Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr

It is certainly an interesting concurrence of events today. We celebrate Martin Luther KIng's birthday on the third Monday in January every year,  and there is an inauguration every four. I wonder how often the two things coincide? And how would it be possible to have two more different people?

I have chosen to celebrate the former and ignore the latter. I don't think a four year news blackout is either desirable or sustainable, but ignoring the inauguration denies him the attention he craves, and gives us a reason to enjoy a beautiful day and think about all the good things, people and places in our life. To think about the fact that true heroes are not the ones who make grandiose claims or set out to do something heroic.They are the 'regular, flawed human beings choosing to put others before themselves, even at great cost, even if no one will ever know*

King knew he was in danger as he worked for a racially and economically fair country when he said in a speech in Memphis on April 3, 1968,  the world is all messed up. the nation is sick. Trouble is in the land; confusion all around....But I know somehow that only when it is dark enough, can you see the stars. I don't know what will happen now...but it doesn't matter...because I've been to the mountaintop...and I've looked over. I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. 

He was assassinated the next day by a white supremacist. We're not there yet, but as Dr. King said, hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. He was a true hero. Like many people all around us now, he chose to do the right thing, no matter what. I hope we can remember his words as we go through the next four years. I hope that, flawed as we are, we can do what is right.

*Heather cox Richardson.