MLK: "We must rapidly begin the shift from a 'thing-oriented' society to a 'person-oriented' society"

Martin Luther King Jr said: 

“I am convinced that if we are to get on the right side of the world revolution, we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values. We must rapidly begin the shift from a “thing-oriented” society to a “person-oriented” society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism, and militarism are incapable of being conquered.

A true revolution of values will soon cause us to question the fairness and justice of many of our past and present policies. On the one hand we are called to play the good Samaritan on life’s roadside; but that will be only an initial act. One day we must come to see that the whole Jericho road must be transformed so that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed as they make their journey on life’s highway. True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it is not haphazard and superficial. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring.” 

From “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence” speech, given at a meeting of Clergy and Laity Concerned at Riverside Church in New York City, April 4, 1967

https://www.ucc.org/mlk-resources-2022-join-the-movement/

As "content in context" is important, you can listen to and read the full text of this speech here -> https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkatimetobreaksilence.htm

Martin Luther King, Jr. "Beyond Vietnam -- A Time to Break Silence"

wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 027 - Teenagers

"In this episode, Peter opens a discussion around teenagers, Brandon Levy's recent victory in the Supreme Court, the first amendment, freedom of speech, and the laws surrounding what is and isn't allowed."

Direct link -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9ec4c456-4537-47d6-af10-62b13ae79f23

 

wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 027 - Teenagers

"Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country" (audio)

From January 20, 1961 wise words show the work still needs to be done:

"So let us begin anew--remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.

Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.

Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms--and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.

Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths and encourage the arts and commerce.

Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah--to "undo the heavy burdens . . . (and) let the oppressed go free."

And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor, not a new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved.

All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin."

President John F Kennedy's first Inaugural Address can be found (text and audio)

https://www.jfklibrary.org/archives/other-resources/john-f-kennedy-speeches/inaugural-address-19610120

The last episode in the "It Was Said" podcast gets into the context for this inaugural address. Well worth the 34 minutes to listen to:

https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vaXQtd2FzLXNhaWQ&ep=14&episode=MWM1NTcxZGEtZTdlMS0xMWVhLTk1ZDYtZDNkZDQ1ZTFjNGEw

 

"Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country" (audio)

John Lewis's speech at the March on Washington

A new history podcast has ten episodes that are well worth listening to.

"It Was Said is a limited documentary podcast series looking back on some of the most powerful, impactful and timeless speeches in American history. 

Written and narrated by Pulitzer Prize winning and best-selling author-historian Jon Meacham, and created, directed and produced by Peabody-nominated C13Originals Studios in association with HISTORY Channel, this series takes you through 10 speeches for the inaugural season. 

Meacham offers expert insight and analysis into their origins, the orator, the context of the times they were given, why they are still relevant today, and the importance of never forgetting them. 

Each episode of this documentary podcast series also brings together some of the top historians, authors and journalists relevant to each respective speech and figure."

Ep 9: John Lewis, We Want Our Freedom Now

https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vaXQtd2FzLXNhaWQ&ep=14&episode=MWM1MGE1MzgtZTdlMS0xMWVhLTk1ZDYtOTM3OGRmNmJkNDQ2

The text of John Lewis' speech at the March on Washington

https://voicesofdemocracy.umd.edu/lewis-speech-at-the-march-on-washington-speech-text/

YouTube Video of the full speech  https://youtu.be/tFs1eTsokJg

American Anthem - Norah Jones

In his inaugural speech, President Biden says:

"Will we rise to the occasion is the question. Will we master this rare and difficult hour? Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world to our children? I believe we must. I’m sure you do as well. I believe we will. And when we do, we’ll write the next great chapter in the history of the United States of America. The American story. A story that might sound something like a song that means a lot to me. It’s called “American Anthem.” There’s one verse that stands out, at least for me, and it goes like this:"

"The work and prayers of a century have brought us to this day.
What shall be our legacy? What will our children say?
Let me know in my heart when my days are through.
America, America, I gave my best to you."

The song was originally performed by Norah Jones for the Ken Burns film "The War"

 

 

Full set of lyrics: = > https://www.elyrics.net/read/n/norah-jones-lyrics/american-anthem-lyrics.html

 

Full text of inauguration speech: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/interactive/2021/01/20/biden-inauguration-speech/ 

 

Video => https://youtu.be/sdjnAFqapg4

 

 

On this Day in 1963 : "I Have A Dream" - Martin Luther King Jr.

