In the US we have a Federal Holiday, today, to celebrate the life of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Junior. It is not a very “old” holiday and there are in my community few traditions associated with it. How do we celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Junior? Many Americans have the day off, but no sense of the joy or the solemnity of Dr. King’s life attaches to the time. Many other Americans work this day as if it were one of the minor holidays, like Columbus Day, perhaps acknowledging its passage but as likely not, searching out the reason that the mail wasn’t delivered. “Oh yeah! It’s Martin Luther King Day.”
I think since I have a blog, I am fortunate to be able at least to acknowledge the occasion. With tongue barely in cheek, I offer the following passages for your consideration:
After contemplation, I conclude that this award which I receive on behalf of that movement is a profound recognition that nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral question of our time – - the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to violence and oppression. Civilization and violence are antithetical concepts.
– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964
There are some who feel like that if they attack us that we may decide to leave prematurely. They don’t understand what they’re talking about, if that’s the case.
Let me finish.
There are some who feel like that, you know, the conditions are such that they can attack us there. My answer is bring them on.
– George W. Bush, July 2, 2003
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