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Martin Luther King Beyond Vietnam

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Martin Luther King Beyond Vietnam
Mandy Jackson

A Time to Break Silence
On April 4,1967, in Riverside Church, New York City Martin Luther King, Jr. delivers a speech called Beyond Vietnam He initiates, “War is not the answer. Communism will never be defeated by the use of atomic bombs or nuclear weapons. Let us not join those who shout war and, through their misguided passions, urge the United States to relinquish its participation in the United Nations.” (Martin Luther King) Dr. King presents facts and evidence to act against communism. Dr. King influences the audience to have a positive enforcement for democracy rather than evoke a communist system. He states that by having positive intentions and actions to appeal for, it will prevent conditions of the poor, and unfairness. Which are the fertile soil in which the seed of communism grows and develops.” Especially since he states “America is known to be, the richest and most powerful nation in the world, it can well lead the way in this revolution of values.” Dr. King argues that war is not the solution to resolve with enemies however in fact war increases poverty, insecurity and injustice. He suggests that American government should act upon the promises they made on the leaflet which includes peace, democracy and land reform for the citizens. Dr. King argues against war in ethical, logical and emotional manner.
Dr King inflicts his reasoning by stating “There is nothing except a tragic death wish to prevent us from reordering our priorities so that the pursuit of peace will take precedence over the pursuit of war. There is nothing to keep us from molding a recalcitrant status quo with bruised hands until we have fashioned it into a brotherhood.” Dr. King backs up his facts by presenting what America should stand for and what America should first and foremost prioritize which is not being known as a communist state and rather be known as a state of democracy especially since America was acknowledged the most richest and powerful state in

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