http://www.thedailylight.com/articles/2010/01/10/opinion/doc4b497f169f5d1262888085.txtTo the Editor,
As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday approaches, we should take a few minutes out of our busy lives to reflect on this great American and his positive influence on all the citizens of this nation. I was privileged enough to see Dr. King speak in Washington, D.C. Little did I know at the time the profound effect his words and actions would have on the world.
Dr. King devoted his life to non-violent resistance to raise the standard of living for all citizens. “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.” Dr. King opposed our involvement in Vietnam, objecting to the drafting of underprivileged young men while the privileged received infinite deferments. Dr. King would undoubtedly oppose our occupations in Iraq and Afghanistan as examples of needless waste and aggression, while people in our nation suffer from the collapse of the economy as trillions continue to be squandered.
“A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom.” Dr. King would have been active in the debate surrounding health care. It is unconscionable that 45 million Americans have no health coverage and that many more are destitute because of health care and medication costs. If we would devote the trillions invested in aggression to caring for those who have served our country bravely and in the course been exposed to unthinkable violence, poison, and spiritual trauma, it would be a start.
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” Dr.King would be active in the fight against poverty that remains rampant in this country. Under the direction and guidance of Dr. King, a minimum wage of $2/hour was established in 1968. Forty-four years later, the minimum wage is $6.25/hour for those lucky enough to be working. I realize now how fortunate I was to be a part of history. With a little help from all Americans, Dr. King’s dream can still come true. “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.”
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