Earlier this week, we covered the mild controversy about the OTA naming a new section of its contentious Moore-Norman turnpike after Toby Keith – the late country music hitmaker who once literally sued to stop the turnpike.
Well, I guess that controversy is now officially closed.
Yesterday afternoon, the OTA gathered up local VIPs, dignitaries, and members of the Keith family to raise Red Solo cups and celebrate the occasion.
According to The Oklahoman, Keith’s family is fine with naming the turnpike after him because – even though Keith supported the cause to oppose it – he apparently changed his mind and privately embraced it as things became inevitable.
“Originally, as a family, we all were relatively against the turnpike as it was going to displace some of our community members. But once our voices in the community weren't going to be heard, we decided to look at the silver linings of what the economic drivers are and how it's going to actually benefit the area. And we decided to be pro-turnpike in the area, and that's where we landed today," Stelen Covel told reporters, adding that the family didn't make a public statement regarding their change of heart on the turnpike, but their close friends knew of it.”
Yep, in the 4th quarter, while time was running out, Toby privately switched sides to the winners! How do you like me now, huh?
Anyway, I honestly have no problem naming the turnpike after Toby Keith. I think there are other candidates that would make sense, but if his family is fine with the posthumous honor, I guess I’m fine with it, too.
In fact, it got me thinking. Maybe there are some other things out there we can name after Toby. Things like…
OSU at OKC Student Union
Toby Keith was an ardent supporter of everything OU athletics, so I can’t think of a better way to honor his love for the Sooners – and stick it to cryin’ liberal Garth Brooks – than naming the OSU–OKC Student Union after him. It would give orange-clad Toby Keith fans everywhere a place to gather and imagine all the possibilities.
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Oklahoma C.A.I.R. Headquarters
Sure, Toby Keith once wrote songs about sticking boots in Muslim asses, but if he was able to change his mind on the turnpike, I’m sure he could have done the same for the Muslim religion. Hell, maybe they could host a Red Solo Cup interfaith picnic in his honor, too.
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The Loaded Bowl
I bet Toby Keith – like most sane people – probably only ate vegetables when they were smothered in bacon, butter, and gravy, but OKC’s #1 vegan restaurant should totally consider renaming itself, Toby Keith’s “I Love This Plant and Grill.” I bet the ironic hipsters who shop at Tecovas would love it!
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OKC Peace Festival
Toby Keith was a freedom-loving American patriot who always backed and supported the troops. As a result, the organizers of the OKC Peace Festival should really consider naming the event after him, courtesy the red, white and blue.
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The Western Club
I think every Toby Keith song, in some form or another, is about drinking alcohol. As a result, the AA’s Western Club should consider renaming it the Toby Keith Club. Like a turnpike opponent driving on the Toby Keith Expressway. I’m sure all the friends of Bill W. would appreciate the irony.
