Editor,
A letter was published on Jan. 20 debating the validity of celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day over President's Day. Several arguments were brought up as reasons why President's Day is a more meaningful commemoration for our country. As far as I'm concerned, there should be no question that both days are important. However, if there's one thing that Martin Luther King Jr. taught us, it's to not squabble over petty trifles such as, say, skin color, or as it applies, the superiority of holidays. To diminish this message is to simultaneously diminish King's achievements and services, and to make such bold claims in the midst of the celebration of King's holiday is downright disrespectful.
That being said, I intend to be hypocritical and refute the assertions made in Tuesday's letter. One of the arguments brought up was that President's Day is a laudation of not just Washington and Lincoln, but of all presidents, previous and current. Even so, we should remind ourselves that the first presidents of this nation founded on equality and freedom rested on the cushion that slavery provided them. Even after Lincoln so nobly emancipated slaves, former slaves were still only allowed to be three-fifths of a citizen. Now that's freedom. Kudos to those presidents for giving blacks so many rights. And let's not overlook such liberating institutions like the Jim Crow laws, which made it nearly impossible for blacks to vote or become literate. Lest we forget the motto separate but equal.
I could continue to go into an extensive history review, but I think the point stands: Not all American presidents valued liberty as highly as they were made out to. Sure, they won wars. Sure, they put policies into effect that bettered the country, but let's not magnify their efforts and belittle King's when maybe they weren't always the best of people.
One question that was brought up in the letter was, could [the favoring of MLK day] possibly be another minority issue? In response, I must say that's the most cynical way of viewing the situation that I can imagine. No, it's not about minorities. It's about the fact that a great man saw a serious societal problem, decided to do something about it, and succeeded. Even after King's efforts, to this day blacks still aren't completely equal in this country. I think we can give them at least one measly day of the year without questioning the propriety of doing so. I think they've earned it.
In his principles, his ideologies, his methods, and ultimately his unparalleled civil accomplishments, Martin Luther King Jr. was a hero, and we would be sorely remiss if we failed to acknowledge his legend and his importance. Should we favor a bunch of old, white bigwigs with selfish political agendas, or a simple man with a goal greater than himself? I'll let you be the judge of that.
patrick.bourland@ohiou.edu
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