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Politicizing the Dead
Scott Walker parks himself in the Mattibelle Woods receiving line to shill for votes
by Jim McGuigan
February 26th, 2005 |
It was unbelievable, shocking and disgusting. Civil rights leader and Democratic Party activist Mattibelle Woods passed away in late February at age 102; and, at her funeral, Republican County Executive Scott Walker had parked himself in the receiving line area to shill for votes.
Walker has announced he is running for governor but I never would have imagined he would find a way to promote himself at a funeral.
Could anyone have been more offensive? I could barely believe my eyes. I've never in my life seen such a brazen, shameless politicizing of an event, let alone a wake, as I did when I waited in line to pay my last respects to my dear friend Mattibelle.
I was disgusted. I looked over and there he was - sure as the day is long, campaigning not more than five feet from the casket.
Last spring I had a chance to sit down with Mattibelle in her home. We talked about a lot of things including Walker. She thought he was a snake. But god bless Mattibelle - she would always put on a positive face when she met dignitaries, and she would show respect for the office even if she wasn't fond of the person.
Mattibelle was a hard-core Democrat but she did thrive on attention. I'm certain that she would have been honored that the county exec came to her funeral. But I'm certain that she was looking down and shaking her head when she saw what Walker was doing.
I can almost see the expression she would have had on her face. Shaking her head, brow a little furrowed, that million dollar smile of hers would appear as her palms turned to heaven, and she thinking: "What is this man doing."
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Justice: Martin Luther King Quote
All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.
Justice: Martin Luther King Quote
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Optimism: Martin Luther King Quote
Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.
Kindness: Martin Luther King Quote
Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.
Life: Martin Luther King Quote
Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.
Justice: Martin Luther King Quote
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Love: Martin Luther King Quote
I've decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.
Kindness: Martin Luther King Quote
Life's most urgent question is, what are you doing for others?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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