I don't think race had anything to do with the person I believe you are refering to, but rather statements that many americans would not want to hear from their religious leaders.  Personally I don't like the man and his skin color has nothing to do with it.  But playing the race card has often served as an attempt to "get out of jail free"

So much for "dreams" 

Telling one's story is part of recovery from trauma. A story filled with violence is also likely to be filled with anger, if not rage. It's normal.

Anger can be healthy in that it establishes boundaries and also provides energy for action. I wish there was more appreciation for this maligned emotion.

Mr. Richards and I finally agree on something.  (Sarcasm)

Larry,

I think this topic is a can of worms. 

I find the subject of Martin Luther King's death and all of it's implications to be very hyperlocal.

We can't afford to bury our heads in the sands of Mud Bay because we fear a little controversy.

If you feel the need to tag or delete this post, I'll understand perfectly.

will demonstrate that I'm not posting much, anymore.  I don't intend on being bullied into a corner and patronized about Freedom of Speech, especially on this subject.

One must do what one must do.

That's what you gotta love about ya Larry!  (LOL)

After much reflection and thought, I'm going to jump into this debate and give an opinion for what it's worth.

Rev Wright....  Interesting guy.  I could care less what he said as his opinion means nothing to me nor do I put much faith in him.  The fact that the extreme 'right' are falling over themselves trying to make this an issue is about as intelligent as the 'left' making a big deal over the stupid statements Bush makes.  As far as I'm concerned if the message is clear then why try and play stupid? 

More on Wright....  Has anyone else thought that this was nothing more than a well thought out political and financial ploy?  Obama gets some press and gets to play the 'good guy' by running awary from Wright, while still keeping him close.  Wright.....  Has a long career, nearing retirement age, makes some statements that he has to know will cause a stir, retires and gets the congregation to 'build' him a beautiful (green? not!) home.  Seriously, who wouldn't cause a national debate and have your 15 minutes of fame and then ride gently into the sunset to your 7500+ sq ft home? 

Rev King.....  Stood up for something that should be a right.  Do I agree with some of his behind the scenes activities, no, but I applaud the stance he took. 

I was around here 40 years ago when Martin Luther King was assassinated. Even though my Dad was a Goldwater Republican and my Mom a Stevenson Democrat, and we lived out on a remote farm in western Thurston County untouched by racial strife, we were aware of the American Apartheid practiced in the Southern States and it made us feel sick. When Rev. King talked, we listened. And he connected.

We still have a long, long way to go. But it is actually somewhat of a tribute to how far we have come that some younger members of OlyBlog don't get the MLK reference made by Larry. The bad part is that perhaps they don't understand the enormous sacrifices made by countless Americans of all ethnic backgrounds to secure basic human rights in the recent history of the United States.

MLK Day isn't just a day off from work. It is a day to reflect on the efforts of one of the greatest Americans in post-WWII American history and the meaning of his struggle. His writings should be required reading in American history classes. But obviously, they are not.

To study the journey of Martin Luther King is to study the journey of our country. He is (notice I did not say "was") a pivotal figure in the recent history of the United States. Greater than any President, Governor, or television personality. He still lives. His cause is still alive. And even 40 years later, much of what he said remains radical. Yet, he was traditionally American. A true patriot.

Now for the hyperlocal part. My Dad and I had gone to the Elma Feed Store to pick up supplies in the '65 wood-bed Chevy pickup 40 years ago today. When we returned to the farm and got out of the truck, my Mother flung open the door of the 3rd-hand trailer we were living in at the time and shouted, "They shot Martin Luther King!"

My Dad, even though a son of the Confederacy, uttered a word that the new rules of OlyBlog will not allow me to type. We knew King was right. We knew he would eventually come to this end (after all, JFK did too, so we started to expect it). And we were grateful we lived in the middle of nowhere.

RFK was murdered a couple months later, and by then we were numb. What the Hell was going on? If you didn't live through 1968, I can't really explain how weird it was. More tragic than any year since. Larry knows. 

Good post, Larry. Thanks. 

I'll hyperlocal it this way.  I lived it.  It's not gone.  I live in Thurston County. 

As we say in journalism -

#

Link

John Legend signing U2's Pride.

Sorry, for not embedding it...

mathias

[Link embedded by Rick]

Could you post the link to that clip?

I love the "fair and balanced" reporting.  The reporter was disgustingly biased.

I know lots of people on AOL that need to see this.

Also thanks for the computer skoolin......I feel so ignorant at times.