Lexington C.A.R.E.S.Minuteman Editorials 2005-09-08
Lexington C.A.R.E.S.The staff of the Lexington Minuteman fully supports freedom of speech, the right to assemble and the right for everyone to have their own opinions.
But there is a time and place for everything.
This week, the time was neither the time for protesting the schools, nor supporting or opposing David Parker. This week it was for supporting those who have much bigger problems in this lifetime: the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
It may not have hit here physically. Though gasoline prices have skyrocketed, we still have streets paved with concrete, not water. We have houses to live in, schools to attend and lives to lead.
Those hit by Katrina have none of that. There are those helping out in Lexington: Judith Jameson is collecting items for children and adults who will be staying at Otis Air Force Base (story, Page 1), various lemonade stands have been seen around town from the bike path in the Center to the path's intersection with Seasons Four. Even the Battle Green Inn is pitching in offering rooms to those affected.
With all this devastation in the country, why then, did folks find it necessary to "rally" for and against what has already been rallied, argued, debated several times?
At least this week, keep in mind there is a bigger picture than Lexington.
How is it possible to rally in the most public of all places - the Battle Green - yet still not want to be identified as having been there or associated with the cause?
Tuesday night hundreds took to the Green in support of David Parker. Some of the protesters live in Lexington, some don't. But when approached by a reporter to find out why they were there and give them their chance to let people know they support Parker and his ideals, they backed down. One ran the other way, some yelled, criticizing the media, still others covered their faces when photos were being taken.
We could understand if the rally took place on private property, but these folks were on the Battle Green. How much more public can you be?
If people took the time to petition the selectmen for a permit, make signs, yell and chant, and physically come to the public event, shouldn't they expect some coverage? Shouldn't they be proud of their views?
Without pride in their cause, how do they expect to convince the opponents of Parker to see things their way?