What Rosa Parks Gave America

In 1776, the Continental Congress awarded the first Congressional Gold Medal of Honor to General George Washington, a bold and determined man who had the courage to lead his country into battle for its freedom but who lacked the wisdom to recognize that the promise of the American Revolution would never be fully realized for so long as African Americans were second-class citizens.

In 1999, two hundred and twenty three years after Washington was recognized by the Continental Congress, its successor, the 106th Congress, voted overwhelmingly to award the same Congressional Gold Medal of Honor that had once been given to the man know as The Father of His Country to the woman who will forever be known as the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.

With her December 5, 1955, refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus to a white passenger, Rosa Parks triggered a boycott by African Americans of the municipal bus system that lasted more than a year and inspired the movement that forced the end of the officially-sanctioned segregation that had created an apartheid system in the American south. For that, and for her resolute commitment to carry on the struggle for social and economic justice throughout a long life of fighting discrimination based on race, class, sex and sexuality, Parks received many awards, all of them richly deserved.

But Parks, who died Monday at age 92, never needed those honors as much as America needed to bestow them.

And no recognition of Parks was more necessary than the awarding of that Congressional Gold Medal of Honor in 1999.

The American Revolution was not an event but rather a promise of freedom. That promise may have been made by a Virginia plantation owner and his white male compatriots. But it was realized by an African American seamstress from Montgomery, Alabama, who refused to believe that that promise did not apply to her.

President William Jefferson Clinton, who was named for the greatest of Washington's comrades in that struggle for freedom, and who presented the medal to Parks on June 15, 1999, gave voice to that reality when he explained to the crowd that gathered in the Capitol Rotunda to celebrate the honor that, "In so many ways Rosa Parks brought America home to our founders' dream."

It was not merely appropriate that Rosa Parks receive the same recognition as George Washington had been accorded. It was essential, for without Parks and those who joined her in forging the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, Washington's promise of freedom would have remained forever constricted by the overt chains of slavery and the covert chains of segregation.

Comments (60)

1. We still have a long way to go.The government watch dogs we have in place all around this country looking for terrorists are a necessary evil I guess but they should also be watching for hate groups such as the ones on Dateline the other night.Those people start instilling hatred for all races except white at a very early age the same as the bin Laden fanatics.Rosa Parks started a great movement and we have to keep it going.

   Posted by BusyHands at 10/25/2005 @ 12:53am

2. What amazes me this many decades after the fact is that people focus on Rosa Park's personality, and forget the great organizing body she came out of, the Highlander Folk School of Tennesee. While it was indeed courageous of Rosa Parks to take the stand she did, and while nothing can be taken away from that stance, it should also be remembered that she came out of a living movement with a viable history, and that the work of the Highlander Folk School continues to this day. It is an unfortunate contradiction of the "left" in the United States that we too often get caught up in the games of celebrity and personality, and forget to note the heroism around us on a daily basis. This ability was only one of Myles Horton's great attributes as a teacher, and it is small wonder that it was reflected upon, and built upon so strongly, by someone like Rosa Parks. The trick is one of recognizing what Carl Sandburg called the voice that is great within us all, and that, more than anything else, is what Rosa Parks and the Highlander Folk School students contributed to the history of this beautiful and bizarre country that we live in.

   Posted by Jayarjunyah at 10/25/2005 @ 01:01am

3. May she rest in peace.

   Posted by john maasch at 10/25/2005 @ 01:52am

4. Mr. Nichols

   It's amazing what one red blooded American of African descent did to single handedly form the more perfect union. A single old woman spread her wings and a hurricane of change swept across this country. The only down side is that the storm surge spawned the conservative wave a hysteria that has continued to drown the hopes and dreams of once bold nation.

   We used to reach for the stars. Now half of us whine about them and the things they say. We used to build new industries. Now that same half sells them to our former communist enemies. We used to have the balls to declare war and fight them honorably. Now the gutless wonders that administer our government can only declare "police actions" and "uses of force" that leave our nation humbled and ashamed.

   Rosas soul will soon be born again to this world. It is our choice what kind of world she will grow up in. The conservative wave of hysteria is receding. It carries the evangelic hell on earth with it. My friends, the great Liberal Center of America must step up and reclaim what is ours. Conservative doctrines of fascism and communism could never withstand the full force and fury of a liberal democracy. They always crumble, whimpering to the ground.

   Ladies and gents it's time to throw down. Our domestic enemies, evangelic conservatism, the destroyers of creation have it coming. They've been begging for it. What do you say we oblige them? And this time, once down, we never let them rise again.

   The evils of the twentieth century must meet their ends at the dawn of the twenty first. Liberal democracy is god's mechanism of freedom and liberty on this good earth. Government of the people is the power that transformed Rosa from a freed slave into a free woman. Any man or woman whose ideology says it wants to shrink government of the people down to a size where it can be dragged into a bathroom and drowned in the tub is my enemy. They are the enemy of all that is Liberal and Democratic. They are the enemy of freedom. They are our domestic enemy.

