Money and Activism

Filed Under ao resources, current affairs, local

Why should a memorial to anyone cost 100 million dollars? Yes, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was an outstanding activist for human rights (and one of America’s greatest heroes), but … 100 million dollars? Imagine that money spent on actually teaching his thoughts to the public? On creating real change? On scholarships? I do not view this is as progress. People and politicians would rather rubber stamp a proposal like this than actually address racism.

In the last few days I have been giving more thought than usual to better ways of spending money. When I attended the Nelson Santana event, one of the Portland Central America Solidarity Committee (PCASC) volunteers stood before us and made a plea: “It cost $700 to bring Mr. Santana here from Venezuela.” I stood up straighter in my seat. 700 dollars? That’s all!? Bear in mind that Mr. Santana is here over two weekends, discussing, designing and making political community murals with students, local artists and activists. He is making himself available to anyone who wants to talk to him about socialism in Venezuela, art as resistance, community building, etc. Translators are even on hand. Now, I would consider that money well spent. When the earnest volunteer called for donations, I raised my hand; this was something I could support.

Part of fulfilling our obligation to the people is spending their money smartly, stretching it as far as it can go, and providing as much service to them as we can possibly squeeze out of a dollar.

Comments

4 Responses to “Money and Activism”

Michael Darling on October 24th, 2005 5:07 pm

They should do the memorial for free
Radical Hapa on October 29th, 2005 5:37 pm

glad to see you working with PCASC, how long have you been doing that?
LaReinaCobre on October 30th, 2005 1:56 pm

I have only just recently learned about them - the muralist event was my introduction. after that, and the visit by the venezuelan ambassador, i am seriously thinking of how i can get involved.
Wally Nut on November 29th, 2005 10:08 pm

How about giving a million kids a laptop? See One Laptop Per Child (OLPC)