Thank you for this piece. Any discussion of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy is incomplete without an understanding of the context of his words and an appreciation for how his work sought to tackle racial and economic injustice as intertwined, inherent flaws in our society.
Thank you for correcting the misperception of MLK Day, and explaining Reagan’s co-opting of the legacy. I grew up in Atlanta and heard King speak to the SCLC in 1964 at the first integrated meeting at The Marriott. It may be a bitter pill for some people to learn that LBJ did the footwork on the Civil Rights Act, and has a legacy beyond escalation of the war in Viet Nam. I am sorry to see the corruption of headlines in the mainstream press when so many fine journalists helped us win the 1964 civil rights battle and uncovered the truth of the horrors of that war. King’s writings deserve much more serious study than they have yet received.
Ten or 15 years ago, I went with friends to see a collection of King memorabilia at a New York auction house. There was a lot of boyhood stuff—school papers and report cards demonstrating that he was precocious—and among that collection was a letter of rejection from one of Atlanta's elite prep schools addressed to his parents. It occurred to me that if MLK had been white, his life might have been conventionally "successful", but that by excluding him, the school contributed to the making of a towering moral and intellectual leader. His writings are very much worth exploring.
Martin Luther King spoke truth about racism. He was not afraid to speak out. We sure need him today. Thankfully we have his words.
Reagan was an actor. He was a parody of a man.
Trump and his ilk are racists, and liberty for them means only for certain people. Racial and economic inequality underlie their version of “The American Dream”.
Good to read in this column more about what Dr. King said. Thanks for reminding us what Dr. King stood for.
Ooops, I wasn’t finished. They’re obnoxious and self-righteous people with very poor critical thinking skills. I think most of them actually believe the crap they’re putting out there. It makes me so angry that probably most republicans believe them!
But seriously - my new favorite PI column. Fun fact:Reagan also did his utmost to deny benefits to disabled/mentally ill Americans. I never could understand why many considered him such a “great communicator” - guess I had my dog whistle detector turned off.
Happy MLK day to all on this sub stack. Let’s work towards his *actual* American dream today and every day.
Yes. And let's think about the fact that the ultimate responsibility for the achievement of that dream rests not with politicians and our government, for regardless of intent they cannot legislate morality or impose righteousness by government fiat. It rests with each and every one of those of us who believe in that dream, and it is up to us to daily not only talk the talk, but more importantly to walk the walk.
Each of the paths that we walk will be different, but that doesn't matter. What matters is only that we do it.
Ps if you haven’t seen Judd’s Twitter posts today - they are fabulous (outing corporations who are “talking the talk” on racial equity but supporting the NRSC)
Appreciate the heads-up. However, for a couple of reasons and for better or worse, I eschew all social media platforms. Dropping some lines in a few comments sections such as this are about it for me. But I've followed PI for a while now, and I'm sure Mr. Legum is doing his usual bang-up job. And props to him for that!
I sincerely appreciate that you took the time to address the dishonor that has been perpetuated on Dr. King's legacy. It is a true representation of the gullibility of our society that individuals who so clearly work against any realization of the equality that King envisioned will use his own words to justify their positions. While it is a testament to the power and timelessness of his words, you have illustrated the threat that poses in the larger picture. It is a human fault that we are so selective in our discernments of value and meaning that we often miss the point - and the giant red flag - entirely. As I read each of your pointed examples, it occurred to me how nice it would be if the MLK Foundation could somehow publicly reject the inappropriate use of Dr. King's words, much like musicians who deny politicians use of their songs. As I've said before, you can't do it alone, Judd ~ but I appreciate your effort!
Thank you for this piece. Any discussion of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy is incomplete without an understanding of the context of his words and an appreciation for how his work sought to tackle racial and economic injustice as intertwined, inherent flaws in our society.
