Opinion

MCALLEN — Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced the return of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) to South Texas. Following months of work, Congressman Gonzalez cemented a deal between PBS and Entravision to broadcast in the Rio Grande Valley.

While in line to pay for a few things at Walmart recently, the cashier noticed the logo on my shirt. She leaned forward and read aloud “Zion Lutheran Church in Alamo, Texas.” Then she asked if that was my church. I said, “Actually, I’m the pastor.” To that she inquired “What is ‘Lutheran?’ Are you a Christian?” I nodded and before I could say anything, she wanted to be sure, so she asked, not indirectly, “Do you believe Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior, who died for your salvation?” I responded, “Yes, ma’am. Yes, I do.” I detected a smile under her mask, and I was certain that later on she would talk about this guy—a “Lutheran”—who said he was a Christian (likely implying also).

Last week, the Dixie Chicks announced they were changing their name and were dropping the infamous word Dixie from it. This is the group that initially became famous by performing at an event celebrating George W. Bush’s election as governor of Texas. They later attacked Bush for fighting a war.