The Communique

Issue date: 1/28/10 Section: Opinion

POINT COUNTER POINT

Adam Cole -

Martin Luther King Day, a federal holiday, celebrates the contributions of the most prominent leader of the civil rights movement by giving people a day off and/or extra pay.

One would think that the late King's work would be honored by more than sales specials, sleeping in or lackluster television marathons. Then what would be the proper route for honoring such a visionary, one would ask? To answer this inquiry, an understanding beyond elementary social studies is required.

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. did more than organize protests and rallies for people who sat at the back of the bus or used "colored only" drinking fountains: He waged a humanitarian crusade to increase the quality of life for all individuals. That being said, would it make sense to set aside the third Monday of January as a day of service?

Have no fear: People can still devote time to finishing neglected homework, much-needed housecleaning and such.

Just take maybe an hour or so to pick up trash in your neighborhood, spend time with the elderly or organize activities with children.

Find something in the community that requires attention, and the true nature of Martin Luther King Day will reveal itself.

William Mornini -

On Martin Luther King Day, a federal holiday in January, many Americans can look forward to a day off from work. Here at Kirkwood Community College, students do not have classes on Martin Luther King Day.

To use MLK Day as a service day defeats the holiday's purpose. Using this day to give back to your community is a little ridiculous when every day should be a day to give back to your community.

People are saying that the late civil-rights leader would encourage Americans to get out and help others. But for only one day? I don't think he would be too happy about the American masses taking only one out of 365 days to contribute to community betterment.

As King once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"

I think MLK Day should be devoted to rest and giving yourself a little taste of egoist life. King was a brilliant philosopher but I'm sure even he understood that all work and no play would make you a grump.

The American people have been put through a lot in the last decade and have helped one another through disaster after disaster. Martin Luther King Day should be a day of remembrance, relaxation and respecting everyone in your community regardless of race or creed.

Do you think the world needs another day of help or another day of tolerance?

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