Originally Posted By Lisann22 January 16, 2006 - Question of the day: Do you get Martin Luther King Day Jr off as a holiday? Do you think we have achieved any of the goals he had? You can just write your general thoughts about him, his legacy, what it means to us today...
Originally Posted By Labuda Nope, don't get the day off today. But, I think we've come close to acheiving some of his goals - hopefully we'll finally achieve equality sometime before I pass away. I think Rev. King was a great man - such a tragedy that he was killed when he was. I wonder how things would be different today had he lived a full life.
Originally Posted By disneyfreaksk Yes, I get it off. But I work for the school. I think that awareness in itself is important. There is still too much hate in our society in all areas. I appreciate the "day". It gives one a chance to ponder equal rights. I also consider Martin Luther King a hero for standing up for what he believed in.
Originally Posted By bloona My eldest son's middle name is Martin, we chose it because of Martin Luther King. Learn something new every day dont you?...lol
Originally Posted By TomSawyer We don't get MLK day off. I do think we've made great strides toward meeting his expectations of what it means to be Americans, but we still have a long way to go. I think every American should read "Letter from Birmingham Jail".
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan We do get the day off. For long periods of time, I start to feel like we've achieved many of his goals, yet it seems it only takes a couple of events in the news or a few offhand comments I hear people make to make me feel like there's still a long way to go. I'm sure, had he lived, that more and more people would have viewed him as an American leader, not just a spokesperson for black people. The brilliance of non-violent protest, especially compared to more extremist types of protest, cannot be overstated.
Originally Posted By Ursula I don't get it off. My husband does. I think we have a long way to go, although I've seen a lot of positive changes during my lifetime.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ My whole family has the day off. Like 2oony, there are times I think we've made huge strides, others when our progress seems pitiful. It's hard for me to realize that the huge push for civil rights and the days of MLK really were not that long ago. We have millions of people still alive in the U.S. who were living prior to the movement. Equality seeems to be more apparent with each generation. We can only hope that it continues to grow.
Originally Posted By Big Thunder I do not get MLK Day off. I truly admire the way he led his movement, with a non violent approach. I always see the parallels with him and the Christ he teached of. I feel that he blazed the trail of his march toward civil rights and equality. His "I have a Dream" speech is one of my favorite public speeches of all time. I think much progress was made towards the cause. Blacks are no longer forced to sit in the back of buses, eat separately, use separate wash rooms, all of those things were prior to the civil rights movement. Blacks now have the same opportunities as everyone in the USA, but it will take a long time for everything to be equal. There are still much less major corporations owned by black people, even though progress has been made, it will take more time. Most Blacks, Latinos, and other ethnic people see the USA as the melting pot it should be. I believe most recognize the opportunities are there for all of us. I cant speak for all nations, I do not know enough about them. Is there still injustice? Yes, for whites as well as blacks. Is there still intolerance? unfortunately yes. Does hate still exist? Yes, sadly it does. Is racism still alive, as utterly stupid as it is, I'd have to say yes. These are all things that are a part of the world and I doubt that in my lifetime they will go away. Wars are fueled by these evils. However I truly believe it is a lot better than it once was a few short years ago.
Originally Posted By DDMAN26 No I do not get off for MLK day. He was a great a man that stood for justice and equality for all men and women. And I think we've made great strides in achieving the goals he set. Like everyone else said we've still got work to do.
