likely to bring in revenue for businesses.

It seems to me, that supporting a large-scale event likely to bring many people to town might boost the local economy – restaurants, hotels, shopping, etc. While it seems odd to spend $50,000 on a religious event, looking at it from a business standpoint, it’s a large concert event spanning several days, likely to bring in revenue for businesses.

It seems to me, that supporting a large-scale event likely to bring many people to town might boost the local economy – restaurants, hotels, shopping, etc. While it seems odd to spend $50,000 on a religious event, looking at it from a business standpoint, it’s a large concert event spanning several days, likely to bring in revenue for businesses.

It seems to me, that supporting a large-scale event likely to bring many people to town might boost the local economy – restaurants, hotels, shopping, etc. While it seems odd to spend $50,000 on a religious event, looking at it from a business standpoint, it’s a large concert event spanning several days, likely to bring in revenue for businesses.

It seems to me, that supporting a large-scale event likely to bring many people to town might boost the local economy – restaurants, hotels, shopping, etc. While it seems odd to spend $50,000 on a religious event, looking at it from a business standpoint, it’s a large concert event spanning several days, likely to bring in revenue for businesses.

“At the George W Bush Center For Children Who Can’t Read Good And Wanna Learn To Do Other Stuff Good Too, we teach you that there’s more to life than being really, really ridiculously good-looking.”

“At the George W Bush Center For Children Who Can’t Read Good And Wanna Learn To Do Other Stuff Good Too, we teach you that there’s more to life than being really, really ridiculously good-looking.”

“At the George W Bush Center For Children Who Can’t Read Good And Wanna Learn To Do Other Stuff Good Too, we teach you that there’s more to life than being really, really ridiculously good-looking.”

Here’s the 9/28/2010 minutes approving (and increasing from $17,000 to $50,000) the expense:

—
30. Assistant Community Services Director Tina Jauz, noted that the contract should be amended to read $50,000 instead of $17,000. 

Following discussion, Mayor Pro Tem James moved to amend the contract to read $50,000 instead of $17,000; seconded by Council Member Dufford.  The motion carried by the following vote:  AYE:  Trost, Hailey, Perry, Dufford, James, and Sparks.  NAY:  None.  ABSTAIN:  None.  ABSENT:  Morales.

Council Member James moved to approve Resolution No. 2010-277 with amended contract; seconded by Council Member Dufford.  The motion carried by the following vote:  AYE:  Trost, Hailey, Perry, Dufford, James, and Sparks.  NAY:  None.  ABSTAIN: None.  ABSENT:  Morales.  Caption of said resolution is as follows: 

RESOLUTION NO. 2010-277
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH ROCK THE DESERT, TO PROMOTE TOURISM AND THE CONVENTION AND HOTEL INDUSTRY IN THE CITY OF MIDLAND 
—

Source: http://www.midlandtexas.gov/government/agendas/city_council/minutes/Minutes%202010-09-28.pdf

Here’s the 9/28/2010 minutes approving (and increasing from $17,000 to $50,000) the expense:

—
30. Assistant Community Services Director Tina Jauz, noted that the contract should be amended to read $50,000 instead of $17,000. 

Following discussion, Mayor Pro Tem James moved to amend the contract to read $50,000 instead of $17,000; seconded by Council Member Dufford.  The motion carried by the following vote:  AYE:  Trost, Hailey, Perry, Dufford, James, and Sparks.  NAY:  None.  ABSTAIN:  None.  ABSENT:  Morales.

Council Member James moved to approve Resolution No. 2010-277 with amended contract; seconded by Council Member Dufford.  The motion carried by the following vote:  AYE:  Trost, Hailey, Perry, Dufford, James, and Sparks.  NAY:  None.  ABSTAIN: None.  ABSENT:  Morales.  Caption of said resolution is as follows: 

RESOLUTION NO. 2010-277
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH ROCK THE DESERT, TO PROMOTE TOURISM AND THE CONVENTION AND HOTEL INDUSTRY IN THE CITY OF MIDLAND 
—

Source: http://www.midlandtexas.gov/government/agendas/city_council/minutes/Minutes%202010-09-28.pdf

Here’s the 9/28/2010 minutes approving (and increasing from $17,000 to $50,000) the expense:

—
30. Assistant Community Services Director Tina Jauz, noted that the contract should be amended to read $50,000 instead of $17,000. 

Following discussion, Mayor Pro Tem James moved to amend the contract to read $50,000 instead of $17,000; seconded by Council Member Dufford.  The motion carried by the following vote:  AYE:  Trost, Hailey, Perry, Dufford, James, and Sparks.  NAY:  None.  ABSTAIN:  None.  ABSENT:  Morales.