Thank you for correcting the misperception of MLK Day, and explaining Reagan’s co-opting of the legacy. I grew up in Atlanta and heard King speak to the SCLC in 1964 at the first integrated meeting at The Marriott. It may be a bitter pill for some people to learn that LBJ did the footwork on the Civil Rights Act, and has a legacy beyond escalation of the war in Viet Nam. I am sorry to see the corruption of headlines in the mainstream press when so many fine journalists helped us win the 1964 civil rights battle and uncovered the truth of the horrors of that war. King’s writings deserve much more serious study than they have yet received.
Ten or 15 years ago, I went with friends to see a collection of King memorabilia at a New York auction house. There was a lot of boyhood stuff—school papers and report cards demonstrating that he was precocious—and among that collection was a letter of rejection from one of Atlanta's elite prep schools addressed to his parents. It occurred to me that if MLK had been white, his life might have been conventionally "successful", but that by excluding him, the school contributed to the making of a towering moral and intellectual leader. His writings are very much worth exploring.
Thank you: that is a very wise observation.
Martin Luther King spoke truth about racism. He was not afraid to speak out. We sure need him today. Thankfully we have his words.
Reagan was an actor. He was a parody of a man.
Trump and his ilk are racists, and liberty for them means only for certain people. Racial and economic inequality underlie their version of “The American Dream”.
Good to read in this column more about what Dr. King said. Thanks for reminding us what Dr. King stood for.
Thoughtful and important. Thanks. Your work gets better and better over time.
You rocked it today Judd. I wondered how we could reach every one of the Republican saboteurs. You did it. You did it.
This is a wonderful piece that reveals more than I'd known, Judd, and I've been working hard to get myself up to speed. Thank you!
Ooops, I wasn’t finished. They’re obnoxious and self-righteous people with very poor critical thinking skills. I think most of them actually believe the crap they’re putting out there. It makes me so angry that probably most republicans believe them!
Aw dang. Missed the conference! Now I’ll never know what “American liberty” is 😖
But seriously - my new favorite PI column. Fun fact:Reagan also did his utmost to deny benefits to disabled/mentally ill Americans. I never could understand why many considered him such a “great communicator” - guess I had my dog whistle detector turned off.
Happy MLK day to all on this sub stack. Let’s work towards his *actual* American dream today and every day.
Yes. And let's think about the fact that the ultimate responsibility for the achievement of that dream rests not with politicians and our government, for regardless of intent they cannot legislate morality or impose righteousness by government fiat. It rests with each and every one of those of us who believe in that dream, and it is up to us to daily not only talk the talk, but more importantly to walk the walk.
Each of the paths that we walk will be different, but that doesn't matter. What matters is only that we do it.
Amen!
Ps if you haven’t seen Judd’s Twitter posts today - they are fabulous (outing corporations who are “talking the talk” on racial equity but supporting the NRSC)
Appreciate the heads-up. However, for a couple of reasons and for better or worse, I eschew all social media platforms. Dropping some lines in a few comments sections such as this are about it for me. But I've followed PI for a while now, and I'm sure Mr. Legum is doing his usual bang-up job. And props to him for that!
I am sure you can Google it.😉
I sincerely appreciate that you took the time to address the dishonor that has been perpetuated on Dr. King's legacy. It is a true representation of the gullibility of our society that individuals who so clearly work against any realization of the equality that King envisioned will use his own words to justify their positions. While it is a testament to the power and timelessness of his words, you have illustrated the threat that poses in the larger picture. It is a human fault that we are so selective in our discernments of value and meaning that we often miss the point - and the giant red flag - entirely. As I read each of your pointed examples, it occurred to me how nice it would be if the MLK Foundation could somehow publicly reject the inappropriate use of Dr. King's words, much like musicians who deny politicians use of their songs. As I've said before, you can't do it alone, Judd ~ but I appreciate your effort!
Thanks, Judd, for bringing to us this infuriating discussion all in one column. These right-wingers are self-righteous
Thank you Judd for keeping the faith, and setting the record straight. Keep on keeping on!
Thank you for setting the record straight on this MLK Day, Judd.