MLK has always been one of my heroes, inspired by the U2 album The Unforgettable Fire, in which he is an obvious presence, and the book Strength to Love, which should be mandatory reading throughout the world. Sitting in the glorious sunshine of Melbourne yesterday afternoon, overlooking Federation Square where a couple of hundred people had gathered to watch the results come in on the big screen – the one that displayed the orgy of equine-sport-and-gambling on Tuesday that is the Melbourne Cup – a thought occurred to me that I am sure had popped into the minds of many others.
If it wasn’t for MLK, what happened in the US yesterday would never have been possible. The man who preached non-violent resistance, drawing upon the grace and love of Jesus, had paved the way for America to accept a black man as their leader.
The great tragedy is perhaps that MLK was not the man to fulfil that destiny, but he certainly is the single figure in modern history who did most to make it possible.
Barack Obama, this is your political genealogy. Please don’t disappoint us. Ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan would be a good start (for example).
