Consider the measure of a man who fought for equal rights

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. knew America as a great country, built in part by his slave ancestors who were unwillingly brought to these shores from Africa -- as well as, the contributions of others who immigrated here from foreign shores seeking freedom and solace from poverty, human rights abuses, political tyranny and more. But, he also knew it needed to be better when it came to protecting and upholding the civil rights of the disenfranchised.

Dr. King stated "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 the denial of certain basis First Amendment privileges. Somewhere I read of the freedom of speech. Somewhere I read of the freedom of the press. Somewhere I read that the greatness of America is the right to protest for right."

He reminded us that, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." If there ever was a time to show patriotism, by vigorously supporting our country and its values and being prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors, it's now.

Let's support leaders who honor the ideals of our country and those who share the challenges of leadership as stated by author Jim Rohn, which is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant. America is under siege, and we must fight for her foundational values from all detractors, as did Dr. King.

Antonia C. Harlan

Naperville