Posted on 01/16/2004 10:05:32 PM PST by Huber
Yes, he was needed. He persuaded many blacks to follow a path of non-violence, while speaking a language that decent whites could understand. He painted a verbal picture of a future in which we could coexist in peace. And thankfully we're well on the way to accomplishing his goals.
I've said enough. Thank you, RDB and MH. You've got guts. But then again, they did in Athens, Tennessee in August of 1946.
If that statement is a justification of trampling on the Constitutional rights of one group to artifically grant "superiority" to another group, then I only have one question; To which Pioneer Youth Group did you belong?
Got me on that one for sure because I don't know if he was needed. I remember the turbulant times though, and he was definitely a part of the turbulance. I was off active duty, and yes there was a war, draft riots, and the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King himself. I deeply wish that he had NOT been assassinated because I would so much like to hear his reactions to "reparations," "race based University admissions," "Government contract set asides," and of course, affirmative action with the racially motivated methods of recruiting, hiring, and promoting people on the basis of the color of their skin, and not on the content of their character. I am skeptical that he would speak out against these things. I am sure he would be railing against poverty and the sorry state of affairs of black families and the terrible lack of educational advancement of black children. I believe too, that he would look to people like Robert Byrd to help solve those problems.
Why was someone like King needed at that time?
C'mon, now.
Black people, that's who. Why was he, or someone like him, needed at that time?
Colored Admission
Suggestion: read the sentence carefully. Read it again. Does it make more sense this time? Do you still find racist propaganda in my comments? Do you still find a shred of advocacy for reverse discrimination in my support for MLK?
Maybe I should be asking more pointed questions. Does it still disturb you that negroes might not be forced to drink from separate fountains, access buildings -- if at all -- through a denigrated entrance, or be rejected for jobs only because they were black? Could you derive a sense of superiority knowing that you could vote with the same literacy as a negroe's, but he can't?
If you hate MLK, then I will assume the answer to all of those questions is yes. No matter what you think of his other ideas, the rejection of racial denigration of blacks based on our constitution and our declaration of indepence was his most important point. If you can't see that, then I have to wonder if you can even grasp the meaning of our country's founding, what makes it unique, or why freedom matters more to us than anything else. Are you really an American? Or are you just living out your days here, taking unfair advantage of the liberties others -- including many blacks -- have fought and died to preserve?
For a people who endured over 350 years of dehumanizing slavery and discrimination, you dare to accuse MLK of triggering localized "forces" of destruction? Are you aware of history, man? Do you even know your place in the story of this great nation? I think not. You obviously don't know MLK's.
If it hadn't been MLK, it might have been someone else far less scrupulous. I'll say one more thing: there isn't an MLK hater on this thread who understands why we even carried off the American Revolution against colonial England. They're all just living off the blood of fallen heroes the likes of which they don't yet understand. Looking into the past, we can try to imagine why slavery was once accepted in America. Concerned with their own freedom, we can try to make excuses for the men who dreamed of and implemented the inhuman 3/5ths Compromise. However, 90 years after the Civil War, it became impossible to see why the cruelty had to continue. On the other hand, MLK was focused entirely on the present. He did not dwell on the mistakes of the past, which would have riled up old hatreds and angers. He looked to the future, and painted a verbal picture that anyone could see -- of races getting along under equal protection by the law, and Americans living up the the written expectations of their own laws in peace and harmony. And he was focused on moving toward that future with non-violence, having learned from Mahatma Gandhi what could be done when people work together for change.
Whites should be grateful for the pacifism of MLK's message. Those who remain angry at him, at the pace of the civil rights movement, or at the equalities that were brought about by his advocacy should think carefully about the alternatives to MLK's way. One begins to suspect that MLK haters are incapable of seeing things through the eyes of others, however. It's ironic that people who praise their great grandparents for revolting against the King of England can't see why there ended up being violence in the Civil Rights movement.
Whites whose forebears couldn't even stand to pay taxes to a colonial power wonder why a black man would become enraged because of a literacy test for voting, or separate drinking fountains, or forced seating segregation. The real question is why blacks weren't more violent than they were. MLK's influence is part of the answer.
