we witnessed a sickening act in our city this week (see this report for background). we thought this was a good response from one of our state representatives.
(geoff and sherry)
There are times when the body politic needs to be shocked into recognizing and admitting what some parts of the body know to be true.
The Kentucky we want to believe exists, and the Kentucky that does exist for many is not the same Kentucky.
The hate-filled, cowardly and despicable actions of whomever was behind the planning for and committing of this crime should serve as a reminder to each of us that we must be honest with ourselves, and work diligently to wipe out the flames this act is designed to fan. I urge the authorities at the University of Kentucky, and the relevant federal and state authorities, to investigate this crime, find the person or persons responsible, and to prosecute the matter to the fullest extent of the law.
I also urge each of them to reach out to the African American students and other students of color at the University of Kentucky and in the Lexington community to assure them of their ultimate safety and protection today, and in these days leading up to the General Election.
Any and all steps should be taken in the Lexington community to ensure this act does not have a chilling effect on the community's safety as they go to the polls next Tuesday.
President Lee Todd and his staff, deserve to be recognized for having the sensitivity and understanding to respond quickly and comprehensively to this threat to the peace and tranquility of all Kentuckians, regardless of color.
Finally, I want to say to Senator Barack Obama, Michele Obama and their entire family that this act is but one more on a long list of obstacles, challenges, yes, threats, you have faced as you have climbed the rough side of this mountain. I am deeply hurt that the state and the people in Kentucky whom I love would be represented to you, and to the country, in such a dishonorable way. We understand this is a symptom, and the best way to treat this symptom is for the Nation to have a successful General Election on Tuesday, and prove, once and for all, that we recognize the character of the man, the strength of his heart and the power of his convictions are the cure American needs to end this sickness. God bless and keep you and your family safe.
State Rep. Reginald Meeks, D-Louisville
Reginald
Reginald K. Meeks
Assoc. Director of External Programs
University of Louisville
College of Arts & Sciences
Gardiner Hall, Rm. 330
Louisville, KY 40292
502.852.3042
1 comment:
It amazes me, Geoff, that so many, if not a majority, of people in the rest of the world want Obama to be the next U.S. president, but a small amount of people (compared to the outside world) want to keep him out so desperately that they are willing to go to such horrible measures. How I pray that racism were as dead in the U.S. as we pretend that it is.
Peace.
Dan
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