[lbo-talk] And the Lesbians Shall Lead Us

[Nathan Newman]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michael Dawson" <MDawson at pdx.edu>
> You are going to have to explain your position more carefully on
> this.  Are you
> saying the specific actions in Oklahoma are dangerous or misguided?

-"Severely ill-timed."
-That's what they told MLK.

And MLK repeatedly changed tactics when advised that a particular tactic
was ill-timed.  The idea that Martin Luther King, Jr. always picked the
most militant, provocative tactic is ridiculous.  Militants in the movement
continually criticized MLK for his caution, while moderates criticized him
for his boldness.

MLK is deified not because he was the most militant guy out there but
because he got the balance right-- willing to fight when it made sense, but
willing to back off when the backlash would lose more for the movement than
would be gained.

-- Nathan