John Lewis on President Obama and Martin Luther King

[MBS]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/what-would-mlk-say-to-president-obama/2011/08/25/gIQAPmwygJ_story.html

[mazzarro]

1. Wow - Congressman Lewis, thanks a bundle

In no subtle terms, he called on Obama to be more bold and less packaged by his handlers; to stand up for the common people; to be bold and imaginative; to stand for peace - the world over and end these inhuman wars. Obama needs to heed the call from Congressman John Lewis.

[xchrom]

2. snip

'As a minister, never elected to any public office, Dr. King would tell this young leader that it is his moral obligation to use his power and influence to help those who have been left out and left behind. He would encourage him to get out of Washington, to break away from handlers and advisers and go visit the people where they live. He would urge him to meet the coal miners of West Virginia; to shake the hands of the working poor in our large urban centers, juggling mutiple jobs to try to make ends meet; to go to the barrios of the Southwest; and to visit native Americans on their reservations. He would urge Obama to feel the hurt and pain of those without work, of mothers and their children who go to bed hungry at night, of the families living in shelters after losing their homes, and of the elderly who chose between buying medicine and paying the rent.'

[yurbud]

3. very indirect yet telling criticism of Obama

He would say that righteous work makes its own way. There is no need to put a finger in the air to see which way the wind is blowing. There is no need to match each step to the latest opinion poll. The people of this country recognize when a leader is trying to do what is right. Take a stand, he would say. Go with your gut. Let the people of this country see that you are fighting for them and they will have your back.

In other words, Obama ain't doing that now.

[mistertrickster]

4. He IS going with his gut. Protecting banksters and leaving the little people to twist in the wind

is who he is.

[Fearless]

6. So it seems... sadly. n/t

[grahamhgreen]

5. That's my Congressman! Go get him, John! Obama must Change, or fail.

[JDPriestly]

7. Excellent advice.

For the DUer who asked what my pony is. John Lewis described it to a T.