Monday January 16th is Martin Luther King Day. I just got an email in the ol' in box - let's look!
"(W)e refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation."
We've come a long way since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke those words on a fateful summer day in 1963.
But despite the great strides that have been made over the last half century, there is still work required of us to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity of which King dreamed.
While we are a rich country, too many children attend failing schools.
While many Americans prosper, too many are working too hard for too little.
While bigotry and intolerance are rightly shunned, too many politicians in Washington still quietly seek to perpetuate divisions--based on race, religion, gender and sexuality. They still tell us that those who differ from us are to be feared.
Yes, we're a better, stronger, more just society than we were in 1963, but there is work left to be done.
So as we honor Dr. King on Monday, let us also take time to renew the calling of his life and make it our own--in this election and beyond.
Brian Barnes has announced his candidacy to replace the guy on the "right" - Erik Paulsen. What can I say about Paulsen in just a few words? Well, career-politician Erik Paulsen first door knocked me WAY back, when running for the Minnesota State House - I didn't like Paulsen's politics then and I damn sure don't like them now. Oh - and his voting record closely resembles Michele Bachmann's. If you believe the 1% needs devoted water carriers in Washington D.C., Paulsen's just the guy.
Brian Barnes, on the other hand, has been a union member. He's been active in the Democratic Party ("DFL" here in Minnesota). He's a graduate of the Coast Guard Merchant Marine Academy, achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserves, is a successful businessman. Oh - and Brian is an Eagle Scout, too.
It's a clear contrast. And if you support the 1% and Erik Paulsen, you need not do a thing - Wall Street Fat Cats are making sure Paulsen has PLENTY of dough for November's election. If you support the 99%, Brian can use your help, and you can help out via Brian's Act Blue page.
It's fitting Brain Barnes took that quote to honor Martin Luther King Day; that quote is from MLK's historic "I Have A Dream" speech, which Dr, King delivered on August 28, 1963. As Brain said above, we HAVE come a long way since Dr. King's speech - and there's work left to be done. So, let's DO IT!
To help you get ready for Monday's Martin Luther King Day, here's a YouTube of Dr. King's speech, over music - enjoy!
(the song above - "Spiritual High (Part 3)" - is from the album "Mood Food" by Mood Swings, and is available where I buy my music - The Electric Fetus. If you like Chrissie Hynde, check out "Spiritual High (Part 1)" - Chrissie singing at her best!)
Brian Barnes has announced his candidacy to replace the guy on the "right" - Erik Paulsen. What can I say about 
