Dr. King's speech made just a few days before his death...

[SteppingRazor]

Worth reading, if only for its seemingly prophetic qualities:

"Now it doesn’t matter now. It really doesn’t matter what happens now. I left Atlanta this morning, and as we got started on the plane—there were six of us—the pilot said over the public address system: "We are sorry for the delay, but we have Dr. Martin Luther King on the plane. And to be sure that all of the bags were checked, and to be sure that nothing would be wrong on the plane, we had to check out everything carefully. And we’ve had the plane protected and guarded all night."
And then I got into Memphis. And some began to say the threats, or talk about the threats that were out, or what would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers.

Well, I don’t know what will happen now; we’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life—longevity has its place.

But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.
And so I’m happy tonight; I’m not worried about anything; I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord."

Try to find an audio version of it sometime. When The Doc says he has "SEEN the Promised Land," you want nothing more than to believe him. They don't do speeches like that anymore.

[ewagner]

1. I remember

seeing a TV clip of his stop in Memphis but I didn't pay much attention to it at the time...I was in the throes of final exams at that time...just days later, however, that speech became very important to me... :cry:

[DesertRat]

2. It is an amazing speech, given one day before he was killed

If you'd like to read the entire speech:
http://www.afscme.org/about/kingspch.htm

[zann725]

4. And I do believe he knew his days were numbered...in terms of the change

he was effecting, and Powers-that-be he was "threatening."

As sadly often goes: "The good die young."

'Old Souls' fortunately move quickly...fortunately they MUST achieve a lot in limited time given.

"Change" always is a threat to static Powers-that-be.

[ixion]

3. text and audio here

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkivebeentothemountaintop.htm


It's running pretty slow at the moment, so if you google: "MLK, memphis speech, audio" you'll get a list.


Another link:

http://www.drmartinlutherkingjr.com/ivebeentothemountaintop.htm

[Vickers]

5. "we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land" Pal, you should see

the place now. Not a pretty sight.

[SteppingRazor]

6. Hey, the good doctor never said when...

Obviously, it ain't happened yet.

[Vickers]

7. Agreed. He of all people knew the value of long-range vision.

:thumbsup:

[Jeffersons Ghost]

8. What is there left to say?

After re-reading the awe-inspiring words of greatness, I'm at a loss. Perhaps if Dr. King can still look down and read my humble words I'd want him to know that, although we feel lost in the desert wasteland of democracy, we will persevere as we march toward a promised land of equality and justice for all. Some still share your "dream" Dr. King.

[Mad_Dem_X]

9. Now, THIS was a TRUE Man of God

Take note, hypocritical right-wingers!