   And, they made their bed. What do you say we tuck them in.

   Posted by Will C. at 10/25/2005 @ 03:43am

5. Sad that in a tribute article to a great woman, Will C decides to use it as another in a series of failed attempts (common now among the Left) to use it to declare that his political ideology is the ONLY correct one and that anybody disagreeing with it is either a fascist or communist.

   Why is it that "smaller government" is equivalent to the great ideological horrors of the 1900s? And doesn't that mean, by extension, that "larger, more intrusive government" is not?...which of course is the OPPOSITE of the truth concerning both fascism and communism.

   Political opportunism (like using the death of Ms Parks) is a key sign of a flailing ideology (both of the Right and Left).

   Posted by Mask at 10/25/2005 @ 06:53am

6. Seen from abroad, Rosa Parks action created a dynamic that has not yet ended. The way from the US apartheit to full rights of the Afro-Americans is still long, but in the good direction. Their rights are now incorporated in the Norms, the next step should be to incorporate them in the Facts, reducing in that way the tension between facts and norms, which is a fundamental problem of People Rights in the USA, and from USA, downstream to the world. Please, keep on working in the good direction.

   Posted by areyouok at 10/25/2005 @ 07:17am

7. WillC.

   "Conservative doctrines of fascism and communism could never withstand the full force and fury of a liberal democracy. They always crumble, whimpering to the ground.

   Ladies and gents it's time to throw down. Our domestic enemies, evangelic conservatism, the destroyers of creation have it coming. They've been begging for it. What do you say we oblige them? And this time, once down, we never let them rise again."

   Would this idiotic rant of yours be considered hateful to you?

   Highly inappropiate given the article to honor a noble pioneer of the Civil Rights movement. Those are not words of tolerance but those of uninformed hate. Wrought with hypocrisey, but that never seems to bother liberals of the fringe.

   God Bless Rosa Parks, may she rest in peace.

   Posted by CPT at 10/25/2005 @ 08:37am

8. wllc,

   Just out of curiosity, who would you like to see at the mantle of power in our sweet land?

   What would he or she do? Are they born yet?

   I am anxiously awaiting your reply, old sport.

   Posted by john maasch at 10/25/2005 @ 10:21am

9. Cute. "god bless Rosa Parks, may she rest in peace". It was an outstanding communist organizer and organization, rooted in a rich commitment to democracy, that encouraged Rosa Parks step forward, as I said here earlier, and isn't it typical that the right and elements of the so-called left who never read or study anything except for self-confirmation have chimed in so sweetly. Well, the corpse of one's enemy always smells sweet, and none of you would have had anything to say to Rosa Parks that she hadn't heard before.

   Also, I'm used to red-baiting from the right, but it's getting pretty tiresome on the so-called left. Some of you so-called progressives who want to dismiss the whole of the communist movement with the paintbrush of stalinism- and there is no political tendency in the world today whose early features you more closely resemble- need to do your homework.

   Posted by Jayarjunyah at 10/25/2005 @ 10:54am

10. Give it a rest, people. Let's honor Risa Parks with dignity and action. Treat your fellow man with respect and stand up for what is right. That is what I take away from Rosa Park's legacy. As an young black woman, amidst the seemingly rampant ignorance of my fellow black youth, I look to her leagcy as encouragment. If she had the courage to stand to the evils of her day, just to have the right to SIT WHERE SHE CHOSE on a public bus, I can do something to contribute to my fellow workers and my community. Debating and discussing is nice but action is better. My action is getting involved in my local union and representing my coworkers so they as well as I have a voice in local government. What are you people doing?

    Posted by k330k at 10/25/2005 @ 11:14am

11. k33ok,

    My children learned of her courage and honor and as a white conservative I am proud to her accomplishments.

    In my opinion, Farrahakan could learn alot from this simple woman and how she pulled people together from all back grounds. Complete honor.

    Maybe Farahkan should stay away from spaceships and come to earth.

    Posted by john maasch at 10/25/2005 @ 1:55pm

12. sorry,... to honor her accomplishments...

    Posted by john maasch at 10/25/2005 @ 1:56pm

13. The work that Rosa Parks started is not done. Today many people are still forced to give up their seats because of their race. They are still judged not by the content of their character, but by the color of their skin. Recently a young man had to give up his seat. The seat that he gave up was in a State University, and he had to give it up because his skin was white.

    Posted by sealyon1 at 10/25/2005 @ 2:26pm

14. Zero.

    Rosa Parks and Bush??

    Kool AID, KOOL AID, KOOL AID!!!!!!!!!

    Posted by john maasch at 10/25/2005 @ 2:53pm

15. Yes, and Frank, do you know who got the votes through for the civil rights groups? Was it the Democratic party? Did they have the votes? Check it out... it is pretty interesting.

    Posted by john maasch at 10/25/2005 @ 3:40pm

16. In reference to SEALYON1, her struggle was for all(black and white, and red,...).Noone should have to move anywhere simply because of skin color. It was wrong when Rosa Parks was subjected to bigotry. It's wrong still wrong today. J.Maasch, those who got the votes throught were those who gave their lives(black, white, red,...) so that discrimination would be seen by all(white folks) so that they could pressure their representatives into doing the right thing. I don't care which party took the first step, I'm just glad the steps were made. And as far as Farrakhan is concerned he has alienated many, but I believr he is coming around, like Malcolm X did. But I will say this, there are still alot of angry, very angry black folks who feel just as discriminated against now just like during the civil reights era. Unfortunately, there has been no leadership to corral that anger into action and/or a movement. I atleast commend Farrakhan for trying.

    Posted by k330k at 10/25/2005 @ 4:00pm

17. Maybe if we as a people and Americans wake up and realize that the powers at be are manipulating us, distracting us with this racial divide. If everyone is at each others' throats, we will not see the big picture. The return of the aristocracy. A select few ruling the many. The bush administration( and bush family as well as others in the government) is rampant with people who do not want Americans to think for or govern themselves. It is truly mind-boggling how fear was used to subjugate America. Because people are afraid they are willing to give up every right that OUR forefathers and foremothers worked so hard to achieve. Are our memories so shortshighted?

    Posted by k330k at 10/25/2005 @ 4:09pm

18. Hey it was great corresponding with and being educated by you all. I'll catch up with you tomorrow. Peace!!!

    Posted by k330k at 10/25/2005 @ 4:13pm

19. Sad that there are so many "Masks" in America today. We need more Will c's.

    Mr. Mask (an appropriate name) is the pot calling the kettle black, why is it that so many on the "right" believe they always are because of their claim to be aligned with a God whom they neither seem to have understanding of or appreciation for other than to use his name to further their own small minded selfish agenda.

    Neither does he have any real knowledge or understanding of fascism or communism or the fact that our current leadership is doing everything it can to destroy democracy. For anyone on the Right to suggest that the LEFT is guilty of political opportunism is comparable to comparing a hurricane to a spring shower.

    The size of our government must be determined by the size of the Powers that be versus the size of the power of the common man. OF COURSE the Powers that be wish to shrink the size of government for Government is all that stands between them and their complete ownership of all the wealth and the reduction of the common man to serfdom. The really unfortunate part of all this is that the most vocal opponents to democracy aren't today's Robber Barons but the foolish, simple, silly, little people that have been brainwashed by the use of a religion they don't even comprehend. They have been hoodwinked by cunning that understands their ignorance, insecurities, disappointments and frustrations. George W. Bush is not very bright, he is certainly no intellectual, but he is cunning. Nonetheless, he is not the problem only a figurehead, for those that are the problem chose him. They have already succeeded in infiltrating the highest offices in the land with the intent to destroy it from within. They recognized that to appeal to the "little man" it would take someone on the "little mans" intellectual level. By convincing him that his enemy was the "intellectual: the "smart ass's" like Kennedy and Clinton and Kerry and all the high brow professors and scientists, who think they know everything and have the right to control the common mans life. By succeeding at this the little guy has been tricked into turning on his greatest friend and now calls his greatest enemy friend.

    Khrushchev quipped years ago that we would destroy ourselves from within. Ironic, that a communist predicted this, for the communism of his time wasn't any closer to true communism than our "Democracy" of 2005 America is to true Democracy and the people most responsible try to convince us that the TRUE democrats of our time are communist.

    Posted by sage2791 at 10/25/2005 @ 9:35pm

20. Wow, SAGE....

    I guess the elimination of the Sub-Deputy Vice-Director of Regional Sub-soil Development for Non-Agricultural, Non-Mining Regulation, in the Department of Departments Department....is just one small step to death camps and gas chambers, eh?

    Try re-reading Will C's post....He's pretty obvious in his "subtlety" in letting us "small government types" know that we are the ideological comrades of Himmler and Stalin and that only HIS political ideology and policy stances are the basis for any true freedom and prosperity.

    Of course, after a re-reading...you probably will STILL agree with him, and his timing for such a tangential screed.

    Posted by Mask at 10/25/2005 @ 10:24pm

21. Oh, and SAGE....

    think some of your friends MIGHT disagree about Clinton being the common man's "greatest friend"....after welfare reform, NAFTA, the Defense of Marriage Act....and what was that line from his 1995 State of the Union Address?

    Oh, yes..."The era of Big Government is over!"----Bill Clinton, 1995.

    Posted by Mask at 10/25/2005 @ 10:26pm

22. I feel most of you are terminally ill, your wish to segment a subject into left vs right, to differentiate your otherwise almost common ideologies, and to position your political stand as the origin of legitimacy, make that you are all missing the whole picture. The USA has much to do as far as human rights are concerned, and you dont seem to learn the lesson, what you have done to afro-americans, you are doing it now to Arabs, non-christians and so forth. Segmenting, differentiating and positioning, are the cheap marketing elements of ignorance. But hegemony will not work, it never did.

