What it takes

jeremy longman, Columbia, MD — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 22:26:03 GMT

Andy, this one is not so easy to spin, right? You have to use half of your piece to talk about JFK, although he was not even mentioned in Hillary Clinton's comment. Why not just talk about the work of LBJ and Martin Luther King Jr.? In case that you don't know where to find the historical material, there is an op-ed piece in Washington Post (Jan. 15, 2008) written by Joseph A. Califano Jr, who was LBJ's special assistant for domestic affairs from 1965 to 1969. Califano has given an accurate account on the progress made in the civil rights movement and what roles that Martin Luther King Jr. and LBJ played. I found his advice at the end of his piece especially useful not only to the presidential candidates, but also to the media people like yourself.

What it takes

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 23:06:46 GMT

Now wonder the US is rated so low in education. Vernon Johns was the Father of the Civil Rights movement long before he recruited Dr. King. There were many who fought many years long before the Media paid attention. No wonder kids can't learn history when it's twisted. Most baby boomers lived during those changing times. Kennedy listen and felt he had to do something but he as assassination. LBJ followed the plans Kennedy had laid out. Now anyone who knows the system of the US and has bothered to read the Constitution and Bill of Rights would know it takes a strong President to push law. Hint Veto power. Many Whites had died fighting for Civil Rights. Now that the CIA records have been made public the reporters should try reading them. The United States Government was corrupt and the CIA and FBI had power not known to the White House. Hillary even met Dr. King as she has said. All this talk about what Dr. King said and Obama's remarks I say if anyone is really interested in the truth and not the Media spin pick up a book and read the words that Dr. King said. He always said those before him who started the Mission. Those before him try reading and you'll see who Dr. Kings teacher was. Most of those speaking out don't even know today is Dr. Kings birthday. Yet you'll hear the spin and blame as if they really knew or call, and that goes for Black Americans too. I am proud to be an African American and honored I lived to see the changes for myself because I'd be confused reading reports of today.

What it takes

Stephanie Umbro, Maine — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 23:29:11 GMT

Having been born after the major push of civil rights (and am a fair-skinned French Canadian/Italian), I admit I am living in the glow of what had been accomplished. However, I don't see how any one person could take the glory for such a monumental shift in our national dialogue and thought process. I have no doubt that Dr. King was the impetus of civil rights, there is no way that he alone could have made the changes that have taken place. I still don't understand why Senator Clinton's words were met with such fever unless its simply an automatic reaction to the issue.

However, we don't need a reason to revisit the vision that Dr. King valiantly supported and put on the national forefront. A posthumous happy birthday to him.

What it takes

Olivia Simpson, Stockton, California — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 02:20:44 GMT

Forty Four years later there is a focus on the 1964 Civil Rights Bill? WHY?? America should be concerned about the HUMAN RACE as opposed to an individual RACE. Reporters and other constitiuents in the MEDIA perpetuate race issues in this Country by continuing to emphasize differences, instead of imbracing commonality. All races help build this great America. It is time that we let the RACE Card Go, just "LET IT GO", and let's focus on what we need to do as a people to make this country greater.Thank you for letting me vent! There are bigger fish to fry in this country!!