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Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013 | 2:02 a.m.
Regarding Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message: As our nation reflects on our civil liberties, our freedoms shared across the country and across all cultures, we must remember the message that speaks of tolerance and even acceptance of one another’s differences of this great nation of the world’s peoples. Dr. King admonished us to not judge a person by the color of their skin but judge by the “content of their character.” Change was brought about through peaceful and lawful resistance until the spirit, will, and law of the land and Americans was manifested. This is a time to examine ...
"A president's hardest task is not to do what is right, but to know what is right"
- Lyndon Baines Johnson, 36th President of the United States
Dr. King was a great leader constantly expanding our rights, freedom and liberties
Today Obama and the Federal government is taking our rights away
Redistribution taxes, intrusive healthcare, infringements on gun ownership, stifled religious faith - every day we a losing our freedom and liberties bit by bit. In return America has tipped toward a dependency nation.
We need to return to the message of Dr King
Yes Comrade, fine article even if its BS.
The two figures, Dr. King and President Kennedy, have as little in common as can possibly be. And most of the political leaders of today, save a very few, share the same characteristic with them both: Nothing in common.
CarmineD
In reply to Clyde Perkins. That's a pretty disrespectful comment you have made to a highly respected person in this discussion forum.
You have that right, "Clyde old boy". Be assured, I'll be patiently waiting for your next next letter to the editor to be published. I'm certain my rights of opinion will be well intact too!!!
Star has an excellent point. We can bemoan the lack of leadership in Washington but it is not written that we the people cannot lead. Let your elected Congressmen know where you stand and what you want and keep after them. If we're complacent and silent, not sending a message sends them the wrong message.
January 24, 2013 response in my editorial this morning in Las Vegas Sun: While marching in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade with my school, who is named after this honorable, esteemed American, it really struck me to be admidst the throngs of record-breaking crowds consisting of so very many people with differing races, creeds, cultures, and walks of life. During Dr.King's time, you would not see such a unified in spirit gathering. It was so overwhelming to the depths of my soul to experience this,to live to see it and be a part of what makes America so great.
Fellow Commenters duly noted the contrast between Dr.King and President Kennedy, and rightfully so. Even with their differences, both great men valued the power and strength of each individual American, and their uniqueness in being a part of the American fabric that put together, is the great comforting and protective quilt of our nation.
Over this celebratory weekend, People throughout our land were engaged with coming together for common causes: swearing in of our nation's leader, celebrating the work and life of Dr.King, volunteering, or coming together with family and friends.
There were many who volunteered to do their part on MLK Day. From millions of Americans performing some kind act, assisting with projects, to those giving of their time and energies being on committees for these gatherings, to those who plain old just were being present. So, with a saddened heart, being noteworthy, that on such a day, at the Las Vegas Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade, the one school who bears the name of Martin Luther King, Jr., there was only to be found present and actively involved, were the school's: children, parents, support staff, and teachers both at the school preparing and marching in the parade or preparing and serving a school PTA sponsored hot dog luncheon for those who were in the parade. No school leadership was present.
With a heart full of appreciation and gratitude, I thank all who actively made this federal holiday a meaningful one. We need to remind ourselves of the past so that we will not make those past mistakes in the future. In times of war and peace.
Thank you.
Blessings and Peace,
Star
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. sure did change the direction for his people for the better,which was long overdue,it sadly cost him his life.
As a young person growing up in our country all things were not equal for black folks, back then. But because of the sacrifice's made by many black folk's,the quality of life has improved greatly for our black brother's and sister's with the leadership coming out of the black community.As time moves on things will continue for the better for all of us. I truly believe in Dr.King's dream that we will all be just one people one day,and so do most Americans.
The sentiments expressed in this letter are all well and good except for the fact the likes of Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and a whole heck of a lot of white Democrats have realized there are political benefits to be had by playing up the race angle even to the point of injecting race into a discussion where there is no obvious reason for it other then the intention of smearing your political opponents with the "race card". This little charade is done with a straight-face while paying lip service to a "colorblind society" and MLK's vision. This society will never achieve MLK's goal as long as these race-hustling, race-baiting yahoo's are given such prominent posititions in our society.
Future, what rights have you lost according to our Constitution? Before you answer you should make yourself aware of decisions made by Chief Justice Roberts or Justice Scalia. If it's about guns, research Justice Hugo Black's decision about civilians owning sawed off shotguns and machine guns.
Some of you others missed Dr. King's point. It wasn't about black, white, brown or other, his arguments were for ALL people.
Star great letter. I very much liked the read. Well presented.
BChap I do agree with your comment but be advised we all get disrespected on this comment board from time to time. Heck I've had my son-in-laws service in the Guard in Afghanistan disrespected. Just consider the source.
RHG58: I have to agree. I don't think Dr. King would appreciate Sharpton, Jackson or anyone else that plays the race card. He was for all not just a few.
@Weber I also agree with the reps we have in Washington. We all have only ourselves to blame for who represents us all.
We have become a nation of takers who envy/hate those who prefer to be makers.
