It is that day again when we remember Martin Luther King, Jr. and his accomplishments, though I cannot call such just his. In truth, those accomplishments belong to many. This is a day, for me at least, to recall the words - judge by the content of character rather than the color of skin. I can extrapolate that out to much more than skin color, but the sentiment remains. What we are after here is a society that sees others for what they do rather than what they say. One cannot change it over night but that does not mean the ideal should be put aside. If we are to hold one man above others than let us consider his words and understand why - because what he said matters.
In this time, when we are about to see the ascension of the first black man as President of the United States, we can look back and see this ideal both upheld and still ignored. Would that all men found the truth in such a statement as MLK's and lead their lives in such a way. While not wishing to go back through the election (that I am thankfully taking a break from), I cannot help but consider the manner in which Obama was elected. Many voted for change. Many others voted for the skin color. I know not which outdraws the other, but it matters not. The fact remains - many voted for the color. That means King's message still holds truth to be found and thus it is still relevant. Someday, the color boundry will be overlooked - I can hope. Until then, let us look to the situation at hand - a black man is President. If that can happen, then we can get past color, however it occurs. This remains my hope and desire.
While I take the time to wish MLK a happy birthday, I consider the overall reach of his vision and see hope. More than any political campaign or rhetoric, I see that and smile. There is true hope out there. Hope for real change - meaningful change and not just that promised and forgotten. Someday, we will live in that society that sees people as people, not for their color, religion, sexuality or sex. Just the content of their character. That's the dream, folks. That's the dream. That is all.
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