MLK Day and the trouble with Black America

So it's Martin Luther King Day and Neal Boortz is asking if King should have his own holiday:

Nothing's going to change here, but instead of honoring one particular individual, wouldn't it be a better idea to honor the idea of civil rights, equal protection and the rule of law on this day?

Certainly a thought. And here's a column from two left-wingers complaining that most Americans don't know the real Martin Luther King -- or at least aren't familiar with all of his work. I have to say they probably have a point.

But this is what really got me thinking about the occasion:

An A.P. poll claims 75% of Americans say there has been significant progress, but that number drops among black Americans, to 66%.

I guess that's interesting in a trivia sort of way, but really, if we want to talk about what's holding back Black America these days does anyone really believe that racism is the main cause? Or even among the top reasons?

Yesterday I was standing in the check-outline at Safeway with my headphones on -- just another one of the lame iPod people -- and only took them off once I reached the register. The cashier was carrying on a conversation with the cashier at an adjacent line, both of them young Black females, and during the minute or two I had my headphones off I overheard this snippet:

"OK, but you didn't tell me where the father's at?"

"He's with his other baby mother."

Anyone want to place bets on whether this guy married either of these women? Or if he holds a full-time job? (and just to be clear, it's not admirable either when a wealthy white guy impregnates multiple women outside of marriage) But we don't need anecdotes to tell us there's an illegitimacy problem in the Black community, just look at the stats.

Then there's the problem of crime. To quote comedian Chris Rock:

Martin Luther King stood for non-violence. Now what's Martin Luther King? A street. And I don't give a f*** where you live in America, if you're on Martin Luther King Boulevard, there's some violence going down.

Indeed, the greatest victims of crimes perpetuated by Blacks are...other Blacks. How surprising is it that crime is so rampant in Black communities given the breakdown of the family? The problem is likely further aggravated by the pathetic public schools (such as here in D.C.) found in predominantly Black areas. If you lack a basic education what hope is there for finding a rewarding job? (But hey, don't give them vouchers or anything!)

And the liberal solution to all this? Welfare checks, gun control, more power for teacher's unions and higher taxes.