MLK Day
January 22, 2008
I’ve been making a point the last few years to reflect on MLK in some way on this day of the year. I decided to watch his famous speech again this year.
Five thoughts hit me this year:
1. “The insufficient check” given to African-Americans by America. One of the most striking parts of King’s dream is his prophetic indictment against the economic system in our country that has favored the rich and not only marginalized, but often oppressed minorities and the poor. Several of articles I’ve read recently remind me of easy it is to take a privileged perspective on the plight of others. “White privilege” continues to be a blinder to genuine relationships across racial, economic, and cultural lines. While I don’t think living in a victim mentality is healthy, the inequality in our country due to the history of slavery, segregation, and oppression is still with us today. I wonder how MLK would address our country today? I’m not sure if blacks or whites would like him very much….
2. “Now is the time………We can never be satisfied…….” Inaction, passivity, and acceptance of the status quo keep things the same. MLK rouses a gut level response in us that things can change, that another way is possible.
Kenya Crisis from a Kenyan Perspective
January 14, 2008
I’m sure you have heard of the crisis in Kenya right now. I’ve been very disheartened while reading about the displacement of over 200,000 people on the news as Kenya is close to my heart these days.
I got a chance to talk with Joseph for an extended time this weekend, and he gave me a good picture of what is happening behind the scenes in Kenya. I’ll give you a brief picture of his perspective:
He is very thankful that Odinga lost the election to Kibaki. Odinga has been seeking after power relentlessly since leaving President Kibaki’s cabinet 5 years ago. Odinga is ruthless in his quest for power, and it would not have been good for the country if he became the President. He is a leader similar to Hussein or Idi Amin. Over the past five years, he has attempted to unite tribes within Kenya based on the promise that he would redistribute land and resources when he became President. He villanizes the President’s tribe for hoarding power and wealth to itself and away from the poor.