    Posted by areyouok at 10/26/2005 @ 03:29am

23. AREYOUOK

    While no one doubts past transgressions, your characterization of America is waaay off the mark. Exactly what are we doing to Arab-americans and non-christians? Your sterotyping of the transgressions of some to represent the whole of America are the "sinister piffle" of a weak mind. But you are analysis does not apply to the current state of America, it never has.

    Posted by CPT at 10/26/2005 @ 08:46am

24. CPT

    If my analysis does not apply to the current state of America I am happy for you, in any case it is not the message we get while travelling around diverse media outlets. Transgressions are there, you can document yourself, if you wish. I remind you that transgressions have always been the affair of some, who certainly do not represent the wish of the majority, but it is a whole community that pays for the wrongdoings, while my mind is probably weak the "sinister piffle" belongs to those who commit the transgressions, defends them or hides them, CPT, you can choose your own camp.

    Posted by areyouok at 10/26/2005 @ 09:39am

25. First of all, I don't know CPT personally but I doubt he has done anything to Afro-Americans in particular. I will say that although America as a country has allowed terrible things to be done to its citizenry (Native Americans, Blacks, etc...), I still love America and am proud to be one. Being black and a woman, I damn sure wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Anyway, my question is, how can America seek to spread "democracy" to other cultures when it seems to be failing by the minute. Regardless of race, shouldn't one's house already be clean before we start calling another one's home dirty? Correct me if I'm wrong.

    Posted by k330k at 10/26/2005 @ 09:57am

26. When I talk about America spreading "democracy", I mean government. I don't know anybody in my community worried about bringing democracy to the Middle East. That is issue is not at the top of our lists.

    Posted by k330k at 10/26/2005 @ 09:59am

27. aRE YOU OK,

    "it is not the message we get while travelling around diverse media outlets".

    I AM CURIOUS ABOUT WHERE ARE YOU TRAVELING AND WHAT ARE DIVERSE MEDIA OUTLETS?

    Posted by john maasch at 10/26/2005 @ 10:09am

28. K330K,

    "America seek to spread "democracy" to other cultures when it seems to be failing by the minute."

    CAN YOU EXPLAIN TO ME THE MEANING OF THIS FRAGMENT?

    DO YOU MEAN WE ARE FAILING AS A DEMOCRACY OR FAILING TO SPREAD IT?

    Posted by john maasch at 10/26/2005 @ 10:11am

29. JOHN MAASCH

    Diverse Media outlets are: this outlet, its downstreaming links to other media, and international Media, I do not include, Mainstream US media, of course. About my travelling: the USA, central and South America, Europe and Africa, extensivelly.

    Posted by areyouok at 10/26/2005 @ 10:15am

30. Thanks, I thought that might be the case. I travel also.

    Posted by john maasch at 10/26/2005 @ 10:24am

31. JOHN MAASCH

    With the years I have noted that, people are so diverse, and see the world with the light of their own eyes, which of course is normal, than they take positions, and argument with those who see it otherwise. Also with the years, I have realized that people that have diverging understandings of something, usually agree once they have had the gift of meeting and discussing, at the end (and please exclude some extremists), most of the people go along very well with rather small differences. values as family, work, faith, education, happines are universal. Therefore, if you perceive my comments too extreme, please bear in mind that my words betray my thoughts, as I do share the universal values described before. That for a centrist liberal conservative as me is not bad.

    Posted by areyouok at 10/26/2005 @ 10:38am

32. Given how little you see in your own country, John Maasch, I doubt you see much anywhere else you go.

    Posted by Stellarsjay at 10/26/2005 @ 11:10am

33. Areyouok,

    yes, you are ok :)

    Posted by john maasch at 10/26/2005 @ 11:11am

34. STELLARSJAY,

    Really...or is it I sense you are the one who is blind?

    Posted by john maasch at 10/26/2005 @ 11:12am

35. J. Maasch, the attempt to spread democracy is obviously failing. America is occupying a "glass house". As far in our own country I believe our democracy, as well as our rights, is being eroded(that is what I mean by failing). People whom express different ideas, regarding how our government is being run nowadays, are criticized immediately. Noone in the government and those who are in agreement with them want to even fathom other points of view. God help anyone who wants to exercise their freedom of speech publicly. When they do, they are automatically branded Anti-American or unpatriotic. That a democracy does not make. Now I'm just a regular Jane. I don't have websites to quote or craftily-worded responses. I'm just commenting on what I see going on in America at the moment and I am terrified.

    Posted by k330k at 10/26/2005 @ 11:35am

36. K330k,

    No one is in jail for what they say and are free to say it , ie, Sheehan and parade around the country protesting. Fear should come if she is shut up by the government and she is not, no matter how many she offends. Farrahkan offends almost everyone.

    They are more countries operating under democracy now than any time in the world, so i don't really understand your point.

    I am as most white people, sensitive to saying certain things about the black community for fearm of being branded a racist, so most stay silent. Is this the kind terrifing feeling you mean in your post, as I have that fear?

    I am not being racist and my immediate superior and I have had many conversations on this subject, as she is also a conservative. She also happens to be black.

