First, I have noticed the news from Haiti is starting to take the back burner. I can't really expect 24/7 coverage until every last person is accounted for and the homes are rebuilt. And there are pressing news items occurring here in America. The race for Ted Kennedy's Senate seat is winding down. The outcome of the election could determine the shape of healthcare reform in America. Another judge in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania is in trouble. He is accused of trying to strangle his wife during a dispute. The Golden Globes were held last night. Many on the red carpet were wearing ribbons in support of Haiti. There was more violence in Afghanistan over night.
Wait, what?! Why should we care about the Golden Globes compared to Haiti? The money that the winners make on their movies would have solved Haiti's problems years ago. I find it obscene that we celebrate multi-million dollar actors and ignore our neighbors living in abject poverty. And although I am touched that many are donating money, donating their outfits and wear ribbons in support of Haiti, I would be more impressed if they were more supportive of the nation long before the earthquake hit. I am upset that the fight for survival was moved to the side for coverage of the Golden Globes. The only way Haiti can really succeed is if we are reminded of the need not just for aid now but in the long-term.
The other thought that struck me as I watched the news this morning was the lack of mention of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The fact that today is a national holiday celebrating his birthday (he would have been 81) was mentioned only a few times in a two-hour broadcast. There was a 5-minutes spot on young boys and girls who gave speeches regarding Dr. King with some video clips of Dr. King interspersed towards the end. But if it wasn't for this man's dynamic presence and his nonviolent ways, the racial picture in this country would look a lot different today than it does. Also, there is still prejudice against and struggles for the people that Dr. King represented. The only way we will ever get beyond the subject of color and see everyone as a person is to be reminded that we still have a long way to go before we have climbed the mountain and have seen the other side that he mentioned in his famous speech.
I felt the news was lacking today. I hope that I can live today in such a way that my life makes up for the loss.
