MLK Day

I almost put this chestnut up again... for what would be the third time.  I thought better of it, though, mainly because of this:

But this year is different, innit? Tomorrow the first African-American man in our history will be sworn into the highest office in the land. We should ALL be proud of that fact, regardless of our political views or loyalties. While Dr. King's dream hasn't been fully realized by any means, tomorrow's inauguration of Barack Obama at the West Front of the U.S. Capitol marks the biggest symbolic step in that direction I've seen in MY lifetime. It makes me proud to be an American... so VERY proud.

Last year I said "I stand by those words" and the sentiment is still sorta true.  I say "sorta" because I'm getting tired of hearing about how far we've come.  I don't need reminding, thank you.  I was there.  I saw it, "it" being Obama's election and inauguration.  I was there for Dr. King's "I Have A Dream" speech, too... even though I was about to board an airplane and head off to basic training at the exact moment he delivered it.  I witnessed segregation's ugly face as a child and as a young man, so I understand... as much as any white man can... what this day is all about.  We have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go.

That said... I don't like or want to hear any more self-congratulatory BS, thank you.  The moment has passed.  We should honor the memory of Martin Luther King, Junior on this day.  And that's IT.