I was listening to commentary on the Beck/Palin/NRA rally scheduled for 8/28 at the Lincoln Memorial. I understand the NAACP will not be putting in a presence at this event, and instead will meet in another part of DC to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King and the anniversary of the speech that has deeply moved me each time I've heard it since childhood.
My question to liberals/progressives is, shall we gather and stand with the NAACP in support of civil rights for all Americans and progressive principles? I'm tired of the Beck supporters and the Teabaggers getting an enormous amount of media coverage to flaunt their crazitudes. Isn't it time to have a large, powerful, peaceful gathering of progressives who come together to counter the hate inspired by these media whores? (Really tried to come up with another apt description, but couldn't.) I have a need to gather, not just virtually, but physically with like-minded people to repudiate the insane noise of the far right which is starting to be accepted as frighteningly normal. To stand alongside my fellow citizens, to listen to the MLK speech and become inspired by it, yet again, would lend a measured but strong show of strength and support for the principles of the civil rights movement.
Shall we gather in DC on that day, a million strong, to stand with an organization that embodies the long, laborious, but persistent and patient fight for decency? I will proudly come to join that gathering. Will you?