    Posted by john maasch at 10/26/2005 @ 12:53pm

37. K330k,

    No one is in jail for what they say and are free to say it , ie, Sheehan and parade around the country protesting. Fear should come if she is shut up by the government and she is not, no matter how many she offends. Farrahkan offends almost everyone.

    They are more countries operating under democracy now than any time in the world, so i don't really understand your point.

    I am as most white people, sensitive to saying certain things about the black community for fearm of being branded a racist, so most stay silent. Is this the kind terrifing feeling you mean in your post, as I have that fear?

    I am not being racist and my immediate superior and I have had many conversations on this subject, as she is also a conservative. She also happens to be black.

    Posted by john maasch at 10/26/2005 @ 12:54pm

38. k330k.

    The more you expect of government, the more you accept from them certain securities(guarentees of and from everything), the less freedom you will have. We are trading our rights in exchanfge for perceived protection from hunger, health wages at a certain level,and all the things we have grown to EXPECT are our rights, when the founders never promised anything other than a pursuit of happiness, not guarentee to happines..

    Posted by john maasch at 10/26/2005 @ 1:36pm

39. John,

    Obviously nobody is being arrested for disagreeing with the administration - what's actually happeining is much worse. They are being marginalized, disenfranchised, and dismissed as trivial. This method is much more effective at keeping dissenters at bay. Just look at Cindy Sheehan - is she allowed to express her dissent? Absolutely. Has she been treated with respect, listened to, and debated rationally? Not even close! Every little negative aspect about her life has been illuminated, magnified exponentially, and as a result there are those who might agree with her but dismiss her as a kook because they heard someone say "Cindy Sheehan? That wacko? She's divorced, she's a glory hound, she's using her son's memory, blah, blah, blah..."

    No, the Republicans are much too smart to silence any dissenter. They've got the spin machine working better than ever - why would they want to create a martyr and possibly have the criminal actions of the commando-in-chief and his administration brought to the light of day?

    Posted by Turk33 at 10/26/2005 @ 3:03pm

40. I understand that most white folks are guarded with their real feelings regarding race. As I am with mine for fear of being labeled as using the race card. The guardedness cuts both ways. I applaud your willingness to discuss such a sensitive subject with those outside of your race. I wish more would have more courage to do so. Who would brand you as a racist? Strangers with whom you have no contact? Your friends, of any race, know your character. Besides, I am not fearful of discusions on race. The fear comes from the backlash one gets for criticizing the government( the one that serves me) when it makes boneheaded moves such as manipulating the air of hostility and fear to influence Americans to back the war in Iraq. You know what, I approved of going to Afghanistan because that was where Bin Laden and alot(not all) of Al Qeada resided. But Iraq? What the hell for? A vendetta? I'll be glad when they do something about Saudi Arabia. What I do expect from the govenment is to serve me and all communities like they want to be served. I want equality with wages and healthcare for all. I know that takes money(i.e. taxes) and I'm willing to give in order to get. I also want a more equalized distribution of wealth. I see no reason why my rights have to be compromised in order to acheive this. Didn't the founders promise liberty as well? As far as I know there were no conditions.All I'm saying is the freedoms that are God-given are being eroded. The freedom to exercise my rights, to live my life as I see fit, and the freedom to question those who I have chosen to represent me. Alright, people I hate to leave but I gotta go. I'll catch up with you tomorrow. Peace!!!

    Posted by k330k at 10/26/2005 @ 4:38pm

41. Turk: Point taken. However, do you recall the incidents last fall involving some students in CO. They had planned on marching in a protest. They were staked out by FBI and interviewed for hours about their activities. How about the woman at the Bush pep rally who was physically restrained and removed from the stadium because she was wearing an anti Bush t-shirt.protesters at the national repug convention locked in cages out of sight and sound. the list goes on.None of this made the news. Any wonder?

    Posted by doumer at 10/26/2005 @ 5:43pm

42. k330k,

    ". Has she been treated with respect, listened to, and debated rationally? Not even close! Every little negative aspect about her life has been illuminated, magnified exponentially, and as "

    Absolutely,

    She met with Bush personaly, had prayer sessions staged with Jesse Jackson, Sharpton, all others ad nauseum, been on every talk show around, has had more reporting on her than anyone and every MSM had her voice and face on every night even tho nothing new was being said. She was on because she was in Bush driveway.

    Now, after hearing her comments and beliefs most people tuned her out and she became a tool of the media and the far left antiwar at all cost wing. Occupying troops in New Orleans? Please, she was kid gloved with respect. She soiled her self and her sons memory so much her own husband and the remaining members of family bailed out.

    Won't wash k330k

    Posted by john maasch at 10/26/2005 @ 6:56pm

43. k330k,

    ". I also want a more equalized distribution of wealth. "

    By who, who decides? Whos money,And what if I don't want to partake in the amount somebody says I have to give?(which isn';t giving at that point, but taking or stealing)

    redistributing wealth means take from somebody who mearned it and give it to somebody who hasn't or doesn't,which to me doesn't sound like protecting those rights you seem so worried about.

