the topic shouldn't be out of bounds for discussion If we're going to be serious about having a dialogue on race in this country, we have to be open to discussion.
Do you have a link confirming he was a Republican? Based on discussions I have had with people that knew and worked with King, I find it hard to believe.
He can't prove it. Claiming King as a conservative or a Republican is the latest and greatest from the dinosaur party. The fact is if he were alive today they'd be calling him the worst kind of socialist and communist.
"By our effort and example may God use us, as imperfect vessels that we are, to bring an end to such ancient evils as infanticide, abortion, racism and oppression.” --MLK, from his letter from Birmingham jail that doesn't exactly square with the democratic party, that's for sure
This is so true. They'd be calling him Obama's uncle or god father. If Obama had an American born dad, he would look just like MLK.
Before I answer, let me just say that Dr. MLK Jr. was a remarkable, complex man. Ahead of his time in many ways but not without his flaws to be sure. While he did some things I don't particularly agree with, overall I have a deep respect for his love of his people and humanity in general. MLK didn't deserve the kind of treatment he received in his lifetime...and it is unfortunate that he died so young. It would have been interesting to see how he would have matured later in life. As for race relations/economic relations today? Better to be sure......but still far off from MLK's dream (even it if was a bit idealistic) The question is how do we get to the next level.....I don't have all the answers but I have my theories that I am currently putting into practice.
LOL Oh El Haji Mali El Shabazz. That man was ahead of his time as well....granted he got caught up with the Black Muslim movement. But deep down, he had a deep respect for MLK. He said something to the effect of " Before the Black muslims, MLK was called a communist and a socialist...but ever since they have heard of us they thank God for MLK" Shabazz said something to the effects that while he didn't necessarily agree with King's efforts he saw him as an ally of sorts and in a way made himself the "bad guy" to King's "good guy". By all accounts in seems King returned this respect. 2 fascinating men.
A very basic search has quotes from King stating he had always voted (D) and that he would break his tradition of not publicly supporting candidates to support Kennedy. King was accused of being a communist, supported financial reparations, was very concerned with poverty in America and was surrounded by people with ties to Communists. Couple that with virtually every one of his contemporaries being (D), I think it is fair to say he leaned (D).
It shows intellectual laziness......when people do this, they are lumping possibly the most diverse group of people on the planet into one large group (Blacks....or Africans) Even among "African-Americans" there are many cultures and subcultures....people don't understand that "African-American" /"Black-American" is simply a "catch-all" term....a social construct that attempts to describe the descendants of kidnapped Africans.
Malcolm X was by all accounts a very honest and trust worthy man the last quarter of his life... In someways more so than King.
"In the past I always voted the Democratic ticket." The Papers of Martin Luther King, Jr, Volumes 2-3
Riiiight. Here's MLK on the conservative golden boy, Barry Goldwater. On social and economic issues, Mr. Goldwater represented an unrealistic conservatism that was totally out of touch with the realities of the twentieth century. The issue of poverty compelled the attention of all citizens of our country. Senator Goldwater had neither the concern nor the comprehension necessary to grapple with this problem of poverty in the fashion that the historical moment dictated. On the urgent issue of civil rights, Senator Goldwater represented a philosophy that was morally indefensible and socially suicidal. While not himself a racist, Mr. Goldwater articulated a philosophy which gave aid and comfort to the racist. His candidacy and philosophy would serve as an umbrella under which extremists of all stripes would stand. In the light of these facts and because of my love for America, I had no alternative but to urge every Negro and white person of goodwill to vote against Mr. Goldwater and to withdraw support from any Republican candidate that did not publicly disassociate himself from Senator Goldwater and his philosophy. Sounds pretty Republican.
Great speech, great man. Much respect for visionaries who aren't afraid to step out on a line. Most people are cowards who don't say ish until after the fact.
Which of his points do you disagree with? None? Came to a MLK thread to attack people regardless of their post eh? Disgusting.