Council Member James moved to approve Resolution No. 2010-277 with amended contract; seconded by Council Member Dufford.  The motion carried by the following vote:  AYE:  Trost, Hailey, Perry, Dufford, James, and Sparks.  NAY:  None.  ABSTAIN: None.  ABSENT:  Morales.  Caption of said resolution is as follows: 

RESOLUTION NO. 2010-277
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH ROCK THE DESERT, TO PROMOTE TOURISM AND THE CONVENTION AND HOTEL INDUSTRY IN THE CITY OF MIDLAND 
—

Source: http://www.midlandtexas.gov/government/agendas/city_council/minutes/Minutes%202010-09-28.pdf

I’ll admit I had this less than charitable thought too, but my better imaginary angel took me to google and I found out it’s his childhood home. Though being a Bushie, it’s probably just one of his several childhood homes.

I’ll admit I had this less than charitable thought too, but my better imaginary angel took me to google and I found out it’s his childhood home. Though being a Bushie, it’s probably just one of his several childhood homes.

I’ll admit I had this less than charitable thought too, but my better imaginary angel took me to google and I found out it’s his childhood home. Though being a Bushie, it’s probably just one of his several childhood homes.

I’ll admit I had this less than charitable thought too, but my better imaginary angel took me to google and I found out it’s his childhood home. Though being a Bushie, it’s probably just one of his several childhood homes.

I’ll admit I had this less than charitable thought too, but my better imaginary angel took me to google and I found out it’s his childhood home. Though being a Bushie, it’s probably just one of his several childhood homes.

City of Midland Hotel/Motel Tax Advisory Board staff contact: Tina Jauz, 432-685-7354.

From http://www.midlandtexas.gov/government/city_council/boards_commissions.html 

City of Midland Hotel/Motel Tax Advisory Board staff contact: Tina Jauz, 432-685-7354.

From http://www.midlandtexas.gov/government/city_council/boards_commissions.html 

City of Midland Hotel/Motel Tax Advisory Board staff contact: Tina Jauz, 432-685-7354.

From http://www.midlandtexas.gov/government/city_council/boards_commissions.html 

Is it money that is given to the event, or was it for support services that the event needed, such as police and ambulance?

Is it money that is given to the event, or was it for support services that the event needed, such as police and ambulance?

Is it money that is given to the event, or was it for support services that the event needed, such as police and ambulance?

Is it money that is given to the event, or was it for support services that the event needed, such as police and ambulance?

I wonder if they would help fund a religion-neutral music event for the same reasons?  It’s one thing to say you have a certain religion-neutral motivation to support a religious entity, event or project, often I find it’s not the case.

I wonder if they would help fund a religion-neutral music event for the same reasons?  It’s one thing to say you have a certain religion-neutral motivation to support a religious entity, event or project, often I find it’s not the case.

I wonder if they would help fund a religion-neutral music event for the same reasons?  It’s one thing to say you have a certain religion-neutral motivation to support a religious entity, event or project, often I find it’s not the case.

It would be interesting to see a copy of the agreement.

It would be interesting to see a copy of the agreement.

It would be interesting to see a copy of the agreement.

Rock the Desert goes back at least 10 years, always in the Midland area.  That, coupled with Cindy’s information that she couldn’t find a hotel room during the event makes me wonder what the $50,000 could possibly be spent on.

Rock the Desert goes back at least 10 years, always in the Midland area.  That, coupled with Cindy’s information that she couldn’t find a hotel room during the event makes me wonder what the $50,000 could possibly be spent on.

I am ashamed to live here.

I am ashamed to live here.

Interesting that there was a cut to spending on the Convention Bureau (-$100,000.00) and to the Midland Arts Assembly (-$5,000.00), and to the Midland Community Theater (-$10,000.00). The Petroleum Museum isn’t doing well, either (-$7,000.00). But the Midland Softball Association sure got a boost (+$39,350.00)! Seems that the priorities are straight to me!

Why? I assume that, like most local governments these days, the city of Midland simply has too much revenue and is over-eager to find ways to give it away.

Yes… I made the mistake of clicking on “need him?”, but got too creeped out to “start my journey”.

The US may not be a Christian nation, but TX certainly is.

The US may not be a Christian nation, but TX certainly is.

The US may not be a Christian nation, but TX certainly is.

The US may not be a Christian nation, but TX certainly is.

Okay, let’s see. We have this,

“It is the mission of Rock The Desert to reach today’s generation
through contemporary Christian music and recreation so that they may hear the life changing Message of Jesus Christ.”

And then we have this,

“Resolution No. 2010-277 A resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with Rock The Desert, to promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry in the City of Midland.”

 
And then we also have this.

“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all of them who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.”