    Posted by john maasch at 10/26/2005 @ 7:01pm

44. DOUMER,

    Like pro life people not being allowed to speak at Democratic conventions?

    A right to speak yes, but, not a right to heard, especially in "your face" sort of way.........

    Posted by john maasch at 10/26/2005 @ 7:04pm

45. JM: Give me one instance when a protester at a dem/progressive rally was ever carted away or put through the 10,000 question routine? believe me, if it had happened, the media would have cum all over it.

    Posted by doumer at 10/26/2005 @ 7:19pm

46. Doumer,

    I was refering to the Democratic convention when Bob Casey was not allow to speak or address the delegates there, and this is from the people who would have taken the reigns of power in Washington had they won. Now think of the protestrs in that context.

    Posted by john maasch at 10/26/2005 @ 8:12pm

47. Doumer,

    As far as people on the streets, if they were abused then they should sue as many have and will do in the future,, it is amazing tho, that the only protests that get violent are the ones where the left come out.. 7 nation summits, Republican Presidential visits,... never really see many violent protests or arrests at the Liberal functions. Or so it seems..

    Posted by john maasch at 10/26/2005 @ 8:15pm

48. JM: Point well taken. Viewing the fact that we proclaim our standards that much higher than the rest of the globe, why the foceful silencing of honest critcs. The fact that dems won't allow a pro life person to speak freely---I agree with you. that was unethical in my view.

    Posted by doumer at 10/26/2005 @ 8:32pm

49. To further the thread, these protesters were up against the FBI and Secret Service. Suing them is not even possible. You can litigate against a municipality, county, state but not the Feds.

    Posted by doumer at 10/26/2005 @ 8:35pm

50. Mask,

    Tangential screed? Well you have certainly made it clear that you're an expert on the subject As for my personal feelings toward Mr. Clinton he was in office during the Rwanda Genocide, which still makes me ashamed of America. That he almost apologized for not intervening did not raise his status in my eyes. The point I apparently failed to make is only this. The Democrats in General appear to me to be more concerned with the welfare of mankind. In stating this I in no way deny the fact that there are Republicans who care far more about this matter than many democrats. There are an awful lot of Americans who are angry and I am one of them. I have always borne a deep hatred for anyone who uses their power, be it intellectual, Political, Financial or otherwise to misuse and abuse those weaker than themselves for personal gain. To me, this it the epitome of all that is evil in mankind. I do not for one moment believe that all "cons" fall in this category or that they are all ignorant anymore than I believe that all "libs" are intelligent caring people. That the majority of RED states happen to receive more federal monies then they contribute to the kitty and that the majority of blue states contribute more to the kitty than they receive in federal dollars strikes me as indicative of the truth of the matter, i.e. the red folks who "want Smaller government" are shooting themselves in the foot by doing so, The common man, who looks about knowing how hard he has worked, is frustrated in seeing welfare recipients appearing to be living as well or better than he on taxpayer dollars. What he doesn't realize is that should his own lot in life be diminished by circumstance that same system is there to help him as well. The people who stand to gain most from smaller government don't need any help, they already own 90% of the wealth but won't be satisfied till they have it all. These people use their power, intellectual, financial and political to get the little man to do their bidding for them and if they succeed in the end the little mans hope for a better life for his family will be but a pipe dream. Arriana Huffinton (whom you probably detest) recently observed that George and his cronies were born on third base, consequently believe they have hit a triple and are tearing down the stadium. I have no idea whether you are one of the hoodwinked little people or one of the "elite" hell bent on destroying our democracy for personal gain, but please forgive me it appears you must be one or the other. I prefer to believe you to be the former.

    Posted by woodpb at 10/26/2005 @ 10:49pm

51. Mr. Maasch, you are amazingly naive, for one who has travelled so widely.

    Posted by Stellarsjay at 10/26/2005 @ 10:58pm

52. Stellar,

    Have another toke there buddy.............

    Posted by john maasch at 10/26/2005 @ 11:51pm

53. Nice try, Mr. Maasch. Put it through a couple more drafts and work on the styling.

    Posted by Stellarsjay at 10/26/2005 @ 11:55pm

54. Doumer, I agree that there have been some sporadic arrests and interrogations, but the right consistently eliminates dissent by ridiculing and attacking the dissenter. For a crowd that is always bragging about its character, they have exhibited very little.

    Posted by Turk33 at 10/27/2005 @ 08:52am

55. stellsr,

    ya, but I made it through spell check and my theme is strong:)

    Posted by john maasch at 10/27/2005 @ 09:23am

56. Weren't we talking about Rosa Parks and the early civil rights movement? It's amazing how few of the articles that have appeared on the net have mentioned the work of E.D. Nixon, or the various black organizations that encouraged Rosa P. to create a test case to begin with, alongside Jayar's earlier point about the Highlander Folk School. Speaking of Jayar, why has our know-it-all friend been so silent lately?

    Posted by Stellarsjay at 10/27/2005 @ 11:08am

57. The deaths of folks like Rosa Parks and C. Delores Tucker and the illness of Coretta Scott King tell me that we're nearing the end of the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement.

