The fight for justice
...on, had not lived up to their responsibilities as people of God. King’s justification to the eight white clergymen for protesting segregation begins with a profound explanation of his actions: “Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue” (King, pg.110). The actions of the African American people are overdue and very well planned as King had explained in the letter. Their quest was to force the white politicians to negotiate and actually heed the requests for desegregation. As King explains, “past promises have been broken by the politicians and merchants of Birmingham and now is the time to fulfill the natural right of all people to be treated equal” (pg. 110). Violence is not what King wants; he simply wants unjust laws to change and the Supreme Courts 1954 ruling to be upheld. Secondly, King answers the clergymen’s assertion that breaking the law is not the way to achieve that African American’s are looking for. “Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that, “an unjust law is no law at all” (pg. 112). King does not feel that they have broken the law; his definitive answer to the clergymen is that a law that is not morally sound is not a law. Laws are made to protect the people, not degrade and punish them. As far as King is concerned, the African American will continue to do whatever is necessary, preferably non-violently, to obtain the legal and moral right that is theirs. If they are not allowed this peaceful expression of the needs they so desire, it could lead to a much uglier action. Dr. King expressed his concern that if something is not done with these feelings and absolute needs of the African American, there will be violence and mayhem. “The Negro has many pent-up resentments and latent frustrations, and he must release them. So let him march” (King pg. 116). History has shown that if a person or people are ignored they will become violent and fight for their “God-given” rights. King diligently explained that “black nationalist” groups are becoming prevalent in society and he as faith that the “Negro Church” has had direct influence in keeping the violence from erupting. Martin Luther King appeals to his audience in a diplomatic, heartfelt and completely inoffensive voice. The language and choice of words that King uses throughout his letter not only describe the letter’s content but it helps create his persona. “If I have said anything tha...