It's easy to imagine that King was prophesying about two things in the following remarkable speech. One, that he would be killed before the full effect of the civil rights he was fighting for could be enacted. (And he was. The very next day.) Two, that he thought that America might one day be a country where a black man could be in the Oval Office. Here's what he said:
And then I got to Memphis. And some began to say the threats, or talk about the threats that were out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers? Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't really matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live - a long life; longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. So I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything.
It seems obvious that Barack Obama would take inspiration from such an American and want him commemorated in the White House. And it seems obvious that Romney's vow to remove the bust would contribute to his polling at 0.0% among blacks.
Here's an excerpt of King's speech. Powerful enough on its own. Incredible when considered in the context of being delivered only hours before he was assassinated.
No comments:
Post a Comment