Honor King for a day

When members of the Martin Luther King Jr., family speak in public, they sound a similar theme: Race relations have come a long way in America, but they haven't come far enough. And, indeed, as political activists look ahead they see a full range of mountains left to climb to get to equality.

Still, if the Rev. King were to return for his birthday, one has to think he'd give a nod of assent to the differences in thinking that have occurred since he left. This year, Condoleezza Rice, who is black, will replace Colin Powell, who also is black, as the Secretary of State. And 40 years after the fact, Southern bigots and murderers — cowards who were always threats to Dr. King himself — are being tugged, one by one, to the bar of justice. Ray Charles, the great musician and unifier, was eulogized in a movie recently. Jamie Foxx, who portrays Charles, is listed as a contender for an Oscar. And shining lights, such as Shirley Chisholm, were sent off with the full fanfare they deserved.

For many civil rights leaders, however, such things are anecdotal and individual. And though they feel pleased at such successes, their real concern is always with American institutions and organizations. The NCAA has just one black football coach in its ranks at the moment, for instance. Why? And most major businesses remain homogenized at the top.

In Utah, one thing that rankles is the fact the state legislature refuses to observe the King holiday by beginning its session on Tuesday instead of today — Monday. Why it finds such a gesture so difficult is curious. Some mumble that Dr. King's personal life showed unfortunate lapses and they don't want to celebrate him. But these same legislators have no problem embracing Arnold Schwarzenegger, Newt Gingrich and other Republicans who have strayed in their personal lives. The double-standard is glaring.

In short, it is time for Utah lawmakers to realize that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is an American icon who merits their respect. His "I Have a Dream" speech is a classic. His death was a martyrdom. His legacy not only lives on, but it grows and continually bolsters the faith and hopes of millions.

Legislators may feel that by working on Martin Luther King's birthday they are making a statement of sorts. In fact, they are.

They are making a statement about their petty narrowness.

Even though it would take a constitutional change to recognize the day, that shouldn't be so hard. It's time for them to stop pouting and join the world.