I had the chance to see Dr. King's Washington address, but I didn't. (1705 hits)
Imagine the feeling of being able to attend one of the most significant events in American history, but choosing not to.
On that warm day in 1963, as hundreds of thousands gathered to see American values put to the test firsthand, thousands of others were too busy, too preoccupied to be there. For some, it was work or family responsibilities, for others, it was simply too much of a burden to go. The important work of civil rights in America would surely go on without them, they thought.
They thought correctly, but the cost of opting out was high. How do you answer when your grandchild asks "were you there", and "why not?"
Will the answer be any more convincing now than it was 40 years ago? Will that errand that needed to be run really seem that important, or the long drive really seem so inconvenient?
Fast-forward 50 years. Today, history is being made. Your grandchildren will read in their history books about this election. Where will you be? What stories will you be able to tell?
Will it be "I saw it on TV", or "I was there"?
Decisions are being made that will change the course of our nation's future. A 400-year legacy of inequality is being challenged. Will you be a spectator or a participant? Will you vote, or simply expect others to do it on your behalf? Are you educating yourself and others about the issues, or simply leaving it to fate? Are you supporting the candidate who reflects your values, or allowing others to pull your weight?
I will be there, and I will have many stories to tell.
Posted By: Jonathan Carter
Friday, October 10th 2008 at 11:00AM
Jonathan, I already posted a blog asking people what they are doing in this election. No one responded. Good luck with this one. I think there are too many talkers and not enough doers.
Friday, October 10th 2008 at 9:30PM
chivonne lawson
