We Shall Overcome

What an amazing time in our history! Today we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King and tomorrow we will witness the inauguration of our country's first black president. The wisdom of MLK, a follower of my beloved Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence, never ceases to amaze me. So much of what he had to say is still applicable in our world today.

"Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary."

"Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness."

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

I am excited and hopeful for the change Barack's inauguration will bring for America. However, part of me knows that MLK's dream has not been completely fulfilled.  There has been progress, but there is still a long way to go. The fact that we have elected a black president is an important step in the realization of the dream, but it's just one step.  

"Let us not wallow in the valley of despair. I say to you today my friends - so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'

I have a dream today.

This will be the day, this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning 'My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my father's died, land of the Pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring!'

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true."

I still believe in the dream!