January 16th is the only national holiday that
commemorates the peace and justice work of a U. S. citizen.
I’m a Vietnam veteran and for me, Martin Luther King‘s most
powerful speech was on April 4th of 1967. “Beyond Vietnam” directed attention to the triplets of
war – militarism, materialism, and racism. All of these lead to moral and financial poverty.
When I was in Vietnam I saw many children. Every time I look at a child I see our greatest national
resource. It pains my heart to see
our children’s future being depleted by our government’s fixation on invasions,
occupations, death and destruction.
Every dollar spent on “defense” is a dollar that could have been used to
bring our over 15 million children out of poverty.
On this
national holiday read “Beyond Vietnam”. Contemplate the words of this brave and magnificent
man. Think about what you can do
to bring peace and justice into the U.S.A. and protect our greatest national
resource.
