A call for courage and bravery may be too much ask in such a World that pushes a Presidential impeachment, reflects upon the petty and avoids the real problems that real people have. Yet, this is the reality today despite the admontion from Dr. King to forgive and not allow a sense of hate to bring us down so low. It is ever more so as Wednesday August 28 approaches--the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. Barack Obama is scheduled to speak and will be joined by Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. That dream continues to be ever so today--and Rev. Bernice King, Dr. King's daughter and one of the keepers of the King Legacy, reflected upon it on the Daily Beast.
This admonition from Dr. King is so timely as the pivotal day as hate seems to be the order of the day all around the Arab and Muslim World. The reports out of Iraq continues to be distubring. 47 people lost their lives within the past 36 hours due to bombings. However, the big story is Syria as an estimated 1,000 people have died as a result of chemical attacks that The United States and other NATO allies note has been perpetuated by Assad's Gangs. The plight of ordinary Syrians is the most underreported story in this machvellian drama that is playing itself out right now. Camp Zaatari in Jordan is one example of this tragedy. This account by Professor Dabashi on the predicament is chilling and tough reading.. Professor Dabashi reflects upon how the people are trying to imagine a new future. But, the question is at what cost?
Dr. King reminded us never to hate and never allow anyone to drag us down to that level. It may be an impossible task when families are torn apart as they have. But hate can be overcome. It has to be. I wonder what Dr. King would say now when he saw people who had nothing to eat, avoid healthcare because they cannot afford a Doctor and desparate to get an education?
As America continues to struggle with its' own identity and continues to reflect its' strengths and weaknesses, there is a still lot America can celebrate. With an Afrian American President, African American Attorney General, an Asian American in the Department of Veterans Affairs and many others in key Government positions, America has come far. There is some semblance of a basic level of service given to the most needy. Others around the World are not as lucky, though. The challenge for America as it continues to celebrate the King Legacy is not to pay it lipservice--but to truly understand and live up to the admontions--including the most crucial speech of all that I believe is just as important as the "I Have a Dream Speech"--the Speech on Vietnam. . In my view, this is just as important to underscore his philosophy of love and non-violence as his epic struggle against modern slavery.
Will we have the courage to stand up and take notice or simply make a few speeches and then move on to the petty battles? There lies the challenge--and the opportunity.
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