This is a great post from the Peace Action Blog. It is a sermon given at the UU congregation of Fort Lauderdale, which contains some great thoughts as we celebration Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s 84th birthday and the second inauguration of the first African-American president. Let us not let up pushing for the progress that has been made.

PEACE ACTION'S GROUNDSWELL

By Judith Le Blanc – Field Director, Peace Action – A sermon delivered on January 13, 2013 to the Transcontinental Baptist Church and Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Lauderdale.

I greatly appreciate the opportunity to share some thoughts on the legacy of Dr Martin Luther King. Every year, I enjoy the celebration of Dr King’s birthday because it reminds me of being young and militant and inspired.

Back in the day, we were mindful of having been too young to be involved in the Civil Rights movement. We were anxious for a way to continue the struggle. So we joined the struggle to make his birthday a national holiday: marching, petitioning, and pressing Congress and the Reagan administration.

The rhythm and blues artist, Stevie Wonder led the charge along with civil rights leaders He wrote a song about the struggle for a national holiday to honor Dr King.

We knew…

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New Year

Happy New Year, I am back!  What a year 2013 promises to be: President Obama will be re-inaugurated, the number of women in the Senate has increased to 20, the percentage of women in the House has increased to 18, the Women’s National Soccer League has come into existence, and momentum has built up for progressive initiatives on gun control and immigration! In fact, the Obama Diary blog and many news outlets are reporting the president will propose a quick process to citizenship for immigrants.

Yes, this year holds great promise. The potential for disappointment is also present due to pitfalls such as Obama’s cautiousness, Blue Dog Democrats, the Republican Party, the NRA, and zenophobes such as Newt Gingrich and Pat Buchannon. We must all work to overcome these pitfalls. Also, we must be realistic while not accept the legitimacy of slow progress. Above we must demand acceptance of the fact that this country belongs to everyone. It is long past time traditionalist groups stop claiming ownership of this country.