Death of Coretta Scott King, MLK’s widow
People who we never meet but we know through the reported accounts of their commitments and accomplishments influence so much of our young lives. As I struggled through my teen years in the 1960s, my naiveté was shattered by the constant news reports of war and racism. I often read of the civil rights struggles of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and followed his journey until a bullet ended his life in 1968. I will never forget the look of sadness I saw in the face of his wife, Coretta Scott King, nor will I forget the strength she manifested. I am sure that this strength was the bridge that helped Dr. King cross over the waters of racism with his message of equality and non-violence. And it was her strength that continued Dr. King’s journey.
The Kings’ message has guided me in my life and career and I was not sure that today’s young people understood the sacrifices, commitment and strength of this influential American woman until I read Cindy Rodríguez’s Feb. 2 column, “Kids keep Mrs. King’s legacy alive.” I am grateful that the message is alive and saddened by Coretta Scott King’s passing.
David O’Shea-Dawkins, Denver
…
The Post’s editorial (“Coretta Scott King, 1927-2006,” Feb. 2) began with the phrase, “History will remember Coretta Scott King … ,” and continued by mentioning her advocacy for civil rights long after her husband was gone. But what history seems to have forgotten is that her lack of action likely put Richard M. Nixon into the White House, a decidedly unfortunate legacy. In the fall of 1968, Hubert H. Humphrey, the Democratic candidate for president, was gaining steadily in the polls as Election Day approached. For some reason, Mrs. King withheld her endorsement of Humphrey until the very last moment. Had she come out earlier in his favor, blacks across the nation would have been motivated to register and vote. Back then, one needed to be a registered voter at least 30 days prior to an election. At our house, there’s no doubt that her nonfeasance cost Humphrey – a decent and brilliant man – the presidency.
Paul Siegel, Denver
Colorado’s more visible U.S. senator
Re: “Salazar details spiritual roots at National Prayer Breakfast,” Feb. 3 news story.
I read with pride your article detailing Sen. Ken Salazar’s involvement at the National Prayer Breakfast. This is just another example of his dedication to his job and living up to his responsibilities.
Salazar has accomplished more in the very brief time he has been in Washington, D.C., than our other senator, Wayne Allard, has accomplished in his entire senatorial career. Salazar is a mover and shaker. He is routinely involved in every issue in the Senate. Agree with him or not, he is doing the job we elected him to do.
By contrast, Allard is nearly invisible, surfacing only to carry president Bush’s water and to vote however the administration tells him to, like one of those toy dogs you see in the backs of cars whose head nods and shakes involuntarily. The only time we see or hear from Allard is when he runs for re-election.
Colorado deserves better.
Steve Feld, Englewood
Unfair comparison
Logical conclusions cannot be reached when your arguments are unrelated to your position. Letter- writer Ginger Thayer tries to justify her pro-abortion position by likening it to a man’s right to a vasectomy. A tubal ligation is comparable to vasectomy. Hysterectomy is considerably more extreme but still comparable. None of these procedures kills a fetus. Abortion does. Regardless of one’s position on abortion, the facts remain the facts.
Clara Casey, Littleton
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