Many leftwing elites today use the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr., to advocate for a radical departure from America’s founding principles. They want to do away with our Constitution and our Bill of Rights. They advocate for a “living constitution” that they can twist and turn whichever way they like. The First Amendment is too restrictive, they say.
But a careful study of Dr. King’s words reveal a commitment to America’s founding principles seldom found in politicians of any party today. He had a deep commitment to the words in our Constitution, as written. More importantly, he was deeply committed to the Biblical principles which sustain our Constitution.
His last speech is a reminder of this truth that should inspire us today to renew our commitment to Biblical principles as the basic principles of freedom and liberty. A renewed commitment to these principles will give us the proper perspective (the proper worldview) to embrace America’s founding documents.
Here is an excerpt from Dr. King’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech (the last speech he would ever give) delivered on April 3, 1968, the day before he was assassinated.
All we say to America is, “Be true to what you said on paper.” If I lived in China or even Russia, or any totalitarian country, maybe I could understand some of these illegal injunctions. Maybe I could understand the denial of certain basic First Amendment privileges, because they hadn’t committed themselves to that over there. But somewhere I read of the freedom of assembly. Somewhere I read of the freedom of speech. Somewhere I read of the freedom of press. Somewhere I read that the greatness of America is the right to protest for right. And so just as I say, we aren’t going to let dogs or water hoses turn us around, we aren’t going to let any injunction turn us around. …
Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop.
And I don’t mind.
Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land!
And so I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man! Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!!
What an awesome call! “Be true to what you said on paper.” Let us reclaim Martin Luther King, Jr.’s, vision and recommit ourselves to America’s founding principles, rejecting the modern call for a radical transformation. Freedom depends on it.
__
Follow Mario on Twitter @legalblurbblog
Mario’s new book, “Be Spent: Winning the Fight for Freedom’s Survival,” is out. Be sure to get your copy today!