Reverend King isn’t just an important figure in the struggle for blacks to obtain equality. All ethnic groups, gays, the mentally ill, the physically and mentally challenged, and others owe some debt of gratitude to all of those who put their very lives on the line for civil rights in this country.While we set aside this specific day to observe and reflect upon Reverend King’s life and achievements, we should also remember those who participated in the protests and the marches, who sat down in the wrong seat at the diner, who drank from the wrong fountain; all those unnamed heroes who stood up to the unjust status quo and decreed “No! No more!” It is because of their struggle for freedom and equality that I can live my own life openly in the light. That is a debt that can never be repaid.
I lived through those “times” and while Dr. King did much, many others, like Abernathy did as much on the “public” scene, and many of my friends, Black, White, Brown, and of many faiths and diverse “politics” did the “field work” that made things work.
What remains problematic in the U.S. is that division, not unity, politically, ethnically, racially, ideologically, and to “faith driven” actions, IS still and worse, reality.
It’s interesting the attacks on “liberalism”, which isn’t a pollitcal party, but rather a physchological orientation toward ACCEPTANCE of “new” ideas, or others who are different from us, or think differently, being “functional humanity”.
Sometimes it’s difficult for the light to come through. As an avid reader of history, I have always been amazed, and at the same time, distraught, at how much damage one individual can inflict on the world, versus one who gives one’s best. The first two who come to mind are Dick Cheney and Mother Teresa. Then there’s Kaiser William II and Jean Jaures. And on & on.
Stryk428 over 9 years ago
Nice quote.
Jason Allen over 9 years ago
Reverend King isn’t just an important figure in the struggle for blacks to obtain equality. All ethnic groups, gays, the mentally ill, the physically and mentally challenged, and others owe some debt of gratitude to all of those who put their very lives on the line for civil rights in this country.While we set aside this specific day to observe and reflect upon Reverend King’s life and achievements, we should also remember those who participated in the protests and the marches, who sat down in the wrong seat at the diner, who drank from the wrong fountain; all those unnamed heroes who stood up to the unjust status quo and decreed “No! No more!” It is because of their struggle for freedom and equality that I can live my own life openly in the light. That is a debt that can never be repaid.
Dtroutma over 9 years ago
I lived through those “times” and while Dr. King did much, many others, like Abernathy did as much on the “public” scene, and many of my friends, Black, White, Brown, and of many faiths and diverse “politics” did the “field work” that made things work.
What remains problematic in the U.S. is that division, not unity, politically, ethnically, racially, ideologically, and to “faith driven” actions, IS still and worse, reality.
It’s interesting the attacks on “liberalism”, which isn’t a pollitcal party, but rather a physchological orientation toward ACCEPTANCE of “new” ideas, or others who are different from us, or think differently, being “functional humanity”.
Pedmar Premium Member over 9 years ago
That’s a lesson Dick Cheney needs to learn.
reedkomicks Premium Member over 9 years ago
.. “hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that”
moosemin over 9 years ago
Sometimes it’s difficult for the light to come through. As an avid reader of history, I have always been amazed, and at the same time, distraught, at how much damage one individual can inflict on the world, versus one who gives one’s best. The first two who come to mind are Dick Cheney and Mother Teresa. Then there’s Kaiser William II and Jean Jaures. And on & on.
Dry and Dusty Premium Member over 9 years ago
Excellent!