[Stoat]

Ken Masugi is the Director of the Center for Local Government. Its purpose is to apply the principles of the American Founding to the theory and practice of local government, the cradle of American self-government. Dr. Masugi has extensive experience in government and academia. Following his initial appointment at the Claremont Institute (1982-86), he was a special assistant to then-Chairman Clarence Thomas of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. After his years in Washington, he held visiting university appointments including Olin Distinguished Visiting Professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Dr. Masugi is co-author with Brian Janiskee of Democracy in California: Politics and Government in the Golden State (Rowman & Littlefield, 2002). He is co-editor of six books on political thought, including The Supreme Court and American Constitutionalism with Branford P. Wilson, (Ashbrook Series, 1997); The Ambiguous Legacy of the Enlightenment with William Rusher, (University Press, 1995); The American Founding with J. Jackson Barlow and Leonard W. Levy, (Greenwood Press, 1988). He is the editor of Interpreting Tocqueville's Democracy in America, (Rowman & Littlefield, 1991).

He is author of numerous essays and reviews of works on political theory, constitutional law, public policy, and films. Dr. Masugi has also published in the popular press, including the Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register, Washington Post, Washington Times, National Review, and the Weekly Standard.

[California Patriot]

Great post.

I wish more conservative writers would take this position
on MLK, and take it publicly.

[WaterDragon]

Nobody's perfect, not even though who, in hindsight, know just what King SHOULD have done.

I'm as conservative, economically and socially, as they come, but I remember Dr. King and those times. I remember the absolutely conservative message Dr. King preached -- freedom/responsibility. I grew up in the South and am still a Southerner. Dr. King will forever be one of my heroes.

[kizzdogg]

Wish more people would read this and take it to heart.

[Gelato]

But there is the other King conservatives loath—and with good reason. This King stressed unlawful action (civil disobedience) ....

There was once a tea party in Boston.....

[peyton randolph]

This year it was an easy choice. Jan. 17th happens to be Ben Franklin's birthday.

[Clemenza]

I will NEVER honor the communist-supported plagiarist! I celebrate Martin Luther King Day by going to work like every other weekday!

[Petronski]

I will focus on what he did well and ignore the rest.

[Badray]

Despite some high sounding rhetoric, he promoted socialism. For that, I can never support him.

There is also the resentment on my part that none of our Founders have their own day, and ALL presidents -- good and bad -- are lumped into President's Day, yet MLK has a day all to himself. One that is not merely an acknowledgement of his efforts, but a national holiday. No thanks.

[muir_redwoods]

"What Does a Conservative Do on Martin Luther King Day?"

This one celebrates a visionary leader who, although not perfect (and he'd be the last to claim perfection)was instrumental in ending one of the sorest blights that ever affected this country. The USA is better and stronger because of MLK.

Vermin like Jesse Jackson cannot be compared to him and shouldn't be spoken of in the same breath.

[tm22721]

Paying lip service to a politically correct holiday is a concept highly dependent on continued prosperity of the bourgeosie.

As the dollar continues to sink, the party will gradually come to an end as will our worship of the reverend.

BUMP

[Route101]

...Martin Luther King Day was put on the calendar by politicians to remind the American Public every year how "racists" they are....(sarcasm extreme....)

[MissAmericanPie]

Celebrate Robert E. Lee Day?

[dawn53]

This King stressed unlawful action (civil disobedience) where bargaining with local notables might have prevailed

King was very clear in his "Letter from the Birmingham Jail" that those that chose civil disobedience as a means of changing "unjust" laws should be willing to pay the penalty for their unlawful action, that's why he was writing from jail.

MLK did not advocate violent overthrow of the government...and one can't defend what was going on in the area of discrimination of blacks in this country. He used an effective method to get the attention of the nation.

BTW, the 17th is also my husband's birthday.

[nmh]

bttt!

[Zionist Conspirator]

I think presenting ourselves to be ritually kicked on the tush, the way Jews used to be on "good fr*day," would be appropriate.

Isn't it amazing how these "universal" messiahs can't redeem everyone without creating an "accursed race" of irredeemable villains?

[gridlock]

This conservative pulls out his well-worn phonograph copy of the "I Have A Dream" speech and plays it for anyone who will listen...

[wtc911]

A smart conservative says "so what?" and gets his own work done.

[mhking]

Black conservative ping

If you want on (or off) of my black conservative ping list, please let me know via FREEPmail. (And no, you don't have to be black to be on the list!)

Extra warning: this is a high-volume ping list.

[nonliberal]

I know this is horrible but myself and some friends go to KFC for lunch every MLK day.

[Meldrim]

Go to work. Find something productive to do if you have the day off. Personally, I celebrate February 6th.