 "I Have a Dream" is a public speech that was delivered by American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, in which he called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the United States. Delivered to over 250,000 civil rights supporters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the speech was a defining moment of the civil rights movement and among the most iconic speeches in American history

From wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Have_a_Dream

Video link = https://youtu.be/smEqnnklfYs

 

Dr Martin Luther King, Jr "I have a Dream"

For more about Dr Martin Luther King
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Jr._Day

From the National Archives, a PDF with the text
https://www.archives.gov/files/press/exhibits/dream-speech.pdf

The wikipedia entry on the "I have a Dream" speech
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Have_a_Dream

"if America is to be a great nation (Yes), this must become true" (video)

Take a few minutes to listen to, or read, the "I have a dream" speech given by Martin Luther King in August of 1963.

"Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. (My Lord, No, no, no, no) [applause] We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline."

The full text of the speech can be found here:
https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/i-have-dream

In the News: candidates night, preschool fair, speech competition, National Merit award, coyote alert

The opioid problem and town finances prominently featured in the conversation among candidates for Town Council in the November election during a Tuesday evening forum. 

Fourteen candidates for the council - along with those running for School Committee, the Board of Health and Town Clerk - took part in a candidates night, giving their perspectives to prospective town voters. The candidates are seeking nine seats on the council in the Nov. 3 election. 

Several candidates, when asked to name a pressing problem facing Franklin, mentioned the opioid abuse crisis in Massachusetts.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151006/NEWS/151006987

The annual Franklin Preschool Fair is planned on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 5-7 p.m., at the Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St., Franklin. 

Representatives from local preschools in Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Norfolk and Wrentham will be on hand to answer questions and provide information to parents seeking preschools for the 2015-2016 school year.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151006/NEWS/151007026/1994/NEWS

This year, the Franklin Lions is sponsoring a youth speech competition open to all students in grades 9-12. 

The topic is "In What Ways Has Social Media Changed Society?" The speech must be 5-8 minutes in length, begins at the club level and progresses through to state level, where the winner gets $1,500.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151006/NEWS/151007120/1994/NEWS

Tri‐County Regional Vocational Technical High School senior Nicholas Wotton was named a commended student in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program. 

Wotton, a Franklin resident, received a letter of commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for placing among the top five percent of U.S. students who took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in 2014. About 34,000 students from across the nation received the commendation.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151006/NEWS/151007142/1994/NEWS

Officials are advising Franklin pet owners to be vigilant after a coyote killed a local dog. 

Animal Control Officer Cindy Souza said the attack took place on the Norfolk side of town - near Chestnut and Pleasant streets - around the end of September."We've had a couple of (attacks) over the past two to three weeks," she said. "One dog was killed, while another was just bitten - that was a larger dog."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151006/NEWS/151007207/1994/NEWS

Franklin Lions: "In What Ways Has Social Media Changed Society?"

This year, the Franklin Lions will be sponsoring a Youth Speech Competition open to all students in grades 9-12. The topic is "In What Ways Has Social Media Changed Society?" 

The speech must be 5-8 mins in length, begins at the club level, and progresses through to State level where the winner gets $1500. 

You can visit the web site www.lionsyouthspeech.org to get the major details, rules and regulations. 

The contest will be held Wednesday, November 11, 7PM, Alumni Restaurant Banquet Room.

The deadline to enter the contest is Thursday, November 4. Please send an email to FranklinMALions@gmail.com to confirm so we may ensure adequate seating and space for the contest or should you have any questions.

Youth Speech Competition

Presidential address to students

President Obama speaks to students Tuesday on the first day of school for many across America. Of course, Franklin opened their doors last week and Boston opens their doors on the 10th so there is some variation in opening days.

President Reagan spoke to students in 1988. You can view the video of his 36 minute talk and then Q&A period with some students at the White House here

President George H Bush spoke to students at Alice Deal Junior High School in 1991. You can read the text of his address here

The text of President Obama's remarks is available on the White House website here. It will be broadcast via the web or C-Span at noon on Tuesday (Eastern time).

The video promo by NASCAR drivers is included: