Having returned from the Chicago anti war rally encouraged but unsatisfied, I was thinking that instead of the group of many excellent but legion speakers, a rally featuring one truly remarkable speaker, someone who could crystallize progressive values, inspire others to take real action, give voice to the voiceless and generally give some version of the "I have a Dream" for today might be just what the progressive movement needs.
But who? Who would you take the day off of work to go hear, who would you brave horizontal rain to listen to? If you had bronchitis and should stay in bed, who would inspire you to take some extra meds, bundle up and take the train downtown just so you could later say, "I was there....."?
I am not seeking a messiah. I am not implying that the wonderful workers and speakers out there are inadequate. Yet - when one thinks of turning points in movements in the past, they often center around remarkable orators and their undeniable ability to energize and give focus to movements that were weakened by exhaustion, despair, and oppression.
I know this diary is a weak one. I would have posted this question in an open thread except that I would really like to compile a serious list of inspirational figures for a project - and I thought this might get a bit better response.
So - who can give voice to our dream?