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It seems appropriate on this first day of the annual legislative session, which corresponds with Martin Luther King Day, to consider a few thoughts from the great civil rights leader.
As lawmakers grapple with social issues, they would do well to remember what Dr. King said: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” As their attention turns to education, think of this: “We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
In the zeal to pass any new law, contemplate these words: “How does one determine whether a law is just or unjust? A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law.”
And finally, in the heat of their ideological battles, legislators could learn from Dr. King: “Sooner or later all the people of the world will have to discover a way to live together in peace. If this is to be achieved, man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”
Words of advice for members of the Utah Legislature from Dr. Martin Luther King on this holiday that bears his name!
