Collegian Page 6 Editorial: bj Lisa Hahn Collegian Editor On Thursday April sth 1968, just a little over 20 years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. was shot and killed on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Rev. Ralph D. Abernathy was there as Martin Luther King, "...my friend, my buddy," fell to the ground. No one could have told that story belter than Rev. Ralph D. Abernathy, King's "civil rights twin.” And he did tell it well on Tuesday April 12th in Reed 117. Not only did Abernathy retell the moment of King’s shooting, he also told of many other moments and stories that happened throughout his years with King thereafter. In his lecture, "A Personal Remembrance," Abernathy revealed to us many of the most memorable stories in his life thus far. I say 'thus far' because even though Abernathy has had two strokes and is sixty-two, he is , "...here to Stay." Love Rob by Rob Prindle Collegian Staff Writer My last column was about voting. I told most of you why you shouldn't vote. Some said that I was a little pompous. Some said that I was a lot pompous. A few others, however, said that they needed more of my humble guidance. It is to those few needy souls that I address this week's column. Here is my advice. It’s very simple. DO NOT VOTE FOR FOOLS. There you have it. Voting made simple. It is possible that what I have just said needs some clarifying. You, the reader, may ask yourself "How can doing something as important as voting be so gull-dam easy?" Well friends, I'm here to let you know. When it comes to avoiding fools, the first person to avoid is Mr. George Bush. I know that his official title is Vice President Bush, and I will gladly call him that as soon as he does something, anything, vice presidential. Oh, sure he agrees with the president a lot. This leads many to believe that Mr. Bush is indeed the vice president. I'm not so sure. I think that the second-in-command should be more of a very close advisor. With this in mind, I consider Nancy to be our vice president. Docs anyone disagree that she has more influence than Bush? So, don't vote for Mr. Bush. I'm not telling you that because I am a Democrat, or even because I am a liberal. I am simply giving you good advice. Mr. Bush is simply one of those fools who should not be given power. I’m not saying that Bush will evolve into some tyrant if he becomes our president, quite the contrary. I believe that if he is elected, the United States will be run by Howdy Doody with his strings cut. What will that man do without someone to pull his strings? At least Ronnie has Nancy. Who will lead this country if George is in charge? Can anyone name one of George Bush’s stands on anything? Can anyone ever remember Mr. Bush ever stating an opinion without qualifying it with: "The President and I believe...." Docs anyone know what part Mr. Bush played in the Iran-Contra scandal? I think 1 know why George doesn't talk about the arms-for-hostages affair. He knows that if he says that he agreed with the president he will look bad, and if he says he disagrees no one will believe him. So he says nothing and no one seems to care. He avoids the question of just how much he knew and people don't mind. Explain that to me now, please. I realize that Mr. Bush has already sewn up the Republican nomination. His main competition is now another fool, named Robertson, who is running on a platform of big grins and moral salvation from sins. I know that it is too late to nominate anyone besides Bush, so let this column be an early warning for the fall election. Now for the Democratic fools. ‘ I would like to say skip them all and vote for me, but Ed Miscta used that approach in his Strange Daze column last week. I guess I will have to start my list of Democratic fools with Albert Gore. I actually have nothing against Mr. Gore in specific, it's his wife that bugs me. I seem to remember Tipper having something to do with the PMRC. That was the group that wanted to censor rock music to save the souls of America's young. My opinion is that anyone who takes Ozzy Osbourne seriously has no soul, and probably likes it that way. Censorship for the good of the country has never flourished in America. Senator Gore did not gag his wife. Therefore, Mr. Gore and his wife are likely communists and certainly fools. Please don't sue me Mr. Gore. The last fool I will save you from is The Reverend Mr. Jesse Jackson. His name is way too long. Can you imagine calling him President Reverend Mr. Jesse Jackson? Or would it be Reverend President? Besides his name, I don't think that anyone who talks in rhymes should be president I will also remind you that, at one point, he was awfully chummy with Castro. It's hard to hold that over his head, though, if you remember that our whole country was once a Fidel Castro fan. If you want a real reason not to vote for Mr. Jackson, just consider his political history color. It is GREEN. He has no political background besides running for president He has never held a public office. I think that vice president might be a good opportunity to ripen him up. So there you have it my list of fools. Long winded, pompous, pretentious, arrogant and perhaps slanderous, just like the men on the list You will have to excuse me. It's been a rough