Posted on Apr 4, 2016
SPC Andrew Griffin
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Today in 1968 we lost a great man in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I strongly believe he is the GREATEST Civil Rights Leader of our Time. His life was cut way too short. Even in his death, he still has a profound effect on American Society. Had he been alive today, how much of an Impact would he still have today?
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SGM David W. Carr  LOM, DMSM  MP SGT
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Edited >1 y ago
SPC Andrew Griffin SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas LTC Stephen F. CPT (Join to see) SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL It is hard to say the actual impact of MLK's death at the time on this 12 year old and his classmates at Notre Dame catholic grammar school.

But I remember clearly the nuns crying when JFK was shot that November day. College and professional Quarterback Hugh Millen Jr was born that day Senior worked for me in Germany.

There was a lot of racial tension in many New Jersey High Schools during the 70s which was made worse by the radicals espousing violent unrest like the Black Panthers counter to the reverend's peaceful teachings.

The Army was also dealing with a lot of racial-tension and drug abuse well into the 80s
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SPC Andrew Griffin
SPC Andrew Griffin
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Thank you for sharing this brother!
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PO2 Mark Saffell
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I have to agree with John. Like with Kennedy, MLK's assassination some how made his life stand for more. I cant help but think he would have a fit with the way people that where in his inner circle have used his to make money. Al Sharpton claims to be one of those, when in fact its all about the money to him.
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SPC Andrew Griffin
SPC Andrew Griffin
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Very strong Point!
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SFC Management Assistant
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I think he may have had less of an impact. His assassination served as a wake up call to many. His importance in history may have continued to rise, but I don't think it would have hit the level it did without the assassination.
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No. As great of a man as he was, the country would not have been ready in time. He died at the age of 39 in 1968. I think 2008 would have been the first chance he would have had, which would have put him at 79. I think he was just born at the wrong time to become president.

I believe his death also helped his agenda. He was killed by the same violence he preached against.
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SPC Andrew Griffin
SPC Andrew Griffin
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SFC (Join to see) - Very interesting! If that's the case, what does that say about the country?
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Well it is a bit hard to say. Definitely a segment of the population would not have voted because of his race. Another segment because of his lack of political experience (assuming he pulled a Trump and went straight to presidential candidate). There could be a myriad of nonrace related reasons not to vote for him.
I think he would have helped equality, but I am not sure how he would have faired internationally.
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SPC Andrew Griffin
SPC Andrew Griffin
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SFC (Join to see) - Excellent Comment!
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