It is common practice for legislators to introduce resolutions honoring individuals. Often these resolutions receive little attention and pass easily with little impact other than to the recipient. In 1971, on April 1, the Waco representative of the Texas legislature, Tom Moore, Jr., introduced a resolution to honor a man with these words:
This compassionate gentleman’s dedication and devotion to his work has enabled the weak and the lonely throughout the nation to achieve and maintain a new degree of concern for their future. He has been officially recognized by the state of Massachusetts for his noted activities and unconventional techniques involving population control and applied psychology.
What the Representatives didn't realize was that Moore was making a point, that these resolutions pass without being properly read or understood. He succeeded when the resolution passed unanimously. It was quickly removed, however, once the Representatives realized that Moore was taking advantage of the April 1 session when he put in the request. Moore's resolution was to honor Albert DeSalvo, the "Boston Strangler." Between June 14, 1962 and January 4, 1964, thirteen single women between the ages of 19 and 85, were brutally murdered. They were all, eventually, tied to DeSalvo, who was himself murdered on November, 25, 1973, while in the Walpole Maximum Security Prison.
-Professor Walter
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