Opinion: In today’s pages: MLK Day edition
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Columnist Gregory Rodriguez writes that Martin Luther King would be proud to see the 2008 presidential race:
Obama’s life and work debunk the idea that his racial identity somehow effectively separates him from the majority. In his memoir, he recognizes that part of the work of the smaller community is to help redefine the broader national community. Ignoring narrow or defensive notions of racial pride, he sees no incongruity in being proudly African American and capably representing all Americans.Nor has he felt the need to paint himself as ‘post-racial,’ or less black in any way, as he courts white voters.
But author Marcus Rediker points to something that would unsettle King, arguing that the U.S. has yet to properly atone for the slave trade. Lee ‘CultureGrrl’ Rosenbaum says forget ownership, countries like Greece and Italy that can afford to share art wealth should.
The editorial board endorses in two contests: No on Proposition 91, and yes on Proposition 93. The board analyzes the presidential race and figures out which primaries are make-or-break ones for candidates.
Readers aren’t happy with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s endorsement of a toll road through San Onofre State Park. Kurt Page of Laguna Niguel says, ‘Anyone who doesn’t think that opening up pristine wilderness to development will ultimately increase gridlock just stands to make a buck from it.’