In remembering Martin Luther King today, I came across this speech by him against the Vietnam War (or in Vietnam, the American War).
I couldn't help but wonder how he would feel about the Iraq war if he were alive today.
The "Why I Am Opposed to the War in Vietnam" speech by Martin Luther King Jr. was released by Black Forum records, a subsidiary of Motown, and went on to win a Grammy in 1970 for the Best Spoken Word Recording.
Excerpts of a Sermon at the Ebenezer Baptist Church on April 30, 1967.
niel said:
I think it's sad that most people forget (or ignore) MLK's stance on war and economic injustice - not just for African Americans, but for all people - and focus more on his early-mid 60's Civil Rights Movement speeches. The late 1960's portion of King's speeches are so wonderfully poignant right now. I find myself cheering out loud at this particular speech, pumping my fist in the air, yelling "right on"! Thank you for posting this... it made my day a little better!
Michael Jahn said:
It has been many years since I have given this a listen - thanks for this.
While I am note sure why this made you day a little better, I was saddened by such a reminder that our government seems to repeat getting into the 'issues of other nations.
As was written by Jacob G. Hornberger in an essay (April 2002) related to Bush...
"Why did the Founders implement such a weak, divided government? One big reason: they clearly understood that historically the greatest threat to the freedom and well-being of a people comes not from foreign enemies but instead from their own government officials, even democratically elected ones. And they understood that that threat to the citizenry was always greatest during war."
So, there is no cheering from me - while this was indeed a most moving speech - it failed to move this nation, and for that I am sad..
