John Kerry and Rosa Parks

[Island Blue]

We all remember the beautiful eulogy JK gave to Rosa Parks at her memorial service in Michigan. For some reason this eulogy was on my mind tonight, so I went back and read it again. The strength to do the right thing comes from many places. Re-reading this tribute, I'm am quite certain that one of the places JK went to find the strength to lead this filibuster was the memory of Mrs. Rosa Parks.

“Rosa Parks reminded many and taught even more how to talk truth to power. In an era when these words are thrown around too easily, she lived the words ‘courage’ and ‘patriot’ - she loved the dream of our country more than herself and she was willing to risk it all to live the dream.

“Rosa Parks was about progress, not memory. Yes, she sat down so we could stand up, but not so we could stand still.

“The bus still comes by again and again and each time we have to decide whether to go quietly to the back, or by simple acts of courage and conviction change the direction of our own country’s journey.

http://kerry.senate.gov/v3/cfm/record.cfm?id=248193

[TayTay]

1. That speech was on my mind too recently.

For Rosa Park and for our country.

I just loved that. It's one of those speeches that is not tied to a particular time, but really works on it's own. I loved that line, "The bus still comes by again and again and each time we have to decide whether to go quietly to the back, or by simple acts of courage and conviction change the direction of our own country’s journey."

I think I know who boarded the bus. Thanks!

[Island Blue]

5. I think that's my favorite line.

Wouldn't it be nice if instead of the media making some clownish attempt to discredit JK by calling him an "elitist", they referred back to this eulogy (or any number of speeches he's made), just to show that maybe there's a connection between his moral compass and what he's doing now. Not gonna happen, I know. But it would be nice.

[karynnj]

2. I think you're right on this

There's another section that hits on the responsibility of people like him.

“If she did that, then how much greater is the responsibility of those of us with privilege and power who pay tribute to her today. The life of Rosa Parks demands deeds, not epitaphs. For the final words cannot be spoken or written while her cause is still unfinished. Nothing we say here can match what she did in that sacred moment on a municipal bus in Montgomery, Alabama. What matters now is what we do after the casket is gone, the candles are quenched, and the next bus comes by.

Could this choice be the next bus?

[wisteria]

3. So very nice and inspirational.

Reading these words I find some peace. Senator Kerry is doing the right thing. Those who don't understand and scorn him are just ugly inside and out.

[ProSense]

4. That was a wonderful tribute.

When Kerry spoke about standing up, but not standing still, I felt so proud.

[politicasista]

6. Nice tribute from JK to Mother Parks

It rings true as we speak.:hi: