Another One Bites the Dust

Martyr - a person who is put to death or endures suffering because of a belief, principle or cause

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17453795/

We have entered a new age, and with it come new forms of ancient concepts. As those who occupy the highest seats of power within traditionally service-oriented organizations continue to gorge themselves on the misfortunes of others, true visionaries are forced to abandon such groups. Bruce Gordon, recently appointed head of the NAACP has decided to resign rather than continue to serve an increasingly ineffective and irrelevant group. It is indeed a shame that the NAACP and its ilk have failed to see the handwriting on the wall; that in order to remain a force for change, they must embrace gentlemen like Mr. Gordon. The elder statesmen have instead chosen to embrace that same sense of entitlement that they rallied against from their inception, preferring to elevate their progeny to leadership positions as if they were a smaller version of the Roman Empire.

At least the new blood and the old guard tried to coexist. What does one do, however, when it is not possible to make progress because the older ways of thinking are an impediment? I applaud Mr. Gordon for handling the situation with dignity and class, but would have preferred he hang on to the bitter end and be fired. What people need now is a leader willing to endure all the slings and arrows heaped upon them by the landed gentry to serve as an inspiration. A modern day martyr, if you will. One who would risk angering the minority in power to save the many.

One can only wish that one day the Maximus among us will rise up. And hopefully he will have his vengeance in this life or the next. Godspeed Mr. Gordon. I doubt this will be the last we hear from you. And hopefully the next organization you lead will appreciate your vision of a better tomorrow for all, not just their chosen few.