ourdream

when i was younger, the world seemed so confusing. so many things didn't make any sense. why is there is much poverty? why is there so much injustice?

as i grow, i understand the crazy story more. still, i do not understand the apathy and patience that allows deep and persistent inequality. we retain the institution of slavery in our government, our schools, and our businesses. in an early sermon, dr. king writes, "life is a continual story of shattered dreams.''

the dream remains inspiring. however, we must work to make the dream more real. we should not tolerate the continued injustice and inequality in our communities. as we struggle to promote republican democracy, we must also learn to redress our own tyranny. cain hope fielder explains:

I am sick and tired of hearing Dr. King's 'I Have a Dream' speech when the daily reality is that for an increasing number of Americans, and the African American poor in particular, living is a nightmare.

in august 1967, king explained that he believe equality and social justice remained possible. "i refuse to give up," he said to a panel of journalists on nbc's meet the press. "i refuse to despair in this moment. . . i think in any social revolution, the one thing that keeps it going is hope."

"we have the resources to do it, but we presently don't have the will. negroes and decent, committed whites, maybe they may be in the minority now but they are there, must work together to so arouse the conscience of this issue . . . through direct action."

public comments have increasingly focused on declining standards in the urban black community. however, we still promote an open, free market for business and economy that reproduces inequality. we must support government that supports regulation of industry and trade that promotes equality and social justice. we require a revolution in the way we tolerate systematic poverty and racism. dr. king wrote: ''the law cannot make a man love me -- religion and education must do that -- but it can keep him from lynching me.''