It turns out that he was really close to the Reverend and Rosa Parks, and his life took place at the center of the whole movement. He began discussing political discourse and stated that he is beginning to see signs in the media today that remind him of the start of the Civil Rights movement. He told us about how he went from being raised in a family affiliated with the KKK to a Civil Rights Activist and in part of the story he mentioned that when he was called into the office of the Attorney General of Montgomery, Alabama after attending a sermon of King's to research the movement for a college paper, he was told "You have been influenced by communists." Apparently that was the common explanation for people supporting Civil Rights... Then he highlighted the fact that now, it's common to hear the PRESIDENT of the United States a "communist" or a "socialist". It's outrageous. And the similarities are terrifying.
He said something that really struck me, "Political discourse should reflect respect, or else it is a (hindrance?) to democracy." Because nothing people like Sarah Palin or Glenn Beck say seems to have any hint of respect for their opponent. Don't even get me started about Glenn Beck... our speaker even talked about some points that Glenn Beck has spoken of addressing 'his leadership in civil rights' and how our speaker was appalled to hear someone try to take the credit like that when it is so obviously false.
Also, earlier today I read an editorial in the New York Times by Paul Krugman called "The War on Logic". Much of the article was a little too partisan angry-liberal too me, I don't believe that the way to argue one's point is to just denounce your opponent. One should always maintain respect. Although I admit that I do go off every so often, it's hard to control sheer anger like that. But the last paragraph of the article really made spoke to me.
"Given that their minds were made up from the beginning, top Republicans weren’t interested in and didn’t need any real policy analysis — in fact, they’re basically contemptuous of such analysis, something that shines through in their health care report. All they ever needed or wanted were some numbers and charts to wave at the press, fooling some people into believing that we’re having some kind of rational discussion. We aren’t."
I haven't been able to read McCain's statement that he released yet, but I am eager to. I feel relief at the fact that Obama's former presidential opponent spoke up like that condemning the horrible behavior of late. At least some people in our government have compassion.
