A Look at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today is a good day to reflect on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Although many people appreciate his achievements, a fact that is attested by this national day in his honor and the Nobel Peace Prize he received, I wonder how many stop to reflect on what great strides he made without violence. In fact, he strongly advocated non-violence and taught others in the Civil Rights Movement to do the same.

When it comes to race relations, the United States seems to make great strides at times, and then slide backward. It amazes me that it's been this long since the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of the Civil War, and we are still plagued with prejudice, discrimination, and sometimes, even hatred. This is simply unacceptable.

King must have been a life-long student -- something I can relate to. He not only proved to be a great admirer of the noted theologian, Martin Luther, but he also studied Gandhi in India and adopted many of his non-violent policies to bring about reform. I think America was blessed to have this gifted activist who understood that violence only brings about more hatred, and that peaceful activism shows the negative hecklers and their violence in the dark light they deserve. I can't help but wonder what he would think about the political climate in America today, but I'm sure he would have plenty to say. Perhaps what the country needs is another leader like him.

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