I hate to say it, but I told you so.
Over the summer, the city of Eugene made the decision to change the name of Centennial Boulevard to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. At the time, I thought that was one of the dumbest things I’d ever heard of. I haven’t changed my opinion.
There are several problems here. First, if you’re going to name a street in honor of something, I think it’s bad form to pick a street that is already named in honor of something else. Centennial Boulevard was a tribute to Oregon’s centennial anniversary. Perhaps I’ve spent too much time at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretative Center, but I rather like having a reminder of those hard-working folks who converted the Oregon Territory into the state of Oregon. That was no small accomplishment.
I will, however, put that objection aside. For all I know, there may be a shortage of streets in these two towns available for renaming — that shortage would explain the inordinate amount of time I spend trying to merge onto the Ferry Street Bridge every afternoon.

No, my more fundamental objection is this: If you want to honor someone, is renaming a street the best you can do?
Martin Luther King Jr. was a charismatic, dynamic man who stirred the passions and consciences of a generation in a way few men ever have. “I Have a Dream” is arguably one of the most inspiring and moving speeches ever delivered and, had his life not been cut short, there is simply no end to the things he might have accomplished for the people of this nation and, indeed, the world.
So, the perspicacious politicians in these parts named a street after him. Oooooh. Neat. Bully for them.
With the alteration of a street sign or two, they can now pat themselves on the back and say to one and all that they are forward-thinkers who recognize the merits of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and those who have committed their lives — figuratively and literally — to the cause. I’m sure we all sleep better at night with folks like this on the job. Yes, that’s sarcasm you’re hearing.
You see, I knew from the first that this was a cheesy thing to do. I’ve lived in other towns that have gone the same route and honored King with a street. The problem is that that Martin Luther King Jr. doesn’t quite roll lightly off the tongue. Inevitably, the street that is supposed to remind us of this magnificent man and the message he tried to pass along assumes the abbreviated form “MLK” (Boulevard, Street, Avenue, etc.). Indeed, it has already begun. Just last week a radio announcer opted for the shortened version.
Somehow, I can’t believe that “MLK” strikes the same chord in the soul as “Martin Luther King Jr.” After all, it could stand for anything — Martian Landing Kraft (assuming Martians can’t spell), More Liberal Kooks or the ever-popular Meaty Lutefisk Kabobs. Acronyms are always open to individual interpretation.
Now, I want to be very clear: I do think that it is right and proper to honor King’s innumerable contributions and his memory. I just object generally to doing the right thing in the wrong way. Why didn’t they sponsor public readings of the “I Have a Dream” speech on the anniversary of his birth or his death? I’d have happily seen a few tax dollars spent subsidizing a traveling Martin Luther King Jr. Interpretative Center. I’d even contribute to a fund that would put his face up on murals around town.
But a street? I told you that was a dumb thing to do.