"I see the Promised Land!"

[H2O Man]

"....I got into Memphis. And some began to say the threats, or talk about the threats that were out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers?

"Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the coming of the Lord."
-Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., 4-3-1968

I have noted that a few people on DU are sounding tired and fatigued. We are in a tough time in human history; certainly these are those "difficult days" that MLK spoke of. So it is important, from time to time, to take a few hours or even a few days, to relax and quietly think about the struggle we are faced with.

Either Martin Luther King was telling the truth, or george bush is. But both cannot be: for their messages are in direct contradiction. King says do not fear; bush tries to scare you. King speaks of self-sacrifice; bush demands that others die for his greedy nature.

King told us the truth. bush is one of the sick white brothers that Martin knew were out there, causing the violence that killed him less that 24 hours later, and which continues today. But I am convinced that Martin was correct, and that we will reach that promised land. In order to do so, please set aside a few hours per week to think about what the Martin Luther Kings and the Gandhis would ask of us, were they to sit in our living rooms with us today, to discuss the disease of violence and hatred that bush promotes.

[boobooday]

1. I had a vision that gave me hope . . .

The lady Justice came down from the mountains with a tablet inscribed: "Multiple Indictments"

A blinding light, and then . . . suddenly I was in a huge, cavernous place. My footsteps echoed in the empty halls, and then I heard voices, bickering . . . fighting over extra helpings of pudding . . . cigarettes . . . and I realized I was in some kind of penitentiary . . . I turned the corner, and what did I see?

I saw a promise of hope and justice. I saw Bush and his henchmen locked up tight in a new prison just built for them, named Camp NoRedemption.



http://www.wgoeshome.com

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. A mystic would tell you

that there is only Love and Fear. And that only Love is real. Fear is like a shadow-it can look dark and menacing, but when you get up to it, you realize it has no substance. We are in for a lot of changes-we must look forward with courage, and look at our fellow men and women with love, tolerance, and compassion.

[checks-n-balances]

3. "I may not get there w/you...not worried about anything...not fearing..."

He's one of the few public figures we've had who literally walked the walk (although he was also eloquent at talking the talk, too).

His Drum Major Instinct was not only a brilliant interpretation of Jesus' teaching (and the best sermon I've ever heard, and I've heard hundreds), but also a powerful message of what's important in life. It's so inspirational because he takes Jesus' major point: that those who wish to be great must be humble and "other-oriented", and says that, because of this new definition of greatness, "Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve."

Sometime I'll post some links to that when I have more time. But hearing it is better - Motown used to have it on tape.

I don't know how many people on DU have heard any of his speeches on tape aside from "I Have a Dream", but he was profoundly literate and a brilliant speaker/preacher/interpreter. I don't know of anyone else like him in our history.

His "mountaintop" speech was the last one he gave before being killed the next day. The first time I heard it and also realized that fact, it was VERY powerful. He KNEW his work would lead him to an untimely death, but that didn't stop him.

Thanks for posting this, and for pointing out the obvious contrasts between him and the present occupier of the White House. I've always felt that Bushco is vindictive, nationalistic, motivated by greed, and NOT visionary in any positive sense, especially as far as the larger world is concerned. All in direct contrast to MLK, Jr. (and Jesus, for that matter). But the BIGGEST difference is that Bushco operates out of FEAR. Fear strikes out, grabs what it can, holds onto it, is easily threatened, and does not stand up for what is really right. King seemed to be free of all that, and that was one of the things that made him motivating AND credible. He thoroughly got that underlying message that the Bible contains if you're paying attention: DO NOT BE AFRAID! Again, the major unspoken, underlying theme of Bushco is BE AFRAID, AND TRUST US TO LEAD YOU. But sometimes I think they're afraid, too, and they cover over it with their blustering - in message and in deeds.

I'll shut up now because I could go on & on - notice that his words are in my sig. line. But first, your point again: we can accomplish so much if we continue with courage and refuse to be intimidated either by fear of the tactics of the opposition.

BE OF GOOD COURAGE, EVERYBODY, AND DON'T EVER GIVE UP!