82%?! The others must be racists or something, right? Well, that’s not exactly true. Upon relaying this poll to some of my friends I found that more than one was not “in favor” of MLK. Why? Well, they cited his participation in the poor people’s campaign where he asked for the federal government to prioritize helping the poor with a $30 billion anti-poverty package that included a commitment to full employment, a guaranteed annual income measure, and more low-income housing. While they agree that his participation in the civil rights movement was worthy of praise, it is also worth mentioning that his record wasn’t perfect.
Personally, I don’t think his dabbling in collectivism overshadows the brilliance of the movement he led, certainly not enough for me to come out “not in favor” of him (whatever that may mean). Certainly MLK grew up in a time where legislation actively worked against him. I’m sure if I had grown up in a similar situation, I would argue for similar reparations – though it jars quite strongly with what I know to be right having been born in the late 20th century. I wonder if any of LI’s readers are knowledgeable about the poor people’s campaign and, if so, how they feel about MLK’s participation.
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Comments
How about the fact that he was a plagiarist, a well known womanizer, and had solid connections to the Communist party? Are these the characteristics of a hero that we want our kids to be taught was such a great man? He was also an ordained Baptist minister who repudiated much of the Gospel of Jesus Christ but kept the position for the personal power it gave him. I think he qualifies as a first class scum bag.
The thing is that no one really knows about whatever more problematic aspects of his character, because everyone's idolizing him. I don't think it's going to corrupt our children anytime soon.
Don't know much about the poor people's campaign, but what should be of an interest was his collaboration with Margaret Sanger and her organization that ultimately led to the creation of Planned Parenthood.
I think the 18% are more likely to be liberals who hear that Rev. King was a Republican, so they start in on the racial smears.
MLK was an unapologetic Christian. He also resisted the government. After the estrangement of the African American community and gentry liberals stemming from Proposition 8, I would be willing to bet that more than half of those 18% are gay marriage advocates who hate all Christians.
Please see this article:
http://www.amren.com/mtnews/archives/2011/01/the_unknown_mar_1.php