Martin, the Safest Name That Can be Uttered

Lalena

Martin Luther King Jr. this, Martin Luther King that! Does anybody stop to consider how utterly irrelevant to the Movement he eventually became as Americans were ultimately treated to a demonstration of just how far the pigs were willing to go in order to frustrate the struggle of oppressed minorities? With the introduction of each bleached blackman it gets more difficult to make a case that the perceived reduction in overt discrimination does not address discrimination that has just gone underground. Whole classes of people are hated or excluded America, and I don't see the compassion that once existed because we've persuaded ourselves there isn't a gross problem any longer!

It's a telling matter of consideration where Colman Powel ended up once the Republicans were done parading him around: he ended up alongside of all their other rented minorities.

I can remember where we left things last time there was any real confrontation so I remain unimpressed by many of this era's supposed celestial gains even on this the day of the inauguration of a sanitized, deodorized, elite and yes, African American President. One might argue that the sixties and early 1970's is a completely different time and the political climate has changed. I contend that we would get a taste of the same medicine if various marginalized groups such as the poor, and people with unpopular views coalesced into a single, resonating movement as they did at that time.

Perhaps, the day will come when such a group of citizens will once again recognize the truth in the statement "united we stand" and pay attention to the portion of our Declaration of Independence that reads, "Whenever any form of government becomes destructive to, [certain unalienable rights] it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government." The cost of freedom is high and losing sight of the necessity of paying continuously, thinking freedom has been won once and for all, is done at great peril. Sadly, this cost is always paid in blood and more often than not with one's own countryman at sword's edge.

Lalena

Victor

What?

Jinx N3D

Perhaps you should simply enjoy the very real possibility that this new President will not seek to continue your oppression.

Be well.

RoosterIllusion

Lalena wrote: »

...crap...

No.

Jack Sheehan

Victor wrote: »

What?

This.

Black Swan

What? Obama was elected (not appointed) by a clear majority in both popular vote and the Electoral College to the highest office in America by millions of its citizens. Some would claim that Obama now occupies the most powerful office in the world. He now lives with his family in the White House, and the First Lady is a very bright, highly educated, and attractive Black woman. A mere 6 decades past Obama could never have reached this office, much less go in a toilet for "Whites" in Georgia.

Martin Luther King was one of many that challenged the status quo long ago, and yes, there were others that did also, both then and since. And no, there is still discrimination, but to imply that it's as bad as then is nonsensical and historically out of touch. Or to dump on MLK is disrespectful, and fails to recognize that he was, and still remains a symbol of change towards the better, for not only African Americans, but also for women and other minorities in America. Does his symbol of today surpass his past contribution? Perhaps, but such are the nature of symbols, and the "I had a dream" attached to that symbol holds a powerful, if still not fully realised message that marches on towards fruition, from very real slavery to something better.