City Hall Declares War on Free Speech (And Good Taste) in $1.1 Million Logo Debacle

The Great Logo War: How Austin’s Deep State Is Silencing Free Speech (And Your Right to Mock Bad Design)

Folks, it’s happening again. The Austin City Hall cabal—fresh off their $1.1 million logo disaster—has now declared war on free speech. That’s right, the same geniuses who thought a minimalist 'A' was worth more than a down payment on a South Austin bungalow are now suing patriots for daring to parody their taxpayer-funded travesty.

Save Austin Now, the last line of defense against the tofu-pushing bureaucrats, is being dragged into court because they had the audacity to tweak the city’s logo to say 'audit.' And let’s be real—if the city’s logo wasn’t a joke before, it sure is now. But no, City Manager T.C. Broadnax and his army of trademark lawyers (funded by your hard-earned dollars) are crying foul, claiming the parody will 'confuse consumers.' Oh, please. The only thing confusing here is how anyone looked at that logo and thought, 'Yes, this is worth seven figures.'

Bill Aleshire, the attorney fighting this madness, called it an 'abuse of power.' He’s being too kind. This is a full-blown tyranny of bad design. The city didn’t even bother getting Council approval for their overpriced scribble, but suddenly, they’re experts on intellectual property law? Give me a break. Next thing you know, they’ll trademark the potholes on Lamar.

Meanwhile, Jessica King, the city’s chief communications director, insists the logo is vital for 'connecting with the public.' Really? Because last I checked, the public connected just fine with the old logo—you know, the one that didn’t cost enough to feed a family of four for a decade. But no, the Deep State needs its branding. How else will they brainwash you into accepting their next scheme: mandatory kale subsidies?

Matt Mackowiak of Save Austin Now put it best: 'Pack a lunch.' This fight isn’t just about a logo—it’s about whether Austinites still have the right to laugh at their government’s incompetence. And if the city wins? Well, folks, you might as well start practicing your 'approved' jokes now. Because soon, even sarcasm will require a permit.

Wake up, Austin. Your First Amendment rights are being outsourced to a PR firm. And that’s not a parody.