Understood, RDB. But today I just had to weigh in. We're talking about one of the greatest Americans ever, and someone describes his birthday as "Prove you're not a racist day."
What these posters don't realize is that if there's one way to undermine this country from the outside, it's through racism. Malcolm X was just the beginning of what we'll see if we don't continue eradicating the hate.
I'm not saying that the core of our Anglo Saxon culture should be diminished in any way. I'm just saying that we'd best eliminate notions of racial superiority lest it eliminate us. Once the races go at each other's throats here, there won't be much to defend. Now is the time to build goodwill. Now is the time to find common ground. Now is the time for us all to recognize the deep sense of humanity and wisdom MLK had -- when others were saying there was no point. King taught people on all sides to stop hating and find common ground.
We're all Americans, and our races are secondary to our membership in this great land of freedom. We are going to live up to that promise.
One more thing: people like you and mhking are some of the best examples of why MLK was right. People like you have to be strong for all of us, and you know it. You live it every day, setting an example for us all in terms of patriotism and community service. When all is said and done, you're more American than the palest white racist -- by a mile.