In Your Opinion, Does Martin Luther King Jr. Deserve a National Holiday

[Danno 1,228]

It's true, this country (unlike so many others) have a very long list of great men and women, all of whom are equally deserving of an honor of this magnitude.

I'd like to see a week off around the Fourth of July to celebrate all our American heroes. In exchange, get rid of President's and Labor and Memorial and MLK and all that. 1 week in July to celebrate them all. And it's July, it'll be a week people can actually use

AJ, you might have something there we can all live with.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

What I don't understand is why does Tiger Woods call himself African American?

Really. I thought he was the best ASIAN golfer.

Incidentally, regarding your other comment...many states at one time had laws defining what was "black" and it was usually 1/8th. Anyone 1/8th or more "black" was "black" These people were known as "octoroons". There were different names for each level, the only one still in common use is "Milato" for a 50/50 black. At one time, particularly in the south, there were class stratas based on percent of "blackness" and even skin color, light skinned blacks being called "bluebloods" if their skin was light enough to see the blood vessels. Some of the most oppressive "segregation" in the South occurred BETWEEN different "levels" of blacks.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

AJ, you might have something there we can all live with.

You just like the idea of taking your family away for a week during the summer without having to incur any banked vacation days

It's ok.. so do I.

[GabiandVi 34]

I have no problem with MLK day. However, I have to admit that when one of my students (who is Black) challenged why this day was a holiday, I had a hard time explaining why he deserved one over some other people that my student listed. Several of my other students (all Black) said things like who cares as long as we get the day off.

[Got Charmed 0]

As a Black American the MLK holiday has true meaning and it to us is a very important day of rememberance. In his own life’s example, he symbolized what was right about America, what was noblest and best, what human beings have loved unconditionally. He was in constant pursuit of truth, and when he discovered it, he embraced it. His nonviolent campaigns brought about redemption, reconciliation and justice. He taught us that only peaceful means can bring about peaceful ends, and that our goal was to create the love community.”America is a more democratic nation, a more just nation, a more peaceful nation because Martin Luther King, Jr. became her preeminent nonviolent commander.

[Nessa 23]

what's the point in the second question? you won't know what they voted anyway.

[Danno 1,228]

As a Black American the MLK holiday has true meaning and it to us is a very important day of rememberance. In his own life’s example, he symbolized what was right about America, what was noblest and best, what human beings have loved unconditionally. He was in constant pursuit of truth, and when he discovered it, he embraced it. His nonviolent campaigns brought about redemption, reconciliation and justice. He taught us that only peaceful means can bring about peaceful ends, and that our goal was to create the love community.”America is a more democratic nation, a more just nation, a more peaceful nation because Martin Luther King, Jr. became her preeminent nonviolent commander.

While you hit the nail on the head on a few points you are going way overboard, King had a very seedy personal life which has been documented, lets not elevate him too sainthood when

"great American" will do.

[Texanadian 10]

I had to laugh when I saw the schedule at work for MLK day.

My position has 5 people working it. 3 black, 1 Mexican, and me (white). I have the least seniority of all of them. Guess who was the only person who got the day off? And my boss who makes the schedule is black as well. So no favoritism going on there either.

And no Shani682, I didn't spend it at the beach.