Fattah discusses King, politics

Although U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.) focused his speech on Martin Luther King Jr. yesterday, the Philadelphia congressman's audience seemed more interested in his political views. In an address to approximately 60 students, faculty and community members in the Graduate School of Education Building, Fattah spoke about King's life and legacy. He also answered questions about political issues facing the nation today. The congressman is a College graduate. His district includes West Philadelphia and the University. Fattah said neither King's birth nor death is significant, but rather "the dash in between the dates." "His work paints a picture that any of us would appreciate, to the degree that we would study it," Fattah said. Fattah stated that King "truly represented what is best in all of us in terms of potential." In discussing the University's theme for this week -- "Every American Can Make a Difference" -- Fattah described a speech King made to a group of school children that encouraged them to be the architects of their own lives. In light of King's ideas, Fattah said it is "quite appropriate that on the occasion of [his] birthday we find ways not to take the day off, but to take the day on." Fattah encouraged the audience "to use King's national holiday as a stepping-off point to focus in on service." Fattah explained that there is "still work for all of us to do," stressing the importance for each citizen to "reach out with some risk to change life circumstances." He added that people should learn from King's message of expressing love and understanding in daily life. Although some have complained that the University held classes yesterday, Fattah noted that "to a degree, classes and academic activities were an opportunity to discuss King's life." After Fattah's speech, audience members questioned him on a variety of issues, including drugs and education. One audience member expressed his concern with the drug problem facing African Americans which he said could be the "genocide of the race." Fattah explained that the federal government "has been absent from any progressive [drug-related] policy," adding that he hopes to "bring new sensitivity to this issue in Congress." Audience members also expressed concern with the nation's education system. Fattah, who currently holds a position on the House of Representatives Education Committee, discussed his concern that students' "motivation and ability will be moderated" by financial difficulties. Fattah explained that although he is worried about higher education funding reductions, he noted that cutting early education programs such as Head Start "is just as wrong." Fattah identified extensive defense spending as a "big part of the problem." He joked that the resurgence in this emphasis is causing people to talk about "smart bombs," not "smart children." College junior Frances Fattah, the congressman's daughter, said her father's visit to the University was extremely significant. "Education is such an important issue that it's essential that someone in a powerful position gives voice and support," she said. GSE graduate Nate Rice said although he did not find Fattah's speech "enlightening," he considered Fattah's vocal commitment to education and social programs reassuring. Career Planning and Placement Center Administrative Assistant Jay Nix said he thought Fattah "brought into focus the big picture, the reality of it all." And GSE Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Ken George explained that Fattah "spoke to all of the interest in the room." Despite the focus of many in the audience, GSE student Wesley Proctor said Fattah's discussion of King was particularly meaningful. "It was good to hear one of our community leaders come in to talk about a leader of the past," he said. Fattah said he felt that speaking at the University gave him the opportunity to share a "unique perspective," while also listening to the views of students, faculty and community members. "The University is a part of the marketplace for ideas," he said. Fattah's visit was one of many events held this week in a University-wide effort to commemorate King's life.