January 16, 2006
Allergic to Heroes
So were the words of U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia as quoted in this CNN article about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. That is all that should be said (and all I will quote from this sad article) about the foibles about a man who's legacy we commemorate today.
Sadly, some people are allergic to heroes.
The deeds of a brave and noble man are no longer allowed to exist on their own merits without being provided "context" by those who have provided nothing else with their lives. One can only assume that Steven Spielberg is working on a script now lionizing James Earl Ray.
Pretender Kings will trade upon Dr. King's sacrifice for their personal glory, delivering speeches designed to put the spotlight on them, not the Reverend Doctor and his message. Let's remember Dr. King for the good he did and what he accomplished, not for how others would use his memory for their purposes.
More About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The King Center
The Martin Luther King, Jr., Research and Education Institute
Time Magazine 100 article
Wikipedia entry
as Bennett pointed out on this morning's radio program, King's speeches were filled with Biblical references and metaphors, with a certainty that God Himself had a plan to solve the problems of America and the world, with optimistic talk of the greatness of America... in short, all the things that King's bloody-shirt successors have totally forgotten in their race for self-promotion and enrichment.
And let's not forget "not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character".
Let's build a memorial to him, but don't you dare expect me to conform to what he SAID.
Posted by: dave at January 16, 2006 11:57 AMDave:
You say, "Let's build a memorial to him, but don't you dare expect me to conform to what he SAID."
What on earth is THAT supposed to mean? Was it a rather feeble attempt to cast aspersions on those who are now 'talking the talk' but never did 'walk the walk?'
Posted by: Retired Spy at January 16, 2006 01:57 PMCY-
I'll bite.
Why would we assume Steven Spielberg is writing a film script 'lionizing' James Earl Ray?
Illuminate us.
Posted by: ArthurStone at January 16, 2006 02:33 PMI believe CY's item could just 'possibly' be a bit of sarcasm in light of the way Spielberg rewrote and sugar-coated the history a wee bit on the Israeli retribution for the Palestinian butchery of innocent athletes in Munich. Ya think, Artie?
I like CT's definition of 'sarchasm' ....
Posted by: Retired Spy at January 16, 2006 02:48 PMRS, you would be correct. That was a Munich reference.
Posted by: Confederate Yankee at January 16, 2006 03:52 PMIt is a shame how many racial hucksters have taken the mantle of MLK Jr.
Posted by: Shoprat at January 16, 2006 04:55 PMor you're being ignored, and rightfully so. ;-)
Posted by: Toby928 at January 17, 2006 06:28 PMBoth actually.
They didn't see the movie and they don't like me pointing out that obvious fact.
Posted by: ArthurStone at January 19, 2006 02:47 PM
