We Shall Overcome…..Stupidity

I'm sure you are as relieved as I am that race relations in America are finally in absolute harmony. No longer can any trace of racism, profiling, or discrimination be found in this great nation of ours. At least, I assume that's the case, since the Reverend Jesse Jackson now has enough free time to take up that monumental issue that affects the futures of millions – electronic bingo. During his visit to Alabama this past weekend, the Reverend Jackson compared the current fight over the bingo machines to that fought here 45 years ago, comparing the governor's stance and use of troopers to close bingo halls to Gov. Wallace and his use of state troopers to attack civil rights protesters.

I am amazed by this entire incident, mainly on two points. First, it is painfully obvious that, while great strides have been made in civil rights and race relations in the last 50 years, there are still issues. There is still work to be done. Is that not important anymore? Does Rev. Jackson feel as though he can move on now? Secondly, this man stood next to the lifeless body of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who gave his life so that African-Americans could enjoy the right to live, work, and vote as God gave all men. Dr. King, along with countless others, were beaten, jailed and some killed for this movement based primarily on the fact that the oppression of human beings by other human beings is unconscionable – we are all made in the image of God. It was a fight for basic human rights. To compare this movement and the sacrifice of those brave people to the fight for electronic bingo is appalling.

The basic facts in this fight are clear. The machines in question are illegal based on Alabama law. Therefore, they cannot be operated legally. Any establishment operating said machines is in violation of the law. The governor has the duty to enforce the law, and the state troopers are the vehicle with which he is authorized to enforce it. If you want to provide electronic bingo in your establishment, find a way to do so legally. If you want to use these particular machines, change the law. Until then, Gov. Riley must enforce the law as written.

I agree with Rev. Jackson in that he hates to see so many out of work, and their families struggling as a result. However, the governor cannot be held responsible for the illegal actions of others. The blame must be placed at the feet of those owners who hired all of these workers, knowing that they were operating illegally and knowing there was a risk they would be shut down. Those put out of work should look to them for answers. The Reverend Jackson should look back to the memory of Dr. King and work to make sure his dream is a reality.