What would MLK say to us today?
MLK Jr. Day is every day. What would he say? I believe he would say, dedicate yourself to civil rights of all people, place your energy in human rights, speak out without violence. We must all evolve and live in harmony. There is plenty of work on Earth now.
LOUIS COHEN, WOODSTOCK
King Day used as an excuse to incite
I’m sure the Rev. Martin Luther King would be disappointed today, if he were alive. The federal holiday was used, in my opinion, to incite. President Barack Obama had a white mother and a black father who was a Muslim. If your father is a Muslim, you are a Muslim, and I believe that was the reason he added Muslims to his acceptance speech when he was elected. I also believe that he did not go to Paris for the same reason.
Why were the people allowed to march? Did they have a permit to march? It was a so-called nonviolent march, but it was a disruptive march with people lying in the street, blocking traffic. Policemen everywhere, but just watching. Is this what we are teaching the young? You can do anything, and there will be no consequences?
JEAN VEASEY, STOCKBRIDGE
Let’s collaborate on issues that matter
It’s great to see the Georgia Baptist Convention working with the Concerned Black Clergy. Perhaps their next collaboration could be working to repeal Georgia’s voter suppression law or the Voter ID requirement. In addition, they could work together on saving DeKalb County from Republican-led annexation and city incorporation efforts. These would affect more constituents than any so-called infringement on anyone’s religious freedom.
KEVIN POLITE, DECATUR
Pope’s remarks were frightening
The article, “Francis: Free Speech has limits” (News Jan. 16), was interesting and frightening. It stated that Pope Francis has decreed there are limits to free speech. The pope singled out speech that “makes fun” or “insults” other people’s religions. Who gets to decide what speech crosses the line? Should all potentially offensive forms of speech be submitted to the pope, a council of Imams or a secret committee?
The reality is speech that makes fun or insults is exactly the speech that most needs to be protected. This is one of founding principles of our nation. The article concludes with the pope saying that if someone said a curse against his mother, they would face physical harm. Then he implies similar physical harm should come to those who insult religion. In the wake of the assassination of the Charlie Hebdo magazine staff by Islamic terrorists, the pope’s comments come very close to an invitation for more violence.
CRAIG COCHRAN, KENNESAW