campaign. Just be glad that I decided not to run. Rev. Ralph D. Abernathy graduated from Alabama State College in 1950. He served overseas during WWII and returned home to became pastor of the First Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Abernathy and King's friendship began in the mid 1950's while both men were pastors. King and Abernathy shared things from the beginning, even their girlfriends. Rev. Abernathy recalled one of the first limes he met King. One Sunday Abernathy asked his girlfriend if she would go sec a Wednesday sermon with him. When he asked her, three days in advance, she said she would be sick. As Abernathy recalled, "She showed up with Martin Luther King. We discovered then we liked the same things." Abernathy came in like a lamb and went out like a lion. At a dinner I attended with him he was passive and calm. He eluded me with his reserved stature. However, at ten to nine, 50 minutes into the lecture, Abernathy exploded like a volcano Fools "A Personal Remembrance: " as he told the story of Rosa Parks and the bus boycott. The audience was right behind him with clapping and cheers of "Right on". At that same time I could feel chills running down my spine and see more than twenty years of history pass before my eyes. This was the most pivotal moment of the evening. Abernathy continued talking of the repercussions the boycott caused. On Monday Dec. sth 1955, "The buses rode 95% empty." Abernathy told of how he was taken out on a deserted road and beaten, "...till they thought I was dead. But God sent somebody by ...and now I stand on higher ground." Rev. Abernathy went on to talk about his views today and what should and shouldn't be done. He addressed the students in the audience and said, "You oughta learn some lessons from the WHAT’S A DEGREE GOOD FOR? ( ) PRE-APPROVED CREDIT FROM FORD CREDIT SELIGSON LINCOLN MERCURY At Seligson Lincoln Mercury, your degree is worth a lot. If you've graduated, or will graduate with a bachelor’s or advanced degree between October 1, 1987 and January 31 1989, you may qualify for $4OO from Ford and pre-approved credit from Ford Motor Credit Company. To qualify for pre-approved credit you need: (1) verifiable employment begining within 120 days after your vehicle purchase; (2) a salary sufficient to cover normal living expenses plus a car payment and The end of a series, students of the 60's. All education is not learned in the classroom." More cheers arose from members of the audience who remembered those days so well. Abernathy stresses the need to stop smoking, drinking, and using drugs. He stated, "Dope, is no hope for America." His voice rang out loud and clear. He wants to deal with the issues today. Abernathy condemned Reagan on two occasions. At one point he said, "The Reagan administration has sought to turn back the clock of history." Not surprisingly, Abernathy's convictions lie with Jesse Jackson. He said, "It is time now for a black man or a white woman to be president of the United States." Once again the audience cheered, "Right on." Abernathy also revealed that he had spoken with Dean Lilley on the subject of bringing Jesse Jackson to Behrend. ) $4OO CASH BONUS FROM FORD (|/) ALL OF THE ABOVE AT SELIGSON LINCOLN-MERCURY-MERKUR BUT NOT THE DREAM He looked at Dean Lilley, smiled, and said, "You are a wise man." By the end of the lecture the audience was buzzing with excitement. Abernathy’s message was heard. I was even a little inspired by what he had to say. He has that effect. With each passing moment of the presentation, I became increasingly aware of what has happened up until now in terms of civil rights. This lecture marked the end of the "Socialization of Prejudice" series, sponsored by Student Services. This was the second event that I had attended and I enjoyed this one as much as the other. I don't think many students realize the importance of this series or even knew that it was going on. It would be nice if the "spark" that one lady in the audience talked about, could keep burning outside of Reed 117. Rev. Abernathy said, "I want to oN COU* c # % oWggßßgmz SL r s Ford Motor Credit Company t/(. rr</ L , opinion leave behind a committed institution.” "All we need are ideas.” He said it all folks. A solution the the problem has to start with you. My co-editor Jim Martin wrote, in a previous issue, about apathy in activism among college students today, as compared to students in the 60's. Rev. Abernathy also commented about this. I'm inclined to agree with them. The quote to end all quotes had to be Rev. Abernathy's final statement. He said, "They were trying to kill the dream by killing the dreamer. They succeeded in killing the dreamer, but they won't kill the dream.” I think these words are self explanatory. (3) if you have a credit record , it must indicate apayment made as agreed. The $4OO from Ford is yours whether you finance or not. Keep it or apply it to the purchase or lease of an eligible Ford or Mercury vehicle. For all the details, contact us or call Program Headquarters, toll free, at 1- 800-321-1536. But hurry. This limited time offer is only available between March 1 and December 31 1988. Take advantage of the Ford Mercury College Graduate Purchase Program now.
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