Monday, January 16, 2006

We Shall Overcome On Our Lunch Hour

Today was a national holiday in celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Diversity committees were formed, classes were cancelled and events were planned for the university community.

Except staff. Staff had to work.

I don't understand a day when we're all supposed to be celebrating but many people are not afforded that luxury. Celebrate diversity! Rejoice in the progress we the people have made! Re-energize as a community to continue the fight for peace and equality! Be sure to bring your sack lunch because this is all on YOUR nickel, not ours! Peace Out!

It's the year 2006 and we have a National holiday chock-full of activities we are not allowed to attend. It's the year 2006 and our nation is in the midst of a war we are not allowed to question because to ask the hard questions is irresponsible partisanship that demoralizes the troops and lets the terrorists win. It is the year 2006, and we are still mired in a two-faced "do as I say and not as I do" kind of existence that is both tiresome and insulting.

We the people. But which people?
Freedom of speech. But which words?

It's the year 2006. Take a look around.
We have a long, long way to go.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well said, Green Tuna. The whale fart expert is undoubtedly proud of you! Even if you are an acerbic Rotweiller with pearls at times, I think you're really pretty "ooey gooey" underneath. Finally, what the hell is "treacle"?

Peace Tuna

odie said...

We, on the other hand, get Martin Luther King day as one of nine holidays in the year. Six of these nine days fall within two months of each other. The other 3? Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day. No days off for an eternity. Tra la, tra la.

Anonymous said...

Believe me, as someone who's constitutional rights got tossed to the rubbish heap in 2004, I'm with you on There's A Long Way To Go.
But why doesn't staff get the day off at MooU? From my memory, it mostly has to do with students in the late 80s/early 90s (when I was there) having sit-ins in the Administration building and threatening more if the U didn't cancel classes. And since they framed it as unless you cancel classes the U perpetuates its inherent racism, it was much easier to make the protesters go away by doing what they've done.
Maybe the faculty and staff should have a sit in....???

brad

Sarah said...

preach it, sister!

right on!