A Man's Reply
...on, and direct action at the final stage. In his letter King writes “justice too long delayed is justice denied” (573). He knew injustice was occurring due to well know facts concerning Birmingham, Alabama. Segregation, brutality, and unjust treatment toward blacks were clearly viewed. The community definitely showed their racial injustices toward blacks to the point where they were the most segregated city in the U.S. black leaders intended to negotiate but did not succeed. Promises were made but somehow not kept. An example given is that merchants promised to remove humiliating racial signs in town. They removed some signs, and eventually returned them. Negotiation was clearly not being met on their behalf. After blacks failed at negotiation, they felt as if they needed a more powerful method to alter and better their existence. Left with nothing to loose, the only option was direct action. Self-purification was a process taken before direct action to analyze the possibilities and obstacles that may arise. They analyzed nonviolence procedures, scheduling, outcome, and consequences that awaited them. Adjusting their plans to the cities happenings was making them impatient. King decided that their direct action program couldn’t be delayed anymore. Martin Luther King Jr. and the staff followed the necessary procedures of a non-violent campaign. He states, “one of the basic points in your statement is that the action I and my associates have taken in Birmingham is untimely” (573). He felt that waiting was not an option. The Birmingham community leaders would not negotiate anything with out pressure. They had to demonstrate they were serious about their believes. When is there a time that is not “untimely”? Election wasn’t an option because all candidates opposed black issues. He realized that blacks weren’t gaining anything by waiting and following proper procedure. They had to demand respect by whites. He also states, “I have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was well timed” (573). If a person is fighting for rights against more powerful people, how could waiting actually be a possibility? Waiting can last forever and nothing will get done. King could not wait for “Freedom” to be given without representation. What constitutes a law to be right or wrong for all people? The Supremes Court decision of 1954 clearly altered the citizens believes. Martin Luther Kin Jr. states, “one may well ask: “how can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others” (574)? Just and unjust laws are two types of laws that King referred to in his letter. A just law is legal, and has a moral aspect that compels people to obey it. On the contrary, an unjust law is not moral. It impels citizens to disobey it because it degrades human personality. It belittles a person which can destroy them as a whole. White authorities follow and practice unjust laws such as segregation. They feel superior and make the segregated inferior towards them. King understands that having a permit or special permission to parade or have a march is just; however, it’s unjust when segregation is practiced by neglecting the rights of people. He accepts getting punished for evading a law, but it has to be done to get his message across when that law is morally unjust. How can you battle something unjust when not allowed to? “I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that the law and order exist for purpose of establishing justice…” (576). Having no support was a major obstacle for Martin Luther King Jr. and his staff. When performing their demonstration. King emphasized on engaging in nonviolent direct action was not causing violence. It was done with the purpose to uncover hidden tension that was already there. A time for negotiation was prolonged and would never arrive if direct action wasn’t done. Clergymen classified him and his actions as extremist. Two forces that build the black community are the complacent an the bitter ones. Complacent are middle class people who have adjusted to segregation contrary to the bitter and hating black which will revolve around violence. They have lost hope and are willing o risk and try anything to avenge the white. King was in the middle of two forces believing in competing and solving their way of life in a nonviolence approach. He thinks of people he admired and realized that in a way they were extreme. He mentioned that extremist have passion for what they re debating, and suddenly feels a sense of satisfaction. They would need extremist to overcome all obstacles to gain freedom they always craved for. What can induce an active minister of the gospel to feel disgust and disappointment toward a church? He states, “If today’s church does not recapture the sa...