|
|
|
At the writing of this editorial, America was honoring the memory of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
King’s legacy on America is one of the most fascinating stories in the history of our nation. His visions changed a people, though some still begrudge what he did. In his day, it was even more serious and ended that fateful day at the Lorraine Hotel in downtown Memphis.
The assassination of King tore open the racial divide in America, more so than King’s mission to change the culture. Ironically, his death set in motion a path which has led us somewhat out of the darkest times in our country. Racism will never die in America, that’s simply a fact. But the strides which have been made are huge, especially when you consider this country elected Barack Obama president during the 2008 election.
That single event in the fall of 2008 showed just how far the thinking in this country had come — and that can only be a good thing. Certainly, there are those who probably think that single event was a setback which America will never overcome.
We could not disagree more and this has nothing to do with politics.
It has everything to do with equality for all humans.
Our nation was built on a representative government. But we all know that back then, there was anything but equality in America. Slavery was in existence, women couldn’t vote and the elite did rule. But things have changed since that time, though the struggles have been great and the resistance fierce. That resistance continues to this day and will probably always continue.
But it has been tempered greatly over the years and wiser, cooler heads seem to be prevailing. These are slow steps and difficult steps, but they are steps.
There is still not equal pay in the workplace and discrimination still exists in nearly all facets of life.
However, the simple fact these issues can be discussed shows the steps which have been take since Dr. King began a movement that changed America. His legacy is broad, but discussion and openness might be the greatest part of where King stood. His concept of level-headed discussions and non-violence flew in the face of what those who disagreed with him thought would happen.
They expected, and probably wanted, violent outrage but instead ended up doing that themselves. It was that kind of logic which changed this country forever — and showed the bigotry and hatred for what it was.
Though this paper is printed on Tuesday, we think it is important to bring up the legend that is Dr. King and to remember the impact he had on a nation and the world. It will never be forgotten.
At the writing of this editorial, America was honoring the memory of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
King’s legacy on America is one of the most fascinating stories in the history of our nation. His visions changed a people, though some still begrudge what he did. In his day, it was even more serious and ended that fateful day at the Lorraine Hotel in downtown Memphis.
The assassination of King tore open the racial divide in America, more so than King’s mission to change the culture. Ironically, his death set in motion a path which has led us somewhat out of the darkest times in our country. Racism will never die in America, that’s simply a fact. But the strides which have been made are huge, especially when you consider this country elected Barack Obama president during the 2008 election.
That single event in the fall of 2008 showed just how far the thinking in this country had come — and that can only be a good thing. Certainly, there are those who probably think that single event was a setback which America will never overcome.
We could not disagree more and this has nothing to do with politics.
It has everything to do with equality for all humans.
Our nation was built on a representative government. But we all know that back then, there was anything but equality in America. Slavery was in existence, women couldn’t vote and the elite did rule. But things have changed since that time, though the struggles have been great and the resistance fierce. That resistance continues to this day and will probably always continue.
But it has been tempered greatly over the years and wiser, cooler heads seem to be prevailing. These are slow steps and difficult steps, but they are steps.
There is still not equal pay in the workplace and discrimination still exists in nearly all facets of life.
However, the simple fact these issues can be discussed shows the steps which have been take since Dr. King began a movement that changed America. His legacy is broad, but discussion and openness might be the greatest part of where King stood. His concept of level-headed discussions and non-violence flew in the face of what those who disagreed with him thought would happen.
They expected, and probably wanted, violent outrage but instead ended up doing that themselves. It was that kind of logic which changed this country forever — and showed the bigotry and hatred for what it was.
Though this paper is printed on Tuesday, we think it is important to bring up the legend that is Dr. King and to remember the impact he had on a nation and the world. It will never be forgotten.
