Why does the USA celebrate MLK when....???

Question

Martin Luther King Jr. was all about non-violence. He said about using nonviolence to enact social change:
"Christ showed us the way and Gandhi showed us it could work."
So why then, do American politicians pretend to honor MLK on his birthday and speak of him almost sacreligiously when in fact, the actions that they often take go against everything he believed in?

(Obviously I think we should honor MLK!!! But, I don't like people who are hypocritical, and to see people like George Bush speak about MLK-which he did on his birthday-makes my skin crawl. MLK was about making change nonviolently and Bush has done anything but. As for saying we should honor Malcolm X instead.... well, Malcolm X is someone I think this country should also honor! He was never, ever a hypocrite! He also was able to change his mind when he heard an argument that trumped his. So we should have a Malcolm X day too. Of course, considering that the CIA helped bring about his death-and frankly, MLK's as well-that would be just more hypocrisy!!!)

Answer 1

It's all about being "Politically Correct". Notice that most Businesses do not observe the Holiday.

Answer 2

Heros are turned into icons that are then used by anyone who thinks they can get away with it. MLK is routinely used by multi-culturalist, for instance, even though he was a zealous supporter of integration.

As far as non-violence, goes, though, an American politician is perfectly justified in lauding non-violent efforts here at home, even while aplauding violent responses to violence in other parts of the world. Where the rule of law aplies, non-violence can work. Ghandi's efforts worked because he was up against the fading British empire. Non-violent efforts by Jews to get along with thier fellow Germans, OTOH, were not so successful.

Answer 3

this is honestly became right into a social gathering day the place I stay. specifically considering is a ruin day. i bypass to a MLK BBQ, with a collection of white young infants, in basically slightly. frequently somebody gets inebriated and recreate an "I honestly have A Dream!" speech.

Answer 4

MLK day is designated because of political pressure. Some states rejected it two or three times, but it was always put back on the ballot until it passed. In spite of PC, it is not a popular holiday.

Answer 5

King also said that we should JUDGE people not by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. This little recommendation was never accepted by the so-called "civil rights" movement and other Leftists.

But if force is never the answer why have police. Unless of course you expect them to deal with your attacker with the use of harsh language.

Answer 6

guess its really a matter of interpretation... and also on whether you're quoting ALL politicians or just referring to those to whom your question really applies... I think its appropriate to honor MLK... and I think that there are a lot of politicians (and others) that honestly believe what they're honoring... its the few that ruin it for the rest of them

Answer 7

I can tell you in one word. Money. The legislature stuffs its pockets with lobbyists dollars, take trips paid for by them, and passes legislation that serves their interests and it doesnt really matter what you think. They have what they need. A lifetime paycheck, money in the bank and complete health benefits.

Answer 8

Praise is easy, execution is not. Talk is cheap and when it comes to making decisions based on concious, dirty ol money always gets in the way!

Answer 9

Because MLK dared to stand up to anyone, and earned his day by speaking out for all the black slaves in America.

Educate Yourself

Answer 10

Right, every politician except for MLK is evil.
Believe it or not, US politicians, while they may respect MLK, don't make policy by hanging on his every word.