Hear Dr. King here.
King's legacy is built on the civil rights movement, but his enduring message also embraces the power of nonviolence, the power of compassion, the power of service. His message asks each of us to examine our consciences to find ways to courageously live in peace and brotherhood. King's message is not touchy-feely, it's a radical call to change the way the world operates.
When George W. Bush talks about King today, you won't hear about nonviolence, compassion, or service. You will hear some platitudes about how far the nice black people have come, and if you listen closely you'll hear the wardrums beating for Iran in the background. You'll hear the wardrums beating for the poor in America. You'll hear the wardrums beating for the system of checks and balances.
If Dr. King were alive and active today, where would he stand? Would he be allying himself with the warmongering Republican party? Hardly. This is an American holiday that Democrats and Republicans can be proud of, but only if we're willing to examine our actions, intents, and dreams - Only if we're willing to act compassionately, nonviolently, in service to our fellow humans.
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