LINES OF THE DAY

". . . But the past does not exist independently from the present. Indeed, the past is only past because there is a present, just as I can point to something over there only because I am here. But nothing is inherently over there or here. In that sense, the past has no content. The past -- or more accurately, pastness -- is a position. Thus, in no way can we identify the past as past." p. 15

". . . But we may want to keep in mind that deeds and words are not as distinguishable as often we presume. History does not belong only to its narrators, professional or amateur. While some of us debate what history is or was, others take it into their own hands." p. 153

Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History (1995) by Michel-Rolph Trouillot

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Martin Luther King

In Memphis, Mason Temple, the last place MLK gave an address, before his assassination.

Belafonte, who characterizes himself as a humanist, not a Christian, speaking about Christianity, slavery, the Black Church, his dear departed friend, Martin Luther King, and their discussions, blow through your ears, into your heart, like a powerful wind blows through a wide field of grain.

The Tavis Smiley show.

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Vaquero's out the door.

We spent all yesterday, a true spring day, together. We got haircuts, got new sneakers (surely a sign of spring!). We worked on the EMP presentation. Whoa, is it gonna burn! About ten we went to a lovely little new Thai restaurant for dinner. This morning was packing, making a huge brunch, working some more on the EMP presentation, and then off he went.

He'll be in good hands, I'm sure. I hadn't realized for some reason that in Portland he's going to be met by Alexander Cockburn and the Counterpunch editor.

2 comments:

Frank Partisan said...

I was involved with the "Poor People's Campaign." I think from the info I received from insiders at the time, if king lived, he'd of broken with nonviolence as a principle.

His speeches sound better and more relevant today, than at the time he made them.

Foxessa said...

Ren wrote:

[ "His speeches sound better and more relevant today, than at the time he made them." ]

Why is that, do you think?

Love, C.