Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day-- also known in Wyoming as Equality Day.  I think it would be somewhat remiss of us to let this day pass without attempting to comment on it's significance to our past and also to our present lives. 

To some, this is just another day where school is out, government offices and banking institutions are closed, and an extended weekend is here for us to enjoy.

For many, this is a day where we reflect on the life and deeds of a man who gave his life in order to make the world a better place, not only for "his" people, but for everyone.  The Reverend understood the dangers and consequences that his path would take.  He also understood the consequences of "inaction" in the face of  injustices-racial and otherwise,  that plagued our fellow Americans as late as the 1960s.  In fact, on differing levels, these injustices still exist...and we know it.  That's what makes "MLK" Day more relevant than say, a "President's Day," or a "Columbus Day."  The struggle continues, and there is still educating to be done.

Martin Luther King, Jr. became the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize.  He led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott, participated in numerous marches and rallies, helped to found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and delivered some of the most famous, and most often-quoted speeches of all time, including the "I Have A Dream" and "I See The Promised Land" speeches.  His place in history is solidified.  His message, however, still needs to be preached.

Whether you care to accept it or not,  inequality is still alive and well in the 21st Century.  Segments of our society are treated as "second class," and are being denied rights and liberties that their peers aren't.   We continue to debate these issues and still are having trouble reaching consensus.

You're not going to find any sermons here.  I do hope that you will take some time to reflect on a legacy and a man whose message of peace, love, and equality was silenced one day in 1968 by a sniper's bullet...or was it?  I'm sure that he would see, while much has been done, there is still much left to do.

Gay rights, bullying, equal pay amongst the sexes...just a few examples of present day inequalities that we here in the "Cowboy State," are struggling to deal with, and overcome.  Just as  in the Reverend's day; they are just as painful, just as unfair, just as contentious.

Please remember his message.  Do your part in helping to make things better and add to the dialogue instead of detracting from it.  Educate yourself.  Learn from past mistakes and grow.  Our nation depends on it.

And remember, and thank the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.

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