PAYING HOMAGE TO OPTIMUS PRIME
written by Marco C. Iridian
"If we are to have a holiday for men like Martin Luther King Jr., Prince Kuhio, and Kamehameha, then we should give similar honors to other great men as well. Many of the most noble and wisest figures go down in history unknown and unappreciated. One often ignored figure is Optimus Prime, the benevolent leader of the Autobots. He is much deserving of a special day honoring him, for through constant example, he demonstrates that success can be obtained fairly and without hurting others. To spread this idea, we should set aside Feb. 24 as Optimus Prime Day. His heroism and innate goodness would serve as a prime example to all the people of the world. As a role model to children, Optimus Prime has few equals. With strong resolve, he fights against evil whether it be from the Decepticons or from humans. Yet, with an open mind and great compassion, he actively promotes goodwill and kindness to all living creatures, be it friend or foe. His actions and his wisdom teach children important moral values. Our world leaders could learn much from one such as Optimus Prime. In his never-ending battle with the evil Decepticons, he keeps his honor and his word. Prime is one who would sacrifice himself to save the lives of his fellow Autobots. He is not one who would resort to deceptions and scams against his subordinates, nor use his power to risk the lives of innocent victims in his fight against evil. Which of our world leaders can claim the same? The men and women we honor in history with a special day are, for the most part, examples of goodness that all people should follow. With that purpose in mind, we should honor an uncontroversial and contemporary figure, such as Optimus Prime. By having an Optimus Prime Day, we not only pay tribute to a great figure, but also promote the heroic and noble ideals that he represents."
* The proceeding article was discovered within the pages of an Hawaiian
newspaper's opinion column shortly before the first airing of "The Return
of Optimus Prime" two-part miniseries on THE TRANSFORMERS in early 1987.