May he rest in peace, MLK

[ourbluenation]

"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."

MLK, Jr.

[ourbluenation]

1. We will have to repent

We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people.

[mattclearing]

2. Let us re-commit ourselves to the good reverend doctor's dream.

There is no excuse for warfare and economic struggle when their causes have been so thoroughly discredited.

[ourbluenation]

3. There lived a great people

"There lived a great people—a black people—who injected new meaning and dignity into the veins of civilization."

[ourbluenation]

4. I have a dream...

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.” I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today.

[ourbluenation]

5. nonviolent redemptive goodwill

I still believe that one day mankind will bow before the altars of God and be crowned triumphant over war and bloodshed, and nonviolent redemptive goodwill will proclaim the rule of the land.

[ourbluenation]

6. Most of these people

Most of these people will never make the headlines and their names will not appear in Who's Who. Yet when years have rolled past and when the blazing light of truth is focused on this marvelous age in which we live -- men and women will know and children will be taught that we have a finer land, a better people, a more noble civilization -- because these humble children of God were willing to suffer for righteousness' sake.

[mattclearing]

10. The funniest thing about that is that it was improv.

He had done the "I have a dream" riff a few times before in sermons, and it occurred to him that it would fit well there.

He put his prepared remarks down and never returned to them.

[RubyDuby in GA]

7. I'm really looking forward to all the events in honor of Dr. King

both this weekend and on Monday. If you are in the Atlanta area, attend some of the events. It is a wonderful way to meet people who truly believe in Dr. King's message.

and sort of on topic: I wonder if * will lay a wreath at Dr. King's grave this year....seeing as how it's not an election year.

[ourbluenation]

8. Nothing in the world is more dangerous

Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and consciencious stupidity...

[ourbluenation]

9. * 's not deserving enough for that honor

and sort of on topic: I wonder if * will lay a wreath at Dr. King's grave this year....seeing as how it's not an election year.

[RubyDuby in GA]

12. I know. It pissed me off beyond belief to see him do it last year

* doesn't understand or even want to comprehend what Dr. King's entire life was devoted to promoting: peace and equality for everyone.

[masaka___]

11. Check out this MP3

Martin Luther King speeches are toward the end.

http://chapelhill.indymedia.org/news/2003/01/2020_comment.php

Martin was such an awesome speaker.

[mattclearing]

13. kick

:kick:

[seabeyond]

14. read his i have a dream speech to boys last night

i am in the panhandle of texas, ultra conservative. walked boys into class and told 4th grade teacher, happy mlk day. we read his speech last nite. just to suggest to her may be her role to talk about him a little in class today. lets hope

[ourbluenation]

15. Good for you

I read from a little book of quotes that I have to my two kids every MLK day. I wonder what he'd think of things today...