I want to find out what's happening in places like Washington, Afghanistan, Haiti, Massachusetts and elsewhere. Truth be told, I also take a degree of pleasure watching MSNBC and Fox News sling mud at each other.
I can't say it's a positive development, but the cable news networks have made following politics a bit like following a sporting event. Since I spend a good part of my time watching sporting events, I appreciate the change of pace.
Today, however, is a bit different.
There are plenty of important stories that deserve attention, but I don't think they should overshadow the fact that this day is dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr. The talk should be about his legacy, the state of civil rights and the call to service that is spinning out of this holiday in his honor.
Ideally, this day should mix lessons about history and the future, without overlooking the present. Whether you like President Obama or feel he's taking the country in the wrong direction, part of the celebration should be dedicated to reflection.
In this era of lightning-quick news cycles, when last week's events often seem like they happened two months ago and a couple months ago seems like years (Tiger Woods, anyone?), we need to at least consider the cultural significance of our first African-American president and what that means in the context of Dr. King's dream.
Too often in our culture, the meaning of holidays is obscured by distractions. We shouldn't let that happen.
Host of “The Drew Olson Show,” which airs 1-3 p.m. weekdays on The Big 902. Sidekick on “The Mike Heller Show,” airing weekdays on The Big 920 and a statewide network including stations in Madison, Appleton and Wausau. Co-author of Bill Schroeder’s “If These Walls Could Talk: Milwaukee Brewers” on Triumph Books. Co-host of “Big 12 Sports Saturday,” which airs Saturdays during football season on WISN-12. Former senior editor at OnMilwaukee.com. Former reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
