Maya Angelou criticizes inscription at MLK Memorial

[babsbunny]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44347106/ns/travel-news/t/maya-angelou-disputes-inscription-mlk-memorial/?gt1=43001#.Tl7U4F1ENaU

updated 8/31/2011 4:37:43 PM ET

WASHINGTON — Poet and author Maya Angelou is taking issue with a paraphrased quotation from Martin Luther King Jr. inscribed in his new memorial in Washington, saying the shortened version makes the civil rights leader sound like an "arrogant twit" because it's out of context.

The words were from a sermon King delivered Feb. 4, 1968, at Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church, two months before he was assassinated, about a eulogy that could be given when he died.

King said, "Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter."

[ixion]

1. There are so many quotes that would have been more appropriate

that one was a poor choice, in my opinion.

[Bluebear]

2. It would have killed them to consult Maya, a national treasure?

[Nye Bevan]

3. She's absolutely right. It makes him sound like an arrogant asshole.

Absolutely mind-boggling that this could have happened.

[Booster]

4. I think they should scrap the whole thing and start over with an

AMERICAN sculptor and made with American products. Dr. King would not have approved of this one.

[Brickbat]

5. I totally agree with her assessment, and it's the latest in a long line of mistakes with this thing.

[Bluebear]

6. How tall is this Chairman Mao thing anyhow?

It looks imposing and totalitarian, not at all capturing Dr King IMO

[Major Hogwash]

7. They just planned this memorial last year and already she's complaining!

I can't believe it!

Back in reality land, they've been working on this memorial for over 14 years!!
And she was one of the cunsultants!