Backward Step

One small step backward for man, one giant step backward for mankind is the way the port commissioners’ vote for naming the new convention center can be interpreted (“Port Rejects King’s Name on S.D. Center,” July 26). Ironically, it happened the week after we have celebrated the 20th anniversary of the walk on the moon, the big step forward for mankind.

Why did Milford Portwood, Raymond Burk, Robert Penner and Daniel Larsen oppose the renaming? After all, the democratic process was followed with Rev. Clyde Gaines leading a citizens’ committee for 10 months that came up with that recommendation. How does Larsen justify his stand? Did he capitulate to the good old boys? Is he that insensitive to followers of Dr. Martin Luther King, to the children who seek a role model, a distinguished black man, a reminder of what we can become?

The distinguished Dr. Martin Luther King will not suffer for the loss. He’s been inscribed in history as the symbol of non-violence, a man of fairness. Who will suffer? San Diegans will miss the opportunity of being reminded of what Dr. King did in his short time here. The generic convention center won’t have Dr. King’s name. It’s a missed opportunity to promote non-violence in an age of violence.

When we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Apollo in July of 1999, we will also recall the 10th anniversary of the name-change vote, a bad day in San Diego’s history where four men took a terrible step backward.

SANDRA LIPPE

San Diego