In 1986 TexDOT launched an anti litter campaign designed to appeal to the pride that Texans have for our state and reduce the litter accumulating on Texas roads.
It had the catchy, tough talking tagline of 'Don't Mess With Texas' and had commercials with Texas musicians, sports heroes, and actors. In a few short years it not only remarkably worked to reduce the amount of litter on Texas roadsides, the campaign was expanded to include Texas beaches.
The Don't Mess With Texas slogan became a cultural icon as well.
The anti-litter program now turns 25, and to mark its 25th anniversary they are having a contest to pick the best commercial at this website..
Here are some of my favorite ones.
The Houston Oilers one featuring Warren Moon and Ernest Givins
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Rev George Foreman
Johnny Dee and the Rocket 88's
Houston Astro pitcher Mike Scott
The Monster
The Texas Confederate Air Force
Traffic Stop
I Wouldn't Do It