MLK had many multiples the patriotism of the average American. Those who hate MLK are still "Americans in training." Most of us can only hope to one day be as patriotic as he was. Wrong sometimes, yes -- more often than some would like to admit. But oh was he ever right about his peaceful demands for equal treatment before the law. Most of us can only dream of making the kind of difference he did. Charlton Heston recognized that, which is why he He led the actors’ component of MLK’s 1963 March on Washington.
Looking in the past I certainly understand why slavery was once accepted in America, and I understand why it was eventually rejected. Blacks, as well as whites, live off the blood of fallen heroes BTW. Good thing the North won eh?
You wrote that MLK focused entirely on the present, and a couple of lines later he looked to the future. A real head scratcher there.
The races getting along, in peace and harmony. How nice. So how come the races are segregating again?
"The real question is why blacks weren't more violent than they were."
The reason is that they would have been slaughtered in great numbers. Maybe that is why MLK chose "pacifism."
In MLK's time, a literacy test could certainly be viewed as unfair. In these times, there is no excuse for blacks to be unable to pass a literacy test. Yet, that is the state of education in which many of them find themselves.
Yes, indeed I do.
"Maybe I should be asking more pointed questions. Does it still disturb you that negroes might not be forced to drink from separate fountains, access buildings -- if at all -- through a denigrated entrance, or be rejected for jobs only because they were black? Could you derive a sense of superiority knowing that you could vote with the same literacy as a negroe's, but he can't?"
Those are not pointed "questions." They are unfounded assumptions about me and you can shove it.
"If you can't see that, then I have to wonder if you can even grasp the meaning of our country's founding, what makes it unique, or why freedom matters more to us than anything else. Are you really an American? Or are you just living out your days here, taking unfair advantage of the liberties others -- including many blacks -- have fought and died to preserve?"
You don't know me. Go write this stuff to Robert Byrd.
I said him or someone like him.
But that's okay. I know all I need to know now.
Additional Information:
CITATIONS
First Lieutenant Vernon J. Baker
Citation: For extraordinary heroism in action on 5 and 6 April 1945, near Viareggio, Italy. Then Second Lieutenant Baker demonstrated outstanding courage and leadership in destroying enemy installations, personnel and equipment during his company's attack against a strongly entrenched enemy in mountainous terrain. When his company was stopped by the concentration of fire from several machine gun emplacements, he crawled to one position and destroyed it, killing three Germans. Continuing forward, he attacked and enemy observation post and killed two occupants. With the aid of one of his men, Lieutenant Baker attacked two more machine gun nests, killing or wounding the four enemy soldiers occupying these positions. He then covered the evacuation of the wounded personnel of his company by occupying an exposed position and drawing the enemy's fire. On the following night Lieutenant Baker voluntarily led a battalion advance through enemy mine fields and heavy fire toward the division objective. Second Lieutenant Baker's fighting spirit and daring leadership were an inspiration to his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.Staff Sergeant Edward A. Carter, Jr.
Citation: For extraordinary heroism in action on 23 March 1945, near Speyer, Germany. When the tank on which he was riding received heavy bazooka and small arms fire, Sergeant Carter voluntarily attempted to lead a three-man group across an open field. Within a short time, two of his men were killed and the third seriously wounded. Continuing on alone, he was wounded five times and finally forced to take cover. As eight enemy riflemen attempted to capture him, Sergeant Carter killed six of them and captured the remaining two. He then crossed the field using as a shield his two prisoners from which he obtained valuable information concerning the disposition of enemy troops. Staff Sergeant Carter's extraordinary heroism was an inspiration to the officers and men of the Seventh Army Infantry Company Number 1 (Provisional) and exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.First Lieutenant John R. Fox
Citation: For extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy in the vicinity of Sommocolonia, Italy on 26 December 1944, while serving as a member of Cannon Company, 366th Infantry Regiment, 92d Infantry Division. During the preceding few weeks, Lieutenant Fox served with the 598th Field Artillery Battalion as a forward observer. On Christmas night, enemy soldiers gradually infiltrated the town of Sommocolonia in civilian clothes, and by early morning the town was largely in hostile hands. Commencing with a heavy barrage of enemy artillery at 0400 hours on 26 December 1944, an organized attack by uniformed German units began. Being greatly outnumbered, most of the United States Infantry forces were forced to withdraw from the town, but Lieutenant Fox and some other members of his observer party voluntarily remained on the second floor of a house to direct defensive artillery fire. At 0800 hours, Lieutenant Fox reported that the Germans were in the streets and attacking in strength. He then called for defensive artillery fire to slow the enemy advance. As the Germans continued to press the attack towards the area that Lieutenant Fox occupied, he adjusted the artillery fire closer to his position. Finally he was warned that the next adjustment would bring the deadly artillery right on top of his position. After acknowledging the danger, Lieutenant Fox insisted that the last adjustment be fired as this was the only way to defeat the attacking soldiers. Later, when a counterattack retook the position from the Germans, Lieutenant Fox's body was found with the bodies of approximately 100 German soldiers. Lieutenant Fox's gallant and courageous actions, at the supreme sacrifice of his own life, contributed greatly to delaying the enemy advance until other infantry and artillery units could reorganize to repel the attack. His extraordinary valorous actions were in keeping with the most cherished traditions of military service, and reflect the utmost credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.Private First Class Willy F. James, Jr.
