Maybe it's because we build people up to being more than human that there are those who feel it necessary to not only tear them down but to profit from it as well. In reading the above CNN article I wondered, would it really matter at this point if Martin Luther King was unfaithful to his wife? How would that change what he had accomplished....Logic tells you of course it wouldn't. It might have at the time, as far as him facing the possibility of losing some of the respect many held for him but in the end, does it really matter? When I re-read or re-hear his speeches especially his "I have a Dream" speech, it still moves me, no matter what we later discover or what his children decide to do.
U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia, a lifelong civil rights activist interviewed by Branch for the book, said King's stature will always make him a target.
"We get in the habit of trying to tear down noble figures from time to time. I think it's just human nature," said Lewis, who met King at age 18 and spoke at the 1963 March on Washington just before King delivered his famous "I Have A Dream" speech.
"He was not a saint, he was just another human being," Lewis said.
Lewis is right, though this extends to more than Martin Luther King, given we are approaching another anniversary it appears it is his time again.....
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
The Details...
Financial resources & Fun!
Financial Resources:
Corporate Recovery
With a shaky stock market, now's a great time to invest in diamonds.
Fun!
Yard Signs Cheap
Yard Signs Cheap
Corporate Recovery
With a shaky stock market, now's a great time to invest in diamonds.
Fun!
Yard Signs Cheap
Yard Signs Cheap
Regular Reads
History Mike's Musings
Toledo Tales
Hooda Thunkit
Aaron's Blog
Along the Tracks
The Glitch
Roland's Ramblings
Judy's Jewels
I think about by Valbee
Toledo Speaks Out
Maggie Thurber's Thoughts
Color Orange Art
The Yippie Show
Progressive Toledo
Thoughts on TPS
Shanahan Select
Make A Difference
Toledo Perspectives
Toledo Tales
Hooda Thunkit
Aaron's Blog
Along the Tracks
The Glitch
Roland's Ramblings
Judy's Jewels
I think about by Valbee
Toledo Speaks Out
Maggie Thurber's Thoughts
Color Orange Art
The Yippie Show
Progressive Toledo
Thoughts on TPS
Shanahan Select
Make A Difference
Toledo Perspectives
Blog Archive
...
...
Thank you!
Thanks for visiting Liberal Common Sense...
10 comments:
Regardless if MLK, Jr. was unfaithful or not, people will talk because people suck.
Many a great man have been unfaithful. I'm not condoning it, but it happens. Very few shy away from temptation. It is a shame to have a man's reputation darken by a private matter. If Dr. King was unfaithful, that was a matter between himself, his family, and God. No one else has a say in it.
Lewis is right saying that people make Dr. King a target for shame, whether it is to discredit the man or just to make the lowly feel superior over the great.
I don't like the mudslinging myself. But we have a choice. We can choose to let these rumors change what the man stood for in our minds or we can just let the vision outshine and quiet the gossip.
Agreed, Lisa and cyberseaer.
Whether or not King committed adultery, associated with Communists, or even if shoplifted a candy bar when he was 7 has nothing to do with his message.
Here was a man who promoted the doctrines on nonviolent protest and civil disobedience as a means to bring justice. This alone should make us hold him up as an national icon.
Glad you posted this, Lisa. I didn't want to get the neo-Nazi idiots riled up and infest my site once again today, but I did want to write about MLK and his legacy today.
Maybe I'll post something just to get them going, anyways...
(historymike sits in the corner for his rabble-rousing ways)
I'm glad they don't find me interesting. Really I think most men in power have been unfaithful. Why I haven't figured out fully but if you look at the revelations about past presidents as well as those like King? Seems to be a pattern. JFK was much more "prolific" in his extramarital activities nor is he the first president to do so.
:-)
Changed my mind. I had to yank their chain a bit today.
Of course, as HM interns for so many months, Lisa and Stephanie know all about my inability to keep from riling up the neo-Nazis.
:-}
I thought everyone already knew that MLK was a less than faithful husband. I don't think that diminishes what he accomplished, but that is part of why I am more of a Malcolm X man.
Far too many people in this country have been unfaithful to make that the basis for their role in history. So many people in the Army said they couldn't support Clinton because he was unfaithful and a liar, but they all had girls (or boys) on the side. I do not excuse adulterers, but don't base my opinion on just that. I would have to stop liking FDR and what would I do with that tattoo I got of him
While I cannot condone adultery in any way, shape or form, I'd like to ask these people.... And your point is...?
MLK, Jr. was a great man who accomplished great things. He changed the direction of this nation in a very positive way. However, that doesn't make him perfect or mean he cannot make mistakes, nor should such a high standard be required.
Now, as to the dispute with Jackson...that I could probably condone if I cared enough about Jackson to search out the truth.
HM,
I'll be sure to stop by!
;-)
Though, I probably shouldn't get too far into it as that will cause my husband to worry. Besides, he believes whatever arguments I present will be unconvincing to them, because:
1) Such people, iho, are beyond logic.
2) They generally are misogynists by nature.
...alas, I have to try.
People who find out unsavory facts about high profile leaders rarely think less of them unless the information is found out very soon after it happens; and then, most likely, it is quickly forgotten anyway.
That is just the way that it is...
Hooda,
It also depends very much on how they viewed them in the first place. Clinton comes to mind very clearly there.
Post a Comment