Empire State Building Just Can't Stop Offending

Casimir Pulaski as depicted by Juliusz Kossak

After their controversial snub of Mother Teresa (justified by the fact that as a privately owned building they have a policy to not recognize religious figures with their lights), the Empire State Building is refusing to honor another historic figure: General Casimir Pulaski. Considered "the father of American cavalry," the Polish general served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and even saved George Washinton's life (according to trusty Wikipedia). So why can't a man who already has his own bridge get any respect from the damn ESB redcoats?

Building owner Anthony Malkin hasn't given any comment on the situation, and Polish-Americans readying for tomorrow's Pulaski Day Parade aren't taking the refusal well. Parade organizer Richard Zawisny said, "I don't think it's right...They can't use the excuse they used to deny Mother Teresa because Gen. Pulaski wasn't a religious person, he was a hero." The snub is especially hurtful because up until two years ago, the building was lit up the Polish colors of white and red in honor of the man and the parade.

Tonight, the tower will be lit pink for "National Football League, A Crucial Catch for Breast Cancer Awareness," and the rest of the weekend it will be the standard white. Alex Storozynski of the Kosciuszko Foundation said, "Breast cancer awareness is important, but the Pulaski Parade committee was first in line...This year the night sky will show that the dim bulbs that run the Empire State Building chose to disrespect us, while honoring other ethnic groups." At least they can always turn to Sufjan Stevens:

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By Jaya Saxena in News on October 2, 2010 2:50 PM

Comments [rss]

rcltrh

They should just put a damn disco ball on the top spire and fit the lights with every color possible and make them flash different patterns while playing Cher loudly through loudspeakers. That way at any given time every group is covered. Seriously, if it were my building I would leave them white year round and say screw you guys, its my building and I'll do whatever the hell I want.

Mr Mel

If the ESB charges for the lighting, then they should have the privilege of denying access (within reason) to anyone or any organization or individual. If they say no to religious organizations or political parties then so be it. If some of those lightings are complementary then they are looking for trouble.

John L

What's with people making demands on the ESB?

I can see people making requests and hoping that they're honored but if they're not, can they really get mad at the building's owners? It is private property and they're under no obligation to grant these requests.

Did the ESB's policy change or are people just more demanding now?

Guest

"if i can't play with the toy then you can't either."

"that's not fair!"

kids, if you're not going to learn to share, i'm just gonna have to take away your toy.

Kingpin

If they changed the lights for every person submitted on the grounds of historical noteriety they'd quickly run out of days with out a special light configuration.

Spirit of 76

"The snub is especially hurtful because up until two years ago, the building was lit up the Polish colors of white and red in honor of the man and the parade."

jaycjay

But, according to the article they're not doing any special light configuration tomorrow -- the day of the parade --anyway. So there is no conflict and they haven't run out of days.