    What frightens me is that I don't see anyone stepping up to continue the fight. There's a lot of people putting themselves out there, but to me they're mostly engaging in "sound and fury, signifying nothing."

    The movement that Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King and others started with the Montgomery Bus Boycott isn't over yet. While we're not still dealing with high pressure water hoses and attack dogs, the racism that is still a part of America's DNA is still out there. I know that everyone is a hip-hop fan, but that doesn't mean that some of these kids hear the "N" word in places other than their 50 Cent album. I live in Pennsylvania. The Aryan Nation has relocated here.

    My hope is that folks of all colors, races and religions begin to wake up and smell the coffee. Movements like the Civil Rights movement have to be maintained in order for folks keep the rights they've fought for. That would be the best tribute to folks like Rosa Parks and C. Delores Tucker.

    Also, a couple of notes. The Dixiecrats may have been the ones practicing segregation at first, but when President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of '64, guess what they all became? Republicans.

    And another note to my friends here at the Nation: I don't mean to call you out like this because you're a fairly decent magazine and I've been reading you for years. But I have a bone to pick with you on one point. Why do you, as a progressive magazine, have only one black columnist? Do you have any other staffers of color? (and I don't mean freelancers, I mean staffers.)

    If I'm making a bad assumption let me know. But if you don't have any more staffers or contributors of color, why not? I've been a journalist for about 15 years and have served as a chapter president for the National Association of Black Journalists so I know that this is a tough business for people of color. But I also know that the talent is out there. It's also out there among my brothers in sisters in the Asian, Hispanic and Native American journalist organizations. Are you just having trouble finding it? Are people not applying for your openings?

    Like I said, I don't mean to be a unkind about this. As I said before, I'm a Nation fan. But it saddens me to think that your newsroom resembles every other mainstream media newsroom in the country: light, bright, and nearly totally white.

    If you could respond to my question at denisewriter@hotmail.com, I'd appreciate it.

    Posted by edwriter at 10/27/2005 @ 11:41am

58. Also, most obits have not mentioned Virgina Durr, a "Southern Belle" who turned Left during the New Deal and in 1938, she became a founding member of the Southern Conference on Human Welfare targeted as "RED" during the McCarthy Era. In that capacity she had known Parks for years and it was at her suggestion that Parks attended Highlander. It was also Virginia and her husband Clifford who posted Parks' bail when she was arrested. When she learned of Virginia's death in 1999, Rosa Parks noted that Durr's "upbringing of privilege did not prohibit her from wanting equality for all people. She was a lady and a scholar, and I will miss her." In her later years, Virginia Durr included support for nuclear disarmament, in her repertoire of causes worth fighting for. "If we all go up in radioactive dust, it won't matter what sex or race or religion we are," she said.

    For more information about Virginia Durr, see her autobiography, Outside the Magic Circle: The Autobiography of Virginia Foster Durr. Edited by Hollinger F. Barnard, with a Forward by Studs Terkel, University of Alabama Press,1985.

    What amazes me this many decades after the fact is that people focus on Rosa Park's personality, and forget the great organizing body she came out of, the Highlander Folk School of Tennesee. While it was indeed courageous of Rosa Parks to take the stand she did, and while nothing can be taken away from that stance, it should also be remembered that she came out of a living movement with a viable history, and that the work of the Highlander Folk School continues to this day. It is an unfortunate contradiction of the "left" in the United States that we too often get caught up in the games of celebrity and personality, and forget to note the heroism around us on a daily basis. This ability was only one of Myles Horton's great attributes as a teacher, and it is small wonder that it was reflected upon, and built upon so strongly, by someone like Rosa Parks. The trick is one of recognizing what Carl Sandburg called the voice that is great within us all, and that, more than anything else, is what Rosa Parks and the Highlander Folk School students contributed to the history of this beautiful and bizarre country that we live in.

    Posted by JAYARJUNYAH 10/25/2005 @ 01:01am | ignore this person

    Posted by lastmarx at 10/27/2005 @ 3:33pm

59. Also, most obits have not mentioned Virgina Durr, a "Southern Belle" who turned Left during the New Deal and in 1938, she became a founding member of the Southern Conference on Human Welfare targeted as "RED" during the McCarthy Era. In that capacity she had known Parks for years and it was at her suggestion that Parks attended Highlander. It was also Virginia and her husband Clifford who posted Parks' bail when she was arrested. When she learned of Virginia's death in 1999, Rosa Parks noted that Durr's "upbringing of privilege did not prohibit her from wanting equality for all people. She was a lady and a scholar, and I will miss her." In her later years, Virginia Durr included support for nuclear disarmament, in her repertoire of causes worth fighting for. "If we all go up in radioactive dust, it won't matter what sex or race or religion we are," she said.

    For more information about Virginia Durr, see her autobiography, Outside the Magic Circle: The Autobiography of Virginia Foster Durr. Edited by Hollinger F. Barnard, with a Forward by Studs Terkel, University of Alabama Press,1985.

