American Saints

American Saints

It is not very often our country is blessed with politicians who truly stand for the American people.  They are public servants that pursue progressiveness, peace, and work for the interest of the American people.  It is the political figures such as these who make me proud to be an American. 

Two of these remarkable people are Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy.  MLK and RFK supported civil rights, an end to the war in Vietnam, education, peace, and a positive change in a troubled decade.  Martin Luther King’s dedication to the civil rights movement put an end to segregation in schools, and it was Robert Kennedy who arranged peace talks with Soviet leader Khrushchev. Because Kennedy was willing to simply talk to the Soviets in a time of cold war, the Soviets pulled their missiles out of Cuba, and the U.S. pulled missiles out of Turkey. MLK and RFK truly supported peaceful compromise.  Unfortunately both King and Kennedy were assassinated in 1968.

It has been over 43 years in which King and RFK were assassinated.  King was assassinated April 4, 1968; and Kennedy died 2 months later, June 6, 1968, shortly after his assailant’s attack the previous night while promoting his presidential campaign. 

Now don't get me wrong, there are many things in which my country needs to improve.  Especially with foreign affairs, and America's desire to dominate the world trade.  However, there are real americans out there who struggle for peace.  This blog is a memorial for our fallen heroes.  It is from the works of MLK and RFK that made our country a better place to live in.  It is MLK and RFK who make me feel proud to be an American.

“The problem of power is how to achieve its responsible use rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use — of how to get men of power to live for the public rather than off the public.”

RFK - "I Remember, I Believe", The Pursuit of Justice (1964)

“A revolution is coming — a revolution which will be peaceful if we are wise enough; compassionate if we care enough; successful if we are fortunate enough — But a revolution which is coming whether we will it or not. We can affect its character; we cannot alter its inevitability.”

RFK - Speech in the US Senate (9 May 1966)

“Men often hate each other because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don't know each other; they don't know each other because they can not communicate; they can not communicate because they are separated.”

MLK - Stride Toward Freedom : the Montgomery Story (1958)

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

“We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”

MLK - Letter From Birmingham Jail (1963)