People across the country stopped and remembered today what courage and principle look like when it takes human form. As the nation rightfully honored the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. it seems impossible for many younger people to think that Americans were divided over lunch counters and water fountains just a few decades ago. It seems hard to fathom that black Americans had to fight to attain the right to the same educational standards as their white counterparts.
While there are still hurdles to cross in the racial divides, we look back and must admit that it was an embarrassing and sad chapter in our nation when so many white Americans acted out their bigotry and hate against black America. No sane person today would dare defend the actions of the segregationists. No one would dare suggest today that blacks be denied entry into the armed forces, or not be able to marry the person they love.
Black America has the civil rights they rightfully enjoy because so many other Americans of all colors fought, and in some cases died, to see those rights enacted into law. Today as we honor the life of Dr. King his words need to be a reminder to all of us, black and white, that the work for civil rights are not yet complete in our country. Martin Luther King said “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Today the great fight for civil rights is with those pressing to end discrimination against gay America. I have no doubt that if Dr. King were living today he would give voice to ending this hatred and discrimination. I am sure he would understand that only bigotry drives the “don’t ask, don’t tell ” policy that keeps qualified and skilled people from openly serving in the armed forces. I am convinced that he would advocate for the equal treatment of gay people in relation to marriage. And I am utterly convinced that King would have firm words for those within the African-American community that do not understand their role, duty, and responsibility to fight today for others in securing civil rights. King would not be one of those who would pull the ladder up until everyone had made it to the ‘promised land’ of full civil rights.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” was not just a phrase for another era, another fight. It is a truism that all need to be mindful of as we continue to secure a better and more just nation.
Technorati Tags: MartinLutherKing, GayMarriage, Don’tAskDon’tTell, BlackAmerica, Gay
CAFFEINATED POLITICS 
I wouldn’t be surprised if you are right, but given his background as a preacher, I also wouldn’t be surprised if he was making the case for why the gay rights situation is completely different from racial discrimination.
His top collaborator on the 1963 March was the openly gay (big deal in those days) Bayard Rustin.