A Good Day for Restoring The Dream

Today seems like a good day for doing something to enhance Dr. Martin Luther King's dream and to remind us of the dreams we've all cherished in our history as immigrants turned Americans. 

When my older brother Mike, whose political views often conflict with my own, posted the following letter that he had sent to his Washington Congressional delegation on Facebook this weekend, I shared it on my wall. 

Mike told me last night that he really appreciated the support he received through positive comments and "likes."  

He added, however, that those efforts were nice, but he would really like to see people send similar messages to their Congressional delegations. 

This morning, while posting a comment on Facebook about Mike's wishes, it dawned on me, "What better day than today!"  

We are celebrating a great American voice who shared his personal dream in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement. 

Dr. Martin Luther King's words have resonated ever since. 

In the past few months we have heard other words and thoughts counterproductive to Dr. King's uplifting and hopeful message.  

To many of us, those words are also counterproductive to the principles and values in which we, as Americans, have long believed----whether Democrat, Republican, Independent, etc. 

So, what better moment than during this time in our nation's history and on this historical holiday,  to do some positive gesture reaffirming the historic principles and values of America.

First and foremost, the gesture could simply be to draft and send a letter similar to my brother's to respective Congressional delegations across the nation.  

Wouldn't it be cool to flood those Congressional in-boxes with this message TODAY.  

And, wouldn't it be even cooler if our elected officials actually responded with a collective, unified and clear message of their own that we, as Americans, respect and honor all the peoples of the Earth----not just ourselves. 

On this particular day, I believe that writing these letters could have a significant and positive impact on the national conversation.  Also, if we saw a quick and positive response, the effort could restore the credibility of our nationally elected officials in general and our respect among the nations of the world. 

If such a one-day movement were to happen by citizens passing the message everywhere throughout America, Dr. King's legacy and his dream could receive the ultimate honor. 

If letters are not your cup of tea, make a difference today by doing something positive, even something so seemingly insignificant as smiling and saying hello to strangers.

You could perform a random act of kindness or, even here in Idaho, donate to one of your important causes or sign a petition to help the measure to extend Medicaid in Idaho to appear on the ballot. 

You could even simply sit down for a few minutes and read Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech and apply some aspect of it to an idea of your own. 


It can all add up to something good, and the best part: any gesture of this kind can truly celebrate what this national holiday honoring Dr. King symbolizes----this year especially. 


So, below, you can read my brother's letter, and I'll include contact information for the Idaho Congressional delegation. 
   


 "Dear xxxx:

I won’t rehash President Trump’s remarks of January 11 here. We’ve all heard them, and it’s clear that many, if not most, Americans found the remarks repulsive.

Our tradition holds that in communicating with other nations, our President speaks on behalf of our country. 

It is probable that people in other nations, particularly those offended by the President’s remarks, know that the American people—indeed, other branches of our government—may hold views that differ from those of our President.

Given the egregiousness of this incident, I’m wondering if it may be time for other branches of our government, namely our Congress, to assert those differences. It may be appropriate, for example, to introduce a Congressional resolution in both houses in order to distance our Congress and our people from President’s remarks.

I'd suggest wording similar to the following:

'Be it resolved that the Congress of the United States of America affirms, respects, and upholds the dignity of people of all nations, regardless of race, creed, faith, gender, or national origin.'

Such a statement would communicate clearly that the views expressed by our President are not the views of the American people or of our institutions.

Thanks very much for your consideration."


___________________
Idaho Congressional Delegation:  
_____________________________

Rep. Mike Simpson 

Rep. Raul Labrador

Sen. James Risch

Sen. Mike Crapo


Please feel free to share this posting as often as you wish.