Honor Harriet Tubman With A Bit Of Pork
Often, politicians do the right thing for the wrong reason. Such is the case with Congressman Michael Arcuri’s H.R. 1078, legislation that would establish a National Historical Park honoring Harriet Tubman in Auburn, New York. Auburn is a good place for such a park, because Tubman lived there for many years. To be fair, Arcuri’s bill would also establish a second Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Maryland. However, the main reason that Mike Arcuri is offering the legislation is not for any high purpose. It’s a project through which he can bring money to his home district, which includes Auburn.
So, for Arcuri, the legislation is nothing but pork. That doesn’t make it bad legislation. Harriet Tubman is an important figure in American history, and to deny her importance is to deny the importance of resistance to slavery in the 1800s.
It’s astounding to me that many Republicans are still so rooted in racist ideology that they persist in denying Tubman’s importance. The last time I checked, not one of H.R. 1078′s cosponsors was a Republican.
March 2, 2009
Congressman Arcuri is to be applauded for his support to honor Harriet Tubman.
However, this issue is a grassroots-driven intiative. Many,many years ago a handful of Americans and some Canadians began this effort in recognizing the achievements and contributions of Ms. Tubman.
Going back to the 101st Congress when PL 101-252 was passed Tubman’s followers have advocated for America to properly recognize and honor this great freedom fighter..
In year 2000, President Clinton signed into law the Harriet Tubman Special Resource Study Act which sparked serious interest and schorly research into the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman..
In recent years some Tubman bills have been introduced by Congressman Cummings (2008) and Senators Cardin and Mikulski [2008]..
Their 2008 bill was re-introduced this year on January 13, 2009 by the two New York Senators and the two Maryland Senators.
Afterwards, Congressman Arcuri was asked to introbuce the bill on the house side. So, it was not his idea, we welcome his support as we do yours as well.
The bill has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Natiral Resources.
This legisaltion may well be the first time that a woman of color has been so honored in the history of America.
Clall it pork if you wish, but ithis legislation has the support of millions of Americans.
Lou Fields
Founder
Harriet Tubman Day of Remembrance in the State of Maryland.
Thanks.
Lou Fields