Whether you agree with "racially motivated" politics today (Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton), or whether you're a conservative, liberal, or whatever, you have to admit that MLK was an admirable man who had what it took to put the fight agaist de jure racial injustice in the public eye and change the tide of gov. perspective on the issue. Together with politicians from both parties who supported an end to segregation and de jure discrimination and people from all walks of life, he led a movement that help break one of the ugliest walls erected between the people of any nation. He had integrity and commanded respect through actions, not words like so many political leaders who've trumpeted his vision since. He was an example that through respectable, non-violent actions, and by never giving up in the face of adversity and major setbacks, big things can be done, and all might be granted opportunity to benefit equally in our great country.

1/15/2007 5:31:10 PM

De jure this. De jure that.

Makes me sick.

1/15/2007 5:41:47 PM

Should be de facto, but some people just...well, you know.

1/15/2007 5:44:35 PM

De jure is used correctly in the opening post.

1/15/2007 5:46:55 PM

I know. What I am saying is that I wish that people didn't still harbor discriminatory tendencies, but it's not something you can really affect if people don't wish to change their tendencies. Sadly, many people don't want to, still.

1/15/2007 5:49:13 PM

So much work left to do.

One of the most important figures in our nation's history.

1/15/2007 9:05:36 PM

A Tanzarian is right. Racism was part of the official policies of many authorities that Dr. King spoke out against. For example, one might say, "In the American South, racial segregation was de jure, but in the North, it was de facto" (American Heritage New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition).

I honor this day and Dr, King, too. I just wish some in our society would cool it with the canonization of him; stop forced naming of things to honor him--because actions against racism are more important than symbolism; and that Veteran's Day would get the same treatment at NC State as MLK Day. After all, aren't all the veterans who served our country at least as deserving of a one-day tribute as one man.

1/15/2007 10:04:51 PM

well, if we're going to canonize anyone in this country, he'd be one of many that would be on the list.

where i went to high school, we always got veteran's day off. the colleges there all got off, too.

[Edited on January 15, 2007 at 10:28 PM. Reason : .]

1/15/2007 10:25:57 PM

Quote :

"because actions against racism are more important than symbolism;"

I think know that he would agree with you. I would rather see his dreams (PLURAL) fufilled than see him become something that everyone gives lip service to. But, I am not upset at any of the attention that he gets.

1/15/2007 10:29:36 PM

I would like to know how many roads are named after Washington or Lee or Jefferson opposed to MLK jr.

1/15/2007 10:56:11 PM

I also would like to pay tribute to MLK Jr. His policies of nonviolence, but still active resistance to racial prejudice and maltreatment were admirable. I wish he had more time to truly fulfill his potential as a human being, although he did a damn good job in the amount of time he was given. Everyone should be grateful to him and hopefully, in time, there will no longer be an attitude pervasive in many areas that his accomplishments were something to scoff at.

God Bless.

1/15/2007 11:09:48 PM

^^^ I agree. But do we really need another road named after him? For example, the Airport Road renaming in Chapel Hill--that caused more racial division than racial harmony. And for what? Another road? Another statue? Surely, there is more to be done than these. . .hollow acts.

[Edited on January 16, 2007 at 12:45 AM. Reason : V Well, this thread is to honor MLK. So, I won't comment--one way or the other.]

1/16/2007 12:33:02 AM

eh. better him than jesse helms or reagan.

1/16/2007 12:40:27 AM

booger and I are on the same page! I'm kinda stoked.

A Tanzarian and hooksaw didn't get me.

[Edited on January 16, 2007 at 11:45 AM. Reason : sss]

1/16/2007 11:44:48 AM

^ Well, what do you expect from a "weirdo," as you put it?

1/16/2007 1:00:02 PM

I didn't expect anything else. You always explain the meanings of words that everybody already understands.

1/16/2007 1:06:19 PM

^ Yeah, like "Katmandu."

1/16/2007 1:17:14 PM

1/16/2007 1:48:09 PM

R.I.P Dr. King. You are a great figure in our culture, and I say 'are' because some of us are still keeping your legacy alive in our hearts and you will live on forever.

1/16/2007 2:23:11 PM