viewpoint
BY MARK HARRIS
Taking a Step
Toward an America that does not yet exist
T
he euphoria of election night turned to
mild annoyance with the theft of my
magnetic Obama sticker off my car,
reading about gun owners stocking up on
guns and ammo because Obama is a “gun-
snatcher” and listening to 20-something
McCain supporters talk about the Obama
Muslim thing and “He didn’t put his hand over
his heart for the national anthem so he’s not pa-
triotic.” Look, your guy said in a classy concession
speech, “He’s my president, and I will support him,
and I urge you to.” Amidst the boos.
In my own version of support, I did not take Chris Rock up on his “black
holiday” notion (no matter the outcome, blacks take a vacation day) but went
to work as usual. Relief at our LCC bond passing and the elections that were
settled was tangible. I had to confess to my Ethnic Studies class that I was
proud to be an American for the fi rst time since April 5, 1968. April 4, 1968
was the last time I saluted the fl ag.
On April 5, the day after Martin Luther King Jr. was shot, my history
teacher Mr. Wood, a member of the John Birch Society, a lifetime member
of the NRA (as my parents called it, the Negro Removal Association), told my
eighth grade fi rst period history class that he was glad King was dead and
that King had it coming because he was a troublemaker. I was shocked and
objected, asking why someone who is a nonviolent change advocate should
deserve to die. I didn’t particularly have much respect for Dr. King while he
was alive, being much more enamored with Malcolm X and the Panthers at the
time. But this was wrong.
In homeroom the next period, still upset, I told my homeroom teacher
Mrs. Castillo what Mr. Wood had said. She agreed with him. In response, my
entire table refused to stand up for the fl ag salute, which was mandatory in
those days. Our stated reasoning to Mrs. Castillo was that if Martin Luther
King Jr. deserved to die for advocating nonviolent change, then “liberty and
justice for all” was a lie that we were no longer going to participate in. And
we weren’t going to say it again until it was actually true. Now even though I
wasn’t saluting the fl ag, I still loved my country enough to try to make liberty
and justice for all actually true. So in middle school, we started working on
the 18-year-old vote, which has been a reality for so long the 20 somethings
take it for granted that its always been that way. (Sorry kids, lowering the
drinking age is not on the same footing.) We also began our scholarship in the
University of the Hood. The University of the Hood is one of many names for
the Indigenous African Empowerment Matrix, which, though Africans were
here before Columbus, arose in response to chattel slavery, beginning in 1619.
Known to my parents as “old school,” its truths are passed on covertly
from those who know to those who don’t but wish to. Its lessons are encoded
in normal everyday speech, coded recursive symbology and hidden history.
Barack Obama is not a descendant of slaves — but he does weave in an
old school cultural analysis as evidenced by weaving MLK’s “Mountain Top”
speech, the story of the 106-year-old woman and others demonstrating
African Royal Worth, i.e. uniting others across differences.
During WWII, American corporations such as ITT, General Motors, Ford,
IBM and Standard Oil did business with Nazi Germany, and none of those
Americans were locked up. Some even received medals for service to their
country. I feel they were rewarded for values of love of profi t over “country
fi rst” style patriotism. As our current fi nancial crisis has similar roots, I’m
hoping for a different America, one that doesn’t exist yet.
To a local Japanese-American veteran of the 442nd, I once asked, “Why
did you fi ght for a racist country that put you in concentration camps simply
because of the color of your skin?” The answer: “We were fi ghting for an
America that doesn’t exist yet. An America where such things could never
happen. In order for that to occur we must fi ght for her now.”
I’m working for an America that doesn’t exist yet — where national security
means every human being who wishes to contribute to the common good of
the country is a citizen. Where everyone is clothed, fed, sheltered, educated
to the level necessary to support themselves, their families and their mental,
emotional and spiritual health and their deepest dreams. That’s a little beyond
Barack’s vision for America, but I think he’s a step in the right direction.
Mark Harris is an instructor in ethnic studies and substance abuse prevention coordinator at LCC.
4 NOVEMBER 13, 2008
EUGENE WEEKLY
letters
TO THE EDITOR
AMERICAN ROYALTY
On Nov. 4 we the people of the U.S.
elected our fi rst African-American
president, which is a milestone in and
of itself. But that is not all; he is the fi rst
political leader of my lifetime to inspire
my hope and love. Now I know how the
British must feel about their royalty. This
is a love affair, fi rst with Barack Obama,
but also extending to his whole family. It
tickles me pink to know that this beautiful
black family will be residing in the White
House and will be the beacon for all of
America.
Obama is the fi rst politician that I have
heard speak of love in a way that feels like
it really comes from the heart. His message
of unity is what we need right now, and
I believe his inspiring leadership will
allow the best of our country to step up
and start enacting some of the changes we
so desperately need. He will open fertile
ground for the Peaceful Revolution.
These are good times to be living. This
feeling is enforced by our local election
as well. It was close, but we can look
forward to Kitty Piercy and Rob Handy
forwarding the vision of sustainability in
our community. Let us make broad steps
into a new era.
Zan Akerson
Eugene
IT’S ALL POSSIBLE NOW
I have a funny feeling inside — one I
haven’t ever had in the realm of presidential
politics. I’m happy, no, thrilled, about our
new president. He isn’t perfect; I won’t
always agree with what he decides, I know
that, but this is the fi rst time someone who
makes me feel hopeful has won the Oval
Offi ce, and I’m excited!
Usually I’ve voted for the lesser of
evils or for an independent who I agreed
with but knew wouldn’t win. For years
I’ve been anti-politics, seeing the entire
governmental fi asco as a big sham and a
hopeless mess that I didn’t want to waste
my time on. I’ve prayed for revolution.
I’ve been absolutely disgusted with
politicians for their spin, doublespeak,
lies and dishonor. I’ve come very close to
permanently leaving the country out of
anger. Even though I still think our system
is quite broken, and I’m still ashamed of
this country’s criminal misconduct around
the world, today I’m feeling like anything
is possible.
On Nov. 4 I felt truly proud to be an
American for the fi rst time in my life. If the
people of this country can work together
like they did to get Obama elected, this
could really be a great country again. I’m
waiting on the edge of my seat, ready to
do my part.
Sandra Lee Bronstein
Eugene
EMPTY RHETORIC
The allowed parameters for thinking
about society and the earth are narrow. As
they should be. Of course it doesn’t hurt
that $1 billion was spent electorally to
enforce those limits.
In any case: Thank you, voters!
Your pledge of faith in a system that so
systematically attacks life in every sphere
is touching. It guarantees that things will
only get worse. But who could say that
your continuing thirst for the emptiest of
rhetoric is misplaced? (Maybe next time
we can market “sustainable” eco-collapse
and “green” school and mall shootings.)
You did your prescribed duty. Please
stay within the limits provided for you.
What else could there possibly be?
John Zerzan
Eugene
REPAIR PRIORITIES
We all know there are many streets and
roads that need repair here in Eugene and
some are getting it, but what determines
which ones get it fi rst?
Roosevelt
Boulevard
between
Chambers and Belt Line Road must have
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