Citation: For extraordinary heroism in action on 7 April 1945 near Lippoldsberg, Germany. As lead scout during a maneuver to secure and expand a vital bridgehead, Private First Class James was the first to draw enemy fire. He was pinned down for over an hour, during which time he observed enemy positions in detail. Returning to his platoon, he assisted in working out a new plan of maneuver. He then led a squad in the assault, accurately designating targets as he advanced, until he was killed by enemy machine gun fire while going to the aid of his fatally wounded platoon leader. Private First Class James' fearless, self-assigned actions, coupled with his diligent devotion to duty exemplified the finest traditions of the Armed Forces.Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers
Citation: For extraordinary heroism in action during the 15-19 November 1944, toward Guebling, France. Though severely wounded in the leg, Sergeant Rivers refused medical treatment and evacuation, took command of another tank, and advanced with his company in Guebling the next day. Repeatedly refusing evacuation, Sergeant Rivers continued to direct his tank's fire at enemy positions through the morning of 19 November 1944. At dawn, Company A's tanks began to advance towards Bougaktroff, but were stopped by enemy fire. Sergeant Rivers, joined by another tank, opened fire on the enemy tanks, covering company A as they withdrew. While doing so, Sergeant River's tank was hit, killing him and wounding the crew. Staff Sergeant Rivers' fighting spirit and daring leadership were an inspiration to his unit and exemplify the highest traditions of military service.Captain Charles L. Thomas
Citation: For extraordinary heroism in action on 14 December 1944, near Climbach, France. While riding in the lead vehicle of a task force organized to storm and capture the village of Climbach, France, then First Lieutenant Thomas's armored scout car was subjected to intense enemy artillery, self-propelled gun, and small arms fire. Although wounded by the initial burst of hostile fire, Lieutenant Thomas signaled the remainder of the column to halt and, despite the severity of his wounds, assisted the crew of the wrecked car in dismounting. Upon leaving the scant protection which the vehicle afforded, Lieutenant Thomas was again subjected to a hail of enemy fire which inflicted multiple gunshot wounds in his chest, legs, and left arm. Despite the intense pain caused by these wounds, Lieutenant Thomas ordered and directed the dispersion and emplacement of two antitank guns which in a few moments were promptly and effectively returning the enemy fire. Realizing that he could no longer remain in command of the platoon, he signaled to the platoon commander to join him. Lieutenant Thomas then thoroughly oriented him on enemy gun dispositions and the general situation. Only after he was certain that his junior officer was in full control of the situation did he permit himself to be evacuated. First Lieutenant Thomas' outstanding heroism were an inpiration to his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.Private George Watson
Citation: For extraordinary heroism in action on 8 March 1943. Private Watson was on board a ship which was attacked and hit by enemy bombers. When the ship was abandoned, Private Watson, instead of seeking to save himself, remained in the water assisting several soldiers who could not swim to reach the safety of the raft. This heroic action, which subsequently cost him his life, resulted in the saving of several of his comrades. Weakened by his exertions, he was dragged down by the suction of the sinking ship and was drowned. Private Watson's extraordinarily valorous actions, daring leadership, and self-sacrificing devotion to his fellow-man exemplify the finest traditions of military service.
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