When it comes to the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. (photo: Google), it's hard to put into words what he meant to -- not just African-Americans -- but to the entire country...the entire world even. People as great as MLK don't come along very often -- maybe once in a generation. On this MLK day, The Refounding Father pays tribute to a man who continues to mean so much to so many.
I want to share a quote with you today from King that I believe helps sum up the political climate in the USA these days:“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
From the pending health care legislation to the special vote for the Massachusetts Senate seat, we are witnessing history unfold in this country. We see the news at night on television and it feels as if our rights are hanging in the balance. The Obama administration continues to push the envelope -- attempting to infringe upon our rights as Americans.
Since April 2009, we have seen how the Tea Party Movement has swept through this country. We see people who generally wouldn't protest -- now they're out protesting a tax hike. We see others speaking out against our "leaders" -- for the first time in their lives.
We see people standing up -- and not being silent -- about things that matter. In many ways, what Rev. King stood up for is the same as what the Tea Party participants are standing up for -- our rights. As Americans, our rights are fundamental. They are necessary in achieving the "American dream."
As Rev. King knew well, our rights go hand in hand with our dignity as human beings. Without our rights, what are we? We become like animals. We become nothing. Without rights, there is no respect.
This is why we have a day set aside to honor a great man like Martin Luther King, Jr. This is why we remember July 4th every year.
And make no mistake -- it will be precisely the same reason why people will remember the Tea Party movement for years to come.
Thank you, Rev. King, for teaching us to speak without fear.
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