Our Newshawk writes: The following editorial appeared in the 8-27-98 San
Antonio Express. It provides an interesting opportunity to bombard them
with letters showing that there ARE citizen activists, not just in the US
but around the world. I think the editors of the SAE might take note of the
drug policy reform movement if they received 200-300 letters responding to
their editorial. Be sure and mention your favorite reform organization in
your letter. You might also include your favorite URL for them to explore.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO CITIZEN ACTIVISM?

It has come to be defined by one man and one speech. But the historic march
on Washington for civil rights, held 35 years ago today, was much more.

If Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was its star and his "I Have A Dream" speech
was its soundtrack, it was the cast of tens of thousands who produced a
milestone in American democracy.

More than 200,000 people -- at the time the largest demonstration in the
nation's history -- came together to demand the passage of civil rights
legislation.

Propelled by conscience and moved by injustice, this cross-section of
Americans -- multicultural and ecumenical -- exemplified citizens
attempting to right the wrongs in their midst and dedicating their lives to
something greater than themselves.

In confronting the defining issue of the day -- racial injustice -- they
exercised not only the privilege but also the responsibilty of citizenship
by advocating for change and urging the nation to be better.

The nation's problems aren't as clearly defined today nor are their
solutions as easily agreed upon. Still, there is an abundance of problems
that demand not only the attention but the activism of a concerned citizenry.

In June, a report issued by the National Commission on Civic Renewal
decried how passive and disengaged Americans have become despite the many
opportunities for participation. It called upon Americans to become better
citizens.

Citizenship isn't simply a privilege conferred upon us by birthright and
law but a moral obligation to make better our nation and world. Those who
complain about a problem also have a responsibility to do something about it.

The march on Washington remains an example of what citizens united in
purpose can accomplish. It rejuvenated the work that led to passage of the
1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

A generation later, citizens still can find purpose in their lives by
helping to make better the life of this nation.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski