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44 years ago today Martin Luther King was killed, below is his speech that remains just as true today as it did back then.
MLK was killed the year to the day this speech was given.
When I stop to remember that this great man was only 39 years old, and then realize all the good he accomplished in his too brief life, I am left saddened not only for him and his family but for all of us as well. What a loss. Think how much more he could have accomplished had he lived. Why is it that the truly great so often are destroyed by the truly vile?
I watched PBS special on James Ray Earl a few week ago, which showcased several of MLK's speeches through the years (big and small). It was very clear that MLK feared for his life, and the tempo of that fear increased as the years went by. Most of his speeches included a line something like: "If I don't make it to tomorrow...." or "Should I die today....". It was very obvious that he felt some sort of destiny would be fulfilled at some point in his journey. Both my father and myself thought this was an eery, if not prophetic, side to MLK that neither of us had ever noticed.
This speech reminds me of the words to a song. Where have all the flowers gone? Long time passing Where have all the flowers gone? Long time ago Where have all the flowers gone? Girls have picked them every one When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?
I watched PBS special on James Ray Earl a few week ago, which showcased several of MLK's speeches through the years (big and small). It was very clear that MLK feared for his life, and the tempo of that fear increased as the years went by. Most of his speeches included a line something like: "If I don't make it to tomorrow...." or "Should I die today....". It was very obvious that he felt some sort of destiny would be fulfilled at some point in his journey. Both my father and myself thought this was an eery, if not prophetic, side to MLK that neither of us had ever noticed.
I'd fear for my life too if Jesse Jackson was looking over my shoulder.
I was in diapers when he was killed but it is obvious this man was inspired by his belief that there is good in humanity despite our racial differences. He was a leader that is sorely missed today.
From U2's song homage to Dr. King :
Early morning, April 4th.
A Shot rings out in the Memphis sky.
Free at last, they took your life but they could not take your pride.
I have read that back then many in the civil rights movement were against him for speaking out on the war and violence of our nation, many felt that the good will established with LBJ would suffer.
Many abandoned him in those last days when he spoke out, this being Holy Week for Christians it reminds me of how Jesus's apostles abandoned him in his final hours before he like Martin was put to death.
Interestingly, it doesn't appear that James Ray Earl was a racist. By most accounts, he was a guy who simply sought out a name for himself in an otherwise boring existence.
I think if King had lived his actual political beliefs would not be much different than Jesse Jackson's. Most likely he would not have the near universal respect he has today.
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