Different takes on 1836

As we wait for an announcement that may or may not be made about the new name Houston's MLS team may or may not get, we bring you Slightly Rough's roundup of blogs' reactions to 1836-gate. Actually, it's more than that — his compilation goes back to December, when the team was getting ready to move here from San Jose. Some highlights:

"Offensive to Mexican-Americans" is becoming a tool to erase Texas history from the public dialogue. A State that used to be one of the most proud and vibrant in the Union is turning into a snivelling embarrassment. (from Isolated Desolation)

And there's this statement directed toward County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia and Hispanics who are offended by 1836:

Perhaps you can find a bunch of Englishers who are offended by the team name Philadelphia 76ers, and y'all can all hook up and have a big whiny-ass pity party somewhere with lots of booze. (from The Fat Guy)

The other side is represented, too:

If you're like me you have no idea why Latinos wouldn't like the year 1836. 1836 is the year that Houston, Texas was settled, but it's also the year that the Republic of Texas was born and war with Mexico was started.

Stunning.

In one fell swoop the owners of Houston 1836 have alienated the demographic that would provide the most revenue for their team. (from Sporting Business)

And this:

A lot of posts seem to blame Mexican-Americans for the change. This misses the mark so much that if we were on the pitch, the other team would get a throw in. Let's look at what has happened. ... After Houston announced their name on Jan. 26, a group of people, many of them Mexican-Americans, took offense at the name and they expressed their opinion freely. These opinions lead the owners of Houston 1836 to decide to change the name.

[...]

My point is this, if you want the name to stay the same, don't take it out on the group that did not. (from My Soccer Blog)

In the media today, the Chron's Bernardo Fallas says a name change is a bad move for the MLS, but it'll all blow over eventually, and John P. Lopez thinks 1836 works (audio).