(cue Sesame Street music)
Two of these things belong together,
Two of these things are kind of the same,
But one of these things just doesn’t belong here.
Now it’s time to play our game,
It’s time to play our game.

Okay, let’s see. We have this,

“It is the mission of Rock The Desert to reach today’s generation
through contemporary Christian music and recreation so that they may hear the life changing Message of Jesus Christ.”

And then we have this,

“Resolution No. 2010-277 A resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with Rock The Desert, to promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry in the City of Midland.”

 
And then we also have this.

“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all of them who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.”

(cue Sesame Street music)
Two of these things belong together,
Two of these things are kind of the same,
But one of these things just doesn’t belong here.
Now it’s time to play our game,
It’s time to play our game.

Okay, let’s see. We have this,

“It is the mission of Rock The Desert to reach today’s generation
through contemporary Christian music and recreation so that they may hear the life changing Message of Jesus Christ.”

And then we have this,

“Resolution No. 2010-277 A resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with Rock The Desert, to promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry in the City of Midland.”

 
And then we also have this.

“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all of them who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.”

(cue Sesame Street music)
Two of these things belong together,
Two of these things are kind of the same,
But one of these things just doesn’t belong here.
Now it’s time to play our game,
It’s time to play our game.

They like to call it “spiritual warfare”

They like to call it “spiritual warfare”

They like to call it “spiritual warfare”

They like to call it “spiritual warfare”

They like to call it “spiritual warfare”

They like to call it “spiritual warfare”

$50,000,  That’s probably a cop.

$50,000,  That’s probably a cop.

It looks like they are lowering the funds for the arts and museums too…

It looks like they are lowering the funds for the arts and museums too…

It looks like they are lowering the funds for the arts and museums too…

It looks like they are lowering the funds for the arts and museums too…

It looks like they are lowering the funds for the arts and museums too…

It looks like they are lowering the funds for the arts and museums too…

It looks like they are lowering the funds for the arts and museums too…

It looks like they are lowering the funds for the arts and museums too…

It looks like they are lowering the funds for the arts and museums too…

“Confederate Air Force”??????? Is Midland preparing to secede from the Union?

Yes,Texas is the birthplace of Republican Jesus………. :/

Yes,Texas is the birthplace of Republican Jesus………. :/

Don’t feel lonely……. 

Don’t feel lonely……. 

Don’t feel lonely……. 

Don’t feel lonely……. 

The “Commemorative Air Force”, as it has been known since 2002, has a museum in Midland, TX.  That organization operates many historical aircraft, and has the only remaining flying B-29 which was restored in Midland.  Why the city council has the name wrong is a mystery.  

That’s what I figured, too.  The way the minutes read is that they are investing in the tourism aspect of a huge event.  It just happens to be religious in nature.  That’s quite an increase, though… I think $17,000 is more than enough.  🙂  (not much of a tourist myself)

You know, you both can pack up and leave.

Are we able to use basic HTML tags w/ Disqus?

Speak of the devil Republican Jesus…

WWRJD?

It seems pretty clear to me that they’re just trying to pass the Lemon test by providing a somewhat suspect secular purpose in the official documentation, a sneaky way to deflect charges of violation of the establishment clause. It would be interesting to see if they would give the same consideration to an atheist event. If their true purpose is to promote tourism, they should jump at the chance.

I went into the “need him?” section and click through the preset questions they know i wanted to ask …  surprisingly one of them was  ” why should  I care?” A few more clicks and their was an option to connect to live chat lol!

no one was available to chat with me though 🙁

Who is they?  The commemorative air force is historical in nature, including a museum and an annual air show that is just great!  It has nothing to do with religion or “spiritual warfare” whatever that means.
Is this what blogging is all about, sitting around looking for things to complain about, whether you know what you’re talking about or not?

Go for it dude, the US doesn’t have any interest in you.  Hope you never need a tracheotomy/breathing tube ever!

It is NOT given to the event, it is for services.  Ya’ll just don’t understand how big this thing is!

It is that easy!  Pack your junk (including your copy of The Handmaids Tale), in your (no doubt) foreign car, and drive.  North or south is best, but I know some really short piers on both the east and west coast, I’d gladly give you directions!

Why, does your religion advocate stoning?  If so, I assume they are all sinless saints, since I clearly remember JC saying something like “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone”, at least in my bible, anyway!

Hey, guess what? When I was a fundie asshat, I went to RTD every year. So I can make sweeping statements about how I don’t want my taxes paying for proselytizing and branwashing kids as to the evils of vaccinations that could help them. The churches, donators, and so on should pay for “services”, NOT the taxpayers.

I hope that you don’t have kids

Using tax payer money to promote your religious beliefs? NO NO NO!