In Milk’s memory
Travelers to San Francisco know they’re headed to a special place. But now they’ll have more in store as they step off the plane: The domestic side of the airport will offer a lesson on diversity and tolerance mixed with hard history. That message will be encapsulated by the name of slain Supervisor Harvey Milk affixed to the sprawling terminals.
The memorializing of Milk’s name is a fitting way to honor his legacy as a gay political pioneer who was assassinated in 1978. The plan also fine-tunes a needlessly divisive idea to rename the entire airport after Milk. That suggestion, pushed by former Supervisor David Campos four years ago, went too far by running up an estimated $4 million bill and creating confusion and marketing uncertainty. Now, the familiar SFO luggage tag will stay and passengers will get an official reminder of the city’s past and future spirit.
While Milk is remembered with a plaza and school, the idea to rename the airport took matters to another level. The original plan came out of the blue and needed adjusting. After doubts surfaced, Campos backed down from his idea for a ballot-box Charter amendment and agreed to let a nine-member committee find another way. The panel scaled down the idea to part of the airport, a more appropriate solution. Supervisor Hillary Ronen, who succeeded Campos in office, is backing the result.
Here’s guessing that Milk, a canny deal maker, would appreciate the compromise. He should also be proud that the city will put his life before the city visitors. In a country roiled by debates over personal liberties, Milk’s memory should be honored in a major way.