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One of my proudest memories working for him was when #Idaho Gov. Cecil Andrus included the call for a #MLKDay 
in his State of the State speech in 1990. #idpol
in his State of the State speech in 1990. #idpol
The AP noted that Andrus's proposal received sustained applause, but...
Even some more moderate Republicans, like state senator Laird Noh of Twin Falls had reservations.
Other Republicans weren't so subtle in hiding behind the cost issue. The racism was blindingly obvious.
“A black holiday is what they’re wanting.” said Boise state representative Emerson Smock.
“A black holiday is what they’re wanting.” said Boise state representative Emerson Smock.
“I don’t believe he’s (King) the great black leader of that era.”
— Bill Taylor, R-Nampa
And this gem...that didn't hold up very well.
— Bill Taylor, R-Nampa
And this gem...that didn't hold up very well.
"He’s for family values, happy marriages and children. He’s one people could rally around.”
— Ron Crane, R-Nampa, who proposed comedian Bill Cosby be recognized instead of Martin Luther King Jr. Colleagues sought and received an apology from Crane for the suggestion.
— Ron Crane, R-Nampa, who proposed comedian Bill Cosby be recognized instead of Martin Luther King Jr. Colleagues sought and received an apology from Crane for the suggestion.
Andrus signed the MLK-Human Rights Day legislation - critics insisted that the day not be named just for King - in April 1990.
Idaho was sadly one of the last states to adopt the holiday.
Idaho was sadly one of the last states to adopt the holiday.
Since Idaho was such a late adopter of the MLK Holiday the story made national news. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-04-10-mn-1311-story.html
Given recent events it's clear - sadly again - that Idaho has not made the kind of progress in addressing "the broader concerns of all humanity" that many of us thought possible nearly 30 years ago.
Dr. King would tell us: keep moving.
Dr. King would tell us: keep moving.
