McCain: 'I Made a Mistake'

Say what you will about John McCain, but the man gained some respect for me today when I glanced at my television, which was tuned to CNN, and saw McCain standing in a Memphis rain shower at what used to be the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King was gunned down.

I wondered if I'd had too much to drink last night.

You see, it's no secret that Republicans don't court the black vote, almost snubbing those black Americans who might share their ideals--a move that troubles me to no end, but that's a subject for another post.

To see McCain standing in what for him is hostile territory giving a speech and humbly admitting to a mistake was impressive and admirable.

If you don't know, over 20 years ago McCain voted against an MLK Holiday. Today he called this move a mistake, and his admission drew boos, rightfully so, from the crowd. One lady, though, can be heard saying "We forgive you." Another man can be heard saying, "We all make mistakes."

I commend John McCain for his candor. As I watched his speech, what I saw was not just a tense situation to which he was willing and brave enough to subject himself, but I also saw a manifestation King's dream.

I saw an attempt at reconciliation on the very day in which 40 years ago the most resounding voice that ever dared our nation to make good on its promise was silenced.

What is undoubtedly true is that racial tension is rooted in misunderstanding. Many whites don't understand blacks and their perspective, and many blacks don't understand whites and their perspective. To know this to be true, I need only look back to Rev. Wright's comments and the backlash that ensued and to what I saw McCain doing on television today and the boos I heard as he was doing it.

What is important, then, is that we do our part to move beyond racial impasse to understanding. And though that'll never be easy, that it is not will never mean that we shouldn't try which is just what King would want us to do.

Today, McCain tried.