Category: Commentary

The current tracking of Congress’ popularity shows that only 15 percent of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing. Now, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) struck another tone deaf moment at a political fundraiser in Idaho when he warned that when Congress returns in September, he will lead Republicans in holding up the government’s […]

(Originally published August 26, 1983) We marched in 1963 to redress old grievances and to help resolve an American crisis. That crisis is born of the twin evils of racism and economic deprivation. They rob black and poor people of dignity, self-respect and freedom. They impose a special burden on blacks who are denied the […]

As the nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, many are discussing what Dr. King would say to the nation and world today. But his message to us today is as clear as it was 50 years ago if only we could hear, heed, and follow his warnings about what we need […]

As America commemorates the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom I am compelled to ask the following question: Would Dr. King be invited to speak at upcoming events to commemorate the March? If you get past the marketed “Dream” reference in the “I Have a Dream” speech and understand […]

History is a political enterprise. All who set out to chronicle the past are motivated by ends that some are honest enough to disclose, and others are deluded enough to deny. I prepared for the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Feedom by reading serious works of history. David J. Garrow’s […]

Now that we’ve had two events at the Lincoln Memorial to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, it is important to remember a few things about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. beyond his “I Have a Dream” speech.   The question is always asked: What happens after the marches are over? […]

Some phones were ringing; others were on hold as Real Christian Radio’s host was well into his 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. program. The subject was “Is minimum wage enough to live on?” and syndicated radio personality Lonnie Hunter’s job was letting the audience “have their say” on the issue. Actually, the subject had come […]

For a while, it looked like the 50th anniversary observance of the March on Washington would expose a sharp split in the Civil Rights Movement. Al Sharpton jumped ahead of his colleagues by cornering Martin Luther King III and the two of them announced a March on Washington for Aug. 24. Other civil rights leaders […]

“Dear President Obama . . . Guns are really easy to get and people think they need them to protect themselves, but most times they’re showing off and making more problems and adding to the violence . . . 7 people are too many to lose and I don’t want to see another one of […]

On Aug. 6 of each year, patriotic Americans of good conscience celebrate that historic day in 1965 when President Lyndon Johnson’s signature made the Voting Rights Act the law of the land. Joined by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ms. Rosa Parks and other civil rights leaders of that time, President Johnson declared that the […]

As the country and the world begin to focus on the upcoming 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington, this is a good time to revisit the real goals of the March. Of course, it is most remembered for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech. Official, it was the […]

On Aug. 14, Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. was scheduled to be sentenced to prison in connection with using campaign funds for personal use. Dozens of letters were sent to the judge on his behalf, but none more touching than the one written by his mother, dated May 28. She began by noting, “I am Jacqueline […]