There are five terms you rarely hear in Washington: poverty; racial equality; economic justice; reconstruction; and peace budget. Today, 59 million Americans have no health insurance. Insurance premiums continue to rise. 49 million are still in poverty. Unemployment continues and these numbers will rise. 41 million are on food stamps. Over 30 million are unemployed or underemployed. Foreclosures continue to rise, outstripping loan modifications. Student loan debts are now greater than credit card debt, endangering a whole generation of our youth. The banks got bailed out; insurance companies like AIG got massive government subsidies. Our military budget goes unchallenged. People are simmering in pain and alienation, without an identifiable plan to rebuild America and put America back to work.
This weekend should not be reduced to symbolic gestures, reducing Dr. King to a trophy. We would do well not just to admire him, but also to follow him; to provide his mission a place at the table as we debate national priorities and direction.
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