I Remember

"We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now."  - Martin Luther King, Jr.

"I have decided to stick with love.  Hate is too great a burden to bear." -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today is the day that we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  I remember his life and I hope that I can preserve his legacy.

Every day there is something that reminds me of the Civil Rights era.  Whether it's simply the cultural differences in my own household or whether I see President Barack Obama on television.  It might be something so simple as eating at a restaurant where I would not have been welcome during that era, or even noting my educational background which would have been difficult if not impossible prior to this era. I remember the ugly words, dogs commanded to attack, water hoses, firebombs, and assassinations. (No I didn't forget the white hoods and rebel flags either.) It makes me thankful for the progress that has been made, but also painfully aware of how far we still have to go.

There is still a lot of hate and anger in this world.  Some are aware and strive to do better, some know and try to cover it up in the presence of those who would object, and some are still very blatant with it.  There are also those who use the weaker ones to push their agenda.  They whisper in an ear and sit back and watch the fight.   Just remember if you must apologize before you make the statement, do damage control after a statement, or if it has to be said behind closed doors it is not appropriate and it is hateful.  If we stop the yelling and actually stop and calmly and rationally talk to each other and truly listen, maybe we can all co-exist, accomplish something and learn to love one another.

We should stop today and every day and take a good look in the mirror. Do we see hate or love?