Because it is still relevant. Because those on whose behalf MLK spoke are still being judged by the color of their skin. Denied services, jobs, mortgages, dignity and even life because that first look tells the complete story in the eyes of far too many far too often.
Because the election of a black president, rather than being a symbol of healing, has served as the lance to America's recurring and seemingly incurable carbuncle. Globs and globs of poison, mind-numbing and body-paralyzing hatred being poured into an already contaminated body politic and with no end in sight.
And those to whom MLK spoke? Those who had the power then - and still do now - to make it better? Especially those who claim to be our allies? How disappointing. Denying our right to decide for ourselves what is important. The refusal to acknowledge our right to disagree with the sequencing of the lists of priorities.
How dare you presume to tell us where, when and how we should be outraged? How dare you tell a people who had to resort to the use of drums and quilts to communicate what we should find outrageous? How dare you open your mouth to admonish us while our kids are being shot down in the streets like dogs, stopped and frisked and criminalized every single day, how dare you presume to tell us what is important? How dare you tell a people for whom the German Shepherd was imported to fear people sniffing into our private affairs. How dare you!
Today is much a day for you as it is for us. You have much to atone for. So long you have been fighting with us and for us and yet you still have not taken the time to get to know us. What was of utmost importance fifty years ago is still of utmost importance today.
U.S. President Barack Obama will give the keynote address at Wednesday's observance of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, the historic 1963 demonstration for equal rights that drew more than 250,000 people to the Lincoln Memorial...Also appearing at Wednesday's anniversary observance will be former presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, and media personality Oprah Winfrey.