Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in Baltimore, 1963

I have searched the internet for one quote or speech to summarize the overwhelming power and positive influence of Dr. King, but none of them alone can convey his importance. Spending even five minutes perusing his words is enough to give any progressive chills. In Dr. King's words, progressives should find the blueprints for truly compassionate politics. Politics that are consistently focused on fighting for what is right and just. We must take copious notes.

So as 2007 begins to chug along, promising many battles, both political and personal, I leave my readers with these words from Dr. King:

When our days become dreary with low-hovering clouds of despair, and when our nights become darker than a thousand midnights, let us remember that there is a creative force in this universe, working to pull down the gigantic mountains of evil, a power that is able to make a way out of no way and transform dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows. Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.

Kujanblog wishes everyone a happy and contemplative Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Update: At least one progressive is paying attention.

I see no problem in claiming that Dr. King was a progressive. He certainly wasn't a conservative, no matter how hard right-wing bloggers will try to convince you otherwise. Digby takes a look at how conservatives really felt about Dr. King in his own time.