Headline is an oxymoronic statement. Tolerance and acceptance when you accuse intolerance. Makes as much sense as Obama visiting Nevada to push AMNESTY when 2/3 of LEGAL Nevadans want NO FORM of amnesty. Based on a recent media survey. We already take in a million LEGAL immigrants every year. More than that will continue to CRIPPLE OUR ECONOMY. Sure the feds will endorse it because they will MAKE US PAY for them. Give up your standard of living so illegals can have all the benefits of our food banks, K-12, roads, Emergency health care, crime for cash....
Star.....Very good letter.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the greatest
men of all time.
And JFK was one of the greatest presidents.
And lucky for us, we have another great president,
PRESIDENT OBAMA.
"A president's hardest task is not to do what is right, but to know what is right"
- Lyndon Baines Johnson
LBJ was the architect of the Vietnam war. He firmly believed, along with Robert Strange McNamara that overwhelming force and military action, the implementation of fear, would be the correct way to conquer Vietnam. He and his Government made it clear that the Communists would take over all of Indochina if the Vietnam war was lost, but this was all nonsense. Johnson and his military industrial comples used Fear to control America. Fear had no effect in Vietnam.
If Johnson knew what was right, his actions were 180 degrees off what he knew. America was told whatever it took to continue the war. Johnson's Pentagon ran the country, not the American public. A person might know what is right but follow the opposite direction if it makes them more money. Lady Bird became a wealthy woman, thanks to Vietnam.
"If Johnson knew what was right, his actions were 180 degrees off what he knew." @ Sunjon
I argue that is precisely the reason LBJ did not run for a second term.
The Whiz Kids led by McNamara failed. Seeing Mac in recent years he is a shell of the man he once was. Old, slow, hunched over. No doubt the weight of the wrongs he done has taken its toll.
CarmineD
Dr.King's dream is alive and well.If you have children, or grandchildren,and you go to a school play or event held at their school.You will see children of all different races participating in such events or plays.The same with the parents and relatives watching the children perform. All different nationalities.We look around and see Spanish, Asian,Black, White, and a host of other cultures,and nationalities all working together and getting along with one another. The hate and prudjudice that was once,you do not see in these young minds.Times have changed,and will continue to do so for the better.Don't take my word for it go see for yourself.
To clyde perkins, whether you like it or not,that was a fine article,by a true American who wishes for the best for this country.The "conrade" remark was childish,and uncalled for.However, that's why we have our own opinions,and my opinion of your opinion is that you need to be educated more,or at least stay out of grown folks conversations.
Carmine,
"The whiz kids led by McNamara failed.Seeing Mac in recent years he is a shell of the man he once was.Old, slow, hunched over. No doubt the weight of the wrongs he done has taken it's toll".
McNamara died on July 6, 2009 at the age 93. If any of us were fortunate enough to live that long. I would expect we also would be old, slow, and hunched over. Inspite of all the sorrow he caused he did live a long life.While many died in combat (Vietnam).at such a early age,and all for nothing.
Hi Sam:
I retired in 2006 and up to then saw him frequently around lunch times, always by himself, at the local coffee haunts in DC. At the time he was working for law firms in DC. He mostly stayed a loner when out and about and except to the old timers like me NOBODY had a clue who he was. And I opine he liked it that way for obvious reasons. Check the books he wrote later in life and their messages. It tells alot about his guilt and the blame he harbored for years about his failings on VietNam.
CarmineD
"McNamara died on July 6, 2009 at the age 93." @ Samspeaks
Sam: Long life can be a curse too when you live every day with the memories of the wrong that you did.
CarmineD
FYI Sam:
"On September 29, 1972, a passenger on the ferry to Martha's Vineyard recognized McNamara on board and attempted to throw him into the ocean. McNamara declined to press charges. The man remained anonymous, but was interviewed years later by author Paul Hendrickson, who quoted the attacker as saying, "I just wanted to confront (McNamara) on Vietnam."
After his wife's death, McNamara dated Katharine Graham, with whom he had been friends since the early 1960s. Graham died in 2001.
In September 2004, McNamara wed Diana Masieri Byfield, an Italian-born widow who had lived in the United States for more than 40 years. It was her second marriage. She was married for more than three decades to Ernest Byfield, a former OSS officer and Chicago hotel heir whose mother, Gladys Tartiere, leased her 400 acres (1.6 km2), Glen Ora estate in Middleburg, Virginia to John F. Kennedy during his presidency.
McNamara was, at the end of his life, a life trustee on the Board of Trustees of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), a trustee of the Economists for Peace and Security, a trustee of the American University of Nigeria, and an honorary trustee for the Brookings Institution.
McNamara died in his sleep at his home in Washington, D.C. early in the morning on July 6, 2009. He was 93."
Katherine Graham, was the wive of Philip Graham who headed up the Washington Post until he committed suicide with a 28 gauge shotgun. Mrs. Graham took over with her son after her husband killed himself. The Post is credited with Nixon's resignation over Watergate. Katherine had a longstanding intimate relationship with Warren Buffett when she was with the Post, and he invested alot of money in the paper, and still is a major owner.
CarmineD
Beautiful letter and follow-up post, Star. Also, Samspeaks, you are SO right about attending a local school's programs---so much love and acceptance in those young faces!