I’ve heard quite a bit lately about how “our grandpa and grandma’s guns don’t cut it anymore.”

As the Mesa Martin Luther King Jr. Committee prepares for the annual 2013 Celebration of Dr. King’s life, Legacy and dreams this weekend, my thoughts are not only on Dr. King but also on President Abraham Lincoln.

Last week I joined Arizona Democratic delegates and delegates from across America in Charlotte, N.C. at the DNC convention as we raised the roof off of the Time Warner Cable Arena with enthusiasm supporting President Barack Obama and officially nominating him as our candidate in November. What a 4-day ride filled with passion, excitement and energy! We’re anticipating and bracing for “The Thrill of Victory.”

We’re hastily approaching the countdown to both political parties’ National Conventions. The Republicans will meet in Tampa, Fla. on Aug. 27-30 and the Democrats gather on Sept. 3-6 in Charlotte, N.C. I’m thrilled, excited and honored to be attending the DNC in Charlotte as one of Arizona’s 76 Democratic Delegates as we join with delegates from across America to nominate current sitting President Barack Obama.

Hear ye, hear ye, for whom this bell tolls, it’s time to rise like the spirit of the mighty Phoenix and answer this call to action. Dust off the boxing gloves, put on the war paint and let’s get ready to rumble. This call is to all Arizona mules and donkeys of the mighty Democratic Party. If you’re old enough to remember the 60’s song “Time” by the Chambers Brothers, well, “Time has come today.”

As the Mesa MLK Celebration Committee prepares to unfold five wonderful events this weekend for the East Valley to reflect on the life, legacy and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., our hearts are filled and plates aren't as full.

Sadly we’ve lost a wonderful, magnificent human being. A great husband and father to some. A leader in the community and business world and a dear friend to so many, including myself.

John R. Goodie, guest commentary

John R. Goodie, guest commentary

John R. Goodie, guest commentary

Football coaches and their players have a special bond that lasts a lifetime and memories that go beyond that. The same could be said about the men and women who are sworn to protect and serve as police officers.