Remember his words, actions, teachings: #tellusatoday

Letter to the editor:

Some kids my age aspire to be like Kanye West, some like Bill Gates, some aspire just to be rich and famous. I aspire to be like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. No amount of money or success can compare with altering people’s views about their own neighbors so they are able to gain insight and empathy. I aspire to be an agent of change. We live in a world where we have forgotten the principles Dr. King laid out for us. With the current events in our world, today is a great day to realize the importance of the methods King used to further his principles. He didn’t use fire, he didn’t use fear, he didn’t use hatred. He used peace. I aspire to be an agent of peace.

I hope with this day, people will realize they are going about it all wrong. I look forward to a day when people will only be judged by the content of their character. We must not become silent about things that matter. No matter how different we may seem, we must not stay narrow minded. There is only one thing to keep this world turning, one thing to mend the divisiveness amongst the human race. Dr. King worked not only for peace, but also for the opposite of hatred, love. I aspire to be an agent of love.

JJ Briscoe; Gardner, Kan.

Letter to the editor:

As we reflect on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it is the need of the hour to stand together as one, and appreciate the treasures of democracy, freedom and equality we enjoy as Americans, which many nations are still struggling to achieve.

After moving to the U.S., I was amazed to see the liberties one can enjoy, but we shouldn’t take these privileges for granted, as this is what will make our great nation vulnerable to prejudice. President Obama reiterated this notion in his farewell speech when he said, “Our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted.” The lack of gratitude for freedom and not acknowledging our civil liberties may lead to suppression, discrimination and racism all over again — the very things that Martin Luther King Jr. strived to eliminate 50 years ago. This MLK Day, let’s acknowledge and celebrate the values America has bestowed on us regardless of our race, religion or ethnicity.

Sadia Baloch; Round Rock, Texas

Our followers send their thoughts on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Tweets are edited for clarity and grammar:

I wish Dr. King was still around today to help sort things out.

— @norm_ray

His greatest lesson: Judge people by their character, not their skin color.

— @pete_naclerio

One of my heroes! He and Nelson Mandela; wonderful men for their people. No one like them today.

— @gen4848

Thank you, Dr. King, for helping us to experience the fullness of human conscience and dignity within.

— @havn65

Many gains made because of MLK, but many setbacks in the last eight years. Such a shame.

— @JacquelynODell1

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