    Posted by lastmarx at 10/27/2005 @ 3:34pm

60. Tuesday, October 25, 2005 The Passing of a Hero

    Memories of Rosa Parks Leah PettePiece 25/10/05

    As I read the statement of Rosa's death, I was once again a young woman with Ideals, it took me back to the 1963 tour of the south that I went on with a friend from school, we were white, but we were young and invincible, filled with idealism going to march with Dr. King.

    Both of us had idolized Mrs. Parks for her sheer bravery, her tenacity the ability to hang on even when she knew the consequences in order to make change for others!

    We traveled into the depths of the Savannah to march with Martin Luther King; there were Rabbis and Priest and others, among them Rosa Parks to show the rest of the world and the US that we were with the movement toward equality. To say with a loud and clear voice "ENOUGH", there is no reason not be equal, we are after all human, no matter what the color God bestowed on our skin, no not the religious beliefs either, or the political affiliation either, just the pure Humanness made us equal, made us one!

    She was a hero of our time, a giant among women of the black section of America and she became to us a tower of strength who epitomized every ideal we ever had of being strong and independent; of finding our place in life and realizing that we were all equal not only as women but as humans. After the march there was a rally, and at some point we found ourselves close to the stage at the front where Rev. King was speaking, I recall that there was this great photo of Rosa, staring out the bus window and then another with her face shinning in defiance out from the bars of her cell, years later I would write about that day in my own book. It was the day that I first realized that God in His/Her own wisdom had indeed made us all, and we should never sit by while any other race or portion of society was mistreated.

    Here I am forty-two year later living in Tzfat in Israel and while reading this account in the paper I am moved. Is this feeling only from the past I ask myself, or is it something more? Suddenly as if a clap of thunder went off in my head I realize, NO this is not only from the past, this is from the present here in Israel TOO!

    There is here in Israel a sort of unspoken and unwritten law that makes the segment of our society who are Ultra Religious better than the rest of us. They are protected from sending their children into the service, they are given preferential treatment in all walk s of life, served first, and often they push themselves to the front of long lines and are allowed this privilege with out complaint from those who are standing in an orderly line. They in short, "ride in the front of our bus."

    Although there are those who would argue that they have this right by the mere fact that they are religious, I see clearly that here in Israel we have a situation in which there is inequality and injustice on a large scale because of this privileged position that they hold.

    Oddly enough, it is not their skin color that tells us who these privileged ones are, no it is rather their mode of dress, black and white, long coats, big hats, for the women head coverings and dress that evoke thoughts of medieval times.

    They are a group apart from the rest of us, they get privileges we only dream of, they do not have to hold a job, or pay taxes, the government pays them to do nothing but pray and study, and they also pay them to have children and then pay for the children. They hold themselves up as better than the rest of us, in fact to them we are dirt under their feet, dust in the wind, we should not be here in fact at all! I wonder as I look at what I would make in a job and then calculate the 51% of my income that would go to taxes to pay their stipends how long it will be before a Rosa Parks rises up amongst us.

    It isn't enough either that they are a "class set aside", "above" the rest of us, but they are allowed to mistreat their wives with singular impunity, they tell them what to do, how to think, who they may visit, what to wear and some of them even beat their wives into submission. The leading Rabbis of the religious denomination are even exempt from persecution by the law of the state of Israel.

    Their children account for the hundreds of hungry children in each city because they go on having one child after another in a dark and subverted belief that they must have more children so that we outdo the Arabs, the Muslims, childbirth rate! Absurd!

    They do not study about life, they do not allow their children to study about real life, they read and study only Torah, they are selective even in where they send their children to be taught, it mustn't be a secular school because the boys must not play with the girls and the girls must only learn how to keep house, cook, clean and have babies!

    We on the outside of this circle are the underclass, we who work, who educate our children in public schools, who are 'modern' in dress and thinking are to them a blight on the Zionist nation of Israel, if we came here from the west and were not "religious" when we came but from a more modern arm of Judaism, Reform or Renewal, they do not even consider us to be true Jews. Imagine, living in ones homeland, the place you always dreamt of living in and being told you are not a JEW!!!

    Where I wonder is our Rosa Parks, when will we "rise up singing" and bring on a new day, a day when every man, woman and child in the state of Israel are equal? How many years did it take after Mrs. Parks so bravely refused to give up the seat on that bus? Nearly my entire lifetime, I am sixty now, and I don't think I will live to see equality here in Israel, but I wish that I had half the courage that Rosa had, just half the determination and intent!

    Today we lost a HERO, a Woman of Valor, A Woman with a Price above Rubies, a mother who taught us to stand and be counted, and we will morn her even here, far from the place of her death because she taught us so much, she showed us the way in the depths of the struggle for equality and freedom in the United States. Her memory will never dim from my mind, nor from the minds of countless others who worked most of their lives to see her dreams become reality. And perhaps, just perhaps someone out there who reads this may become our Rosa, perhaps...

    Posted by meamp at 10/28/2005 @ 04:55am