For Floridians who are engaged in political action in 2012, and for those aren't yet, the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. offers enormous inspiration - now more than ever.
These are very tough times in the state, especially when it comes to issues of economic inequality. But as demonstrated in gripping fashion in a new video, the choice we all face is simple. Sit back and take it, or fight back and try to make it right.
We all know the choice that MLK made. He dreamed Big. He dreamed of righting awful wrongs in American society. And he did just that. Not nearly all the wrongs, but as many as his persistent struggle and tireless leadership were able to in his short life.
Opposition was fierce. The odds were stacked against him and the thousands of others who first joined him in the Civil Rights Movement, and the broader cause of fighting for more socioeconomic justice in America.
Taking on the most entrenched power elites in our nation, King was gradually able force many of them to legislate and regulate in entirely new ways; based on Right vs. Wrong, and the Rule of Law.
Over time, the thousands at his side became millions. Barriers to social justice were broken. What seemed insurmountable obstacles were overcome with unity and persistent, nonviolent political action.
There are some striking parallels between then and now, especially the "here & now" of Florida, circa January, 2012.
For one thing, Public Sector unions, workers and services are under attack today in ways not seen since the 1960's, when King fought so hard to protect them. MLK was in fact assassinated in Memphis, TN while fighting for the rights of the city's beleaguered sanitation workers.
Now like then, it's time for all of us from all walks of life who depend so much on public workers every day of our lives, to stop taking them and the countless essential services they provide for granted. As MLK said:
"So often, we overlook the work and the significance of those who are not in professional jobs. Of those who are not in the so-called "big jobs." But let me say to you tonight that whenever you are engaged in work that serves humanity and is for the building of humanity, it has dignity, and it has worth...All labor has dignity."
Given the way things are going in Florida with the current anti-Public Sector governor and legislature; if we don't all wake up and actively support those workers and services, we may be facing epic levels of breakdown as our water & sewer, sanitation, education, prison and other core systems are sliced, diced and privatized.
Which leads to abother profound "now vs. then" parallel. Now like then, everything that may seem beyond our grasp and out of our control about how our government works - or doesn't; it is all actually right there in front of us for the retaking, and remaking.
It all comes down to a willingness to take political action in your own self interest, in shared interest with your family, friends, neighbors and fellow working people. If we do that in steadily increasing numbers in 2012 and beyond, then we too - now like then - can move mountains, and right wrongs.
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