Ten Concepts
I have been listening to a little music this morning, while sitting in my rocking chair, thinking about the social-political struggles that took place in my youth. This, my favorite chair, belonged to my maternal great-great grandfather, and so I think it has had old men rocking while thinking about similar things for many years.
There's a picture of his father, looking hostile in an uncomfortable wooden chair. He was a Civil War veteran, who as a fairly young man looks very old. My mother told me that she had heard little about him beyond "the war changed him," and that he had gone from a happy man before the war to a bitter, mean man after seeing what he saw, and doing what he did.
I could name a dozen relatives and friends who had authentic PTSD from experiences in WW1, WW2, and Vietnam, as well as kids who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq. I began thinking of the writings of Reinhold Niebuhr, and his thoughts on the nature of war and international relations. His theories influenced Hubert Humphrey, Hillary Clinton, and two of my favorite presidents -- Carter and Obama.
Niebuhr's thinking was also important to Gandhi and King, two men that were focused on violence and injustice in their own counties. Both understood the connections between their domestic situations, and the violence in foreign lands. My thought were interrupted by a phone call from my son, as his car broke down 40 miles away from where I was sitting. This served as a reminder that life sometimes tosses something unexpected in one's way, such as an 80 mile round trip.
But I'm back in my rocking chair now. I read Dr. King's "ten commandments," or the pledge he had those engaged in actions with him. I recognize that some will say these are dated, or that they are Christians. That's fine, but keep in mind that King was a minister, and just as much "Rev. King" as "Dr. King." I am convinced that in order to win in November and beyond, Democrats should give these serious thought, with a special focus on #8. I haven't seen much of that on this forum lately, to the extent that I remember at a harsh time in 1967, King telling his co-workers, "You're not with me." He had to walk away from them for a few hours to collect his thoughts.
https://www.buffaloquakers.org/blog/2018/3/27/martin-luther-kings-ten-commandments-for-non-violence
I'd like to thank those who have read this.
H2O Man
= new reply since forum marked as read
Thank you for another outstanding and profound essay about what this short time on earth is all about, H2O Man.
Dr. King addresses the people at Cobo Hall in Detroit on June 23, 1963.
Martin Luther King’s Ten Commandments for Non-Violence
1. Meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.
2. Remember always that the non-violent movement seeks justice and reconciliation - not victory.
3. Walk and talk in the manner of love, for God is love.
4. Pray daily to be used by God in order that all men might be free.
5. Sacrifice personal wishes in order that all men might be free.
6. Observe with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.
7. Seek to perform regular service for others and for the world.
8. Refrain from the violence of fist, tongue, or heart*.
9. Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.
10. Follow the directions of the movement and of the captain on a demonstration.
Source: https://www.buffaloquakers.org/blog/2018/3/27/martin-luther-kings-ten-commandments-for-non-violence
* Emphasis H2O Man's.