[ScottGem]

I was responding to another discussion and a thought popped up that I thought should be a separate discussion.

Wouldn't it be a great idea to change the inauguration date to Martin Luther King's birthday? Especially when this year, the celebration of that day falls on the 19th, the day before the regular inauguration date!

How appropriate would that be??

[TexasParent]

I don't agree; and while I voted for Obama. I didn't vote for him because of the color of his skin. While it's historic that a majority of American's can finally look beyond race in deciding their next President the traditions of America are to be preserved as they are for all American's; including the Inauguration date.

The Presidency is an institution and it's traditions are to be preserved so as not to favor one group or another. If our next President after Obama happens to be Hispanic, will we move the Inauguration to May 5th (Cinco de Mayo)?

While I acknowledge that President-Elect Obama has made history; wouldn't it diminish his Presidency if he were the only President to ever be Inaugurated on a day other than what other President's have be Inaugurated on? Wouldn't he look like the odd man out, just at a time when this historic occasion in American history finally says that a African-American is equal to his fellow American's of European descent?

For all those that voted against him, please join me in January in supporting our new President of the United States like everyone did in the old days before the politics of division took hold.

[ScottGem]

While I certainly can see your points, I don't see my suggestion as diminishing Obama, but more as acknowledging MLK's contribution.

Since it would require a constitutional amendment, I don't see it happening. But its still a nice thing to think about.

[Capuchin]

To answer your question I don't think it would be very appropriate. Why make a special case just because he is black, isn't that the very definition of racism? Isn't that what MLK was fighting against?

[speechlesstx]

You'd have to amend the constitution and that won't happen between now and January 19th. MLK has his day, the president deserves his or her own day in my opinion. But don't fret, it'll happen for the 2025 inauguration anyway ;)

[TexasParent]

While I certainly can see your points, I don't see my suggestion as diminishing Obama, but more as acknowledging MLK's contribution.

Since it would require a constitutional amendment, I don't see it happening. But its still a nice thing to think about.

That's so nice of to want MLK remembered in such a way. Well done. I can see where you are coming from, and I applaud it. I think Jan. 19th (MLK Jr. Day) will be like no other MLK Day, and I am sure that American's will be reminded of his contributions; and there will be tributes and media coverage the like we've never seen; since the Inauguration is the following day.

I would not worry my friend, the American people this Jan. 19th will be retold the huge contribution MLK Jr. made to America and will be given his due, with honors. I think this is especially important to the young new voters who may not know MLK Jr. very well to learn the history of what was, how MLK changed old notions and how part of his dream for all American's has come to pass.

[spitvenom]

That is a great idea since Obama's acceptance speech was on the 40th anniversary of MLK's I have a dream speech.

[tomder55]

Conceivably the ceremonial aspects could be conducted on the 19th and the official swearing in performed ,lets say midnight Jan 20 after a day of revelry . However I agree with those who say that MLK deserved his own day . I have no doubt that given the historic nature the two events will overlap and proper credit bestowed .

[Skell]

Although a wonderful gesture Scott I do like the points that Texas made. Leave it as is! Plus you just get to celebrate twice as long as you spread it over two days don't you?

[SweetDee]

I agree w/ TexasParent, (even if I am only a Canadian... ).

As nice and respectful a thought... MLK will be very thought of on that exact day as his dream did come to pass.

I honestly feel it should be kept as is...