On April 4, 1967, one year before he was murdered, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered a speech entitled Beyond Vietnam – A Time to Break Silence before the members of the congregation of Riverside Church in New York City. In it, he delivered a powerful rebuke to the leadership of the nation, a leadership which had decided that violence would produce victory in Vietnam. Subsequent events proved Dr. King prescience.

A little over a week ago, Obama declared that the death of Osama bin Laden was a victory for America. Was it really? Read Dr. King’s speech (it is rather long) and decide for yourself. What has changed after 44 years?

I wish that a Christian pastor in this country would decide that now, too, is a time to break silence. Violence and hatred poison those who engage in such actions – open your eyes and look around.