As we prepare to once again celebrate the dream, life and legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr this weekend, I can’t help but wonder what his thoughts and actions would be on the many unsettling uncertainties of our country today. Dr King, known as a man who marched and championed the causes for humanity and all men, would indeed have his plate full. For the first time in a decade I’m feeling quite uncomfortable on where we’re headed, but I guess it comes down to what side of the fence you’re on with these issues facing our world, country, states and cities.
Dr King, I’m sending you this short letter:
Sir, we’re fighting in two wars, the name calling and major disrespecting of the presidents past and current is unforgivable, unemployment has gone wild, foreclosures are at an all-time high, our economy is in the tank. The politicians and politics in DC are off the chart as I’ve never seen before with cut-throat fighting between Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians and a ‘tea party.’ And it’s not the one you remember in the Alice in Wonderland story. Sir, what would you think about same-sex marriages, ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ policy regarding gays within our military, our open borders, Arizona’s SB1070 illegal immigration law, and a movement to changes the 14th amendment in our Constitution -- and who knows what next? Sir, I could go on about so many other things that are pressing.
Dr King, maybe I’m starting to get grouchy and show my age at 59 because I sometimes find myself changing from a mellow fellow to an angry male one who occasionally shouts back at the TV, talk radio and newspaper articles when I don’t agree with a political view and or statements etc. I know, Sir, at the same time I must respect the thoughts and views from others even if I don’t agree. However, it’s just makes me angry. You see, Dr King, we’re all somewhat angry and frustrated these days, and truth be told, many won’t admit it as their anger and frustration is silent.
Dr King, this weekend I personally need to reflect on your messages and historic quotes and do my best to live and lead by their intent and meaning. I, like many Arizonans and Americans across the country, will hopefully take a break from it all to reflect and celebrate your dream, vision and legacy of tolerance, unity, peace, brotherhood and love for humanity and one another. I really miss you, brother, and ponder: “What would you think and do today?”
Dale Whiting posted at 8:34 am on Fri, Jan 14, 2011.
John,
Above all, Martin would be maintaining his dignity and would be singularly true to his vision, that dream which he so eloquently expressed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial so many hears ago.
In order to maintain this singular vision, and notwithstanding his views on the issues mentioned above, Martin probably would not take on these other issues, fearing that by doing so, achievement of his dream would be slowed down.
And were he still alive today, those who followed in his steps would not have achieved as much prominence. Most who did follow, did maintain their dignity. And occasionally some have voiced opinions on these other matters, while not becoming side tracked.
I would hope that Martin could have been able to bridge the gap which has grown between Blacks and Hispanics. That gap stemmed from the perception that a gain for one minority group must come with a matching loss for the other. Not so. Life is not a "zero sum" game. Working together, standing united and together, both groups can achieve more than either could alone. And what both groups achieved would have been acheved for everyone. Martin knew this, as did Ghandi.
We all ought to have dreams. We all ought to be working toward achievement of those dreams, with malice toward none and charity towards all. Certainly Martin would have been in attendance Wednesday in Tucson.
ElPeneDeCaballo posted at 9:24 am on Fri, Jan 14, 2011.
He would be promoting a far Left political agenda, further dividing the nation.
Dale Whiting posted at 1:56 am on Sat, Jan 15, 2011.
Just like Ghandi and Jesus Christ!
hljmesa posted at 8:44 pm on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
John,
He would be still working to end all wars:
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0115-13.htm
Slabside posted at 6:16 pm on Mon, Jan 17, 2011.
He would write in to the East Valley Tribune and ask why Dale Whiting writes such long winded boring posts.