In our 2011 post honoring the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we documented how thoroughly he meets the criteria of moral engagement. This year, we continue to honor him for his major role in efforts to end the U.S. war in Vietnam.
This year, with the world still reverberating with the Occupy movements begun in 2011, we also honor his views on the right of all citizens to engage in non-violent protest, to resist violence, and to strive for peace.
Of protest, he said, “There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” (Watch this video.)
Of war, he said, “The chain reaction of evil — wars producing more wars — must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.”
Of peace, he said, “Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.”
We think that if Dr. King were alive today, he would be one of the leaders of the Occupy movement in this country. We think he would be pleased to know that in California,
“Occupy Riverside activists helped an ex-Marine reoccupy the home that he and his family were evicted from as a result of foreclosure. Occupy Petaluma protesters successfully petitioned Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to suspend evictions during the holidays. Occupy Redding is supporting postal workers who are protesting job cuts.”*
* Rose Aguilar, Truthout, Tuesday 27 December 2011. Small Occupy Movements Across the Country Accumulate Victories.
Kathie Malley-Morrison, Professor of Psychology