From Dream To Nightmare

I have the utmost respect for Dr. Martin Luther King and what he stood for.

At a time when his voice was needed, it rang out and resonated. It dispatched a message that was sorely needed at the time, he told us all of a better way. Facing steep odds, he paved the way for justice and equality to be available to all citizens, regardless of race or national origin. He did this at a time when there was very little justice, in this regard. He spoke of the need for equal opportunity for everyone.

It is my opinion this story should be kept alive, but only if it can be told in the context of truth. He deserves an accurate portrayal, without deifying or demonizing him. I feel it would do his legacy the proper justice, because it would show how a mere mortal being with the usual human faults and shortcomings could rise above them. It would show how he projected a true hope and painted a real attainable vision.

Sounds easy, right? Just get Spielberg to produce a major motion picture. Right?

Not so fast, it seems that Rev. King's heirs have differing opinions.

DreamWorks plans the first big-screen portrayal of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, the studio announced Tuesday, but two of King's children immediately threatened legal action because the film deal was brokered without their blessing.

Either it was without their blessing or they wanted to get a cut out of it.

To some, this might smell like a shakedown. To others, it may look like a greedy brother trying to pull a fast one on the sibs. Who can really say except for them, and their attorneys?

It's not uncommon for these family members to argue and fight, they have been doing it since the death of their mother. It's just another one of those tragic stories where brothers and sisters split and position themselves apart after the parents are gone, usually over the will.

At one time, at one moment, Martin Luther King had a dream, Since then, he has left us a legacy that should be preserved. But I would not imagine part of that dream included his children, his flesh and blood, acting like total fools with each other. If I were all of the parties involved here, I would be utterly ashamed of myself.

I lost my brother when he was but sixteen and I was twenty. What wouldn't I give to have him around to argue with, right now?

I think that if the story is accurately portrayed, there is a definite benefit for all to see. It will show just how those who followed him have altered his message to one of monetary gain, and spent the bulk of their time justifying their own existences. Maybe the only way to stop the kids from fighting is to throw the story of the sibs, after the death of Coretta, into the mix. People sometimes straighten up when under the microscope, certainly it may worth a try. Maybe then, with the prospect of the world seeing how silly they are, they will act like they have some damned sense.

But then again, maybe not.