Today is MLK day and there are many people who are going to celebrate by
remembering and acknowledging what he did, not only for black folks but for all Americans. Yes, I will be honoring Dr King for what he did BUT there is someone else who has be "running" through my mind as we drew closer to and now have arrived at January 16th. I think that we Duer's should also remember Andy Stephenson. For all the youngsters, (those who joined in 2006 and later) he is a true American Hero. This man fought to make sure that every vote cast was counted. He did the heavy-lifting that our government should have done, all the while falling ill and getting sicker and sicker. Finally, he was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer...worse yet, he was UNINSURED, like too many Americans! Damn Shame. We of the DU family were devastated BUT we pulled together and with the what we had, whether it folded or jingled were able to raise the money that the hospital demanded before they would even start setting up the operating room and children, let me tell iyou, it was over 50000.00, cash money.
Those of us who are believers prayed, while the rest sent healing thoughts. For one magnificent moment, we pulled together and by and large, were one. If love and good thoughts were enough to heal someone, Andy would live forever. Unfortunately, Andy left us too soon and to those of us who went through that trial, it still seems unreal.
Why am I bringing this up on this day? Dr King fought for the right to be respected as a human being, that each and every man, woman and child has earned through being born here. Andy Stephenson also fought for civil rights too, i.e., voting rights, the right to have the peace of mind that not only would everyone who wanted to vote absolutely could but KNOW, A.B.S.O.L.U.T.E.L.Y know that that vote would be counted; that that vote would be applied in the way the voter meant it to be applied, where they voting progressively or against their own best interest. In a VERY real way, Andy was one of many lesser known foot soldiers who picked up the banner and carried it as far as he could until he was cut down in his prime.
So today, while we are remembering Dr King, lets remember our own Andy who went down fighting for you and me. Let's remember that Andy was selfless in his dedication and never gave up the fight even when there were some that were so cruel that they started rumors that Andy was a conman and that he wasn't really sick. He never let anything stop him from fghting except death itself. Turns out that Andy has alot in common with Dr King.
DU, we may argue, fuss and fight but we pulled together to help you. We can do it again. We are family, albeit somewhat dysfunctional but who doesn't have the drunk uncle who talks too much at thanksgiving ?
There's so much at stake...Andy pointed it out to us and even though he's gone on to his reward, there's no reason why we can't effect change. Remember, the difference between those who succeed and those who don't is that those who don't, QUIT. Change has never happened because it was easy. It was because people kept pushing. Let's pick up the banner and advocate for what we need...SUPPORT your local OWS if you can't personally occupy, harangue your representatives and let him or her know that if they want your vote, damn it, they've got to do something about BLACK BOX voting. If certain candidates and their backers feel that the only way they can win is to steal your vote, THEY WILL! IN whatever manner they can. Trust me.
Dr King and Andy Stephenson ran the race. It's time for us as a group to do all we can to make sure that we are guaranteed our civil rights, our human rights and our voting rights! Rest well Andy, enjoy a nice glass of sweet tea on the porch with Dr King and thank you both for the bravery and determination you showed for us.
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To Andy! 
What a fine tribute Ecumenist! Most eloquent.
Julie
We can do it again. We just need to try...
eating lobster, Oh yeah, 50K dollars would allow him to do that for 7 years!! 
