After watching the South Carolina democratic debates and reading Dr. Martin Luther King’s letter, it is obvious that there is a great connection between the candidates’ platform and King’s message. Throughout the entire debate, the underlying theme of the candidates’ was changing the status quo. Just as King was justifying his actions in Birmingham, the candidates tonight were lobbying the American people why they are best suited to continue his vision.
Recently there has been much analysis of the role of race, gender, and religion regarding the primary elections. As King points out, religion has been the “arch defender” of the status quo throughout history. In the past, Christianity has justified the oppression of African-Americans and women, and is now preventing the homosexual community from reaching equal rights as well. By no means is religion the sole contributor to such discriminations, yet it has provided a dangerous foundation.
Hillary Clinton ended the debate tonight by saying that we govern best when led by our moral beliefs. I agree that people will become actively engaged with a movement if they are passionate and led by an ideal. However, we must first judge whether our moral beliefs are just and worthy. The same logic that Dr. King expressed while comparing just and unjust laws should apply to our personal beliefs too.
There is still a need to read and acknowledge Dr. King’s viewpoint, as it is pertinent to the unequal circumstances still evident today. The only thing I didn’t like about the letter was his apology at the end. Dr. King was completely justified in his writing and should not have entertained the idea of apologizing to the illegitimate keepers of the status quo.
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