In a recent column, Patrick Buchanan argued that the people of Arizona should not honor Dr. Martin Luther King with a national holiday because of his flawed character. Buchanan apparently was referring to the recent allegations of plagiarism and sexual improprieties in Dr. King’s past.

If we were to follow Buchanan’s logic then John F. Kennedy would not have been a suitable candidate to govern this nation because of his alleged sexual indiscretions; however, history has proven that JFK was an effective president while in office.

What bothers me about Buchanan’s argument is that it fails to see the big picture. He worries about white Americans having to be forced to honor the only black figure this country (at last) seems willing to recognize as a great American hero. Buchanan does not speak to the fact that native Americans and black Americans also have been forced to recognize and honor white American heroes (George Washington) who served under a system that oppressed their people….

I would like to remind Buchanan that most people who celebrate Dr. King’s birthday use it as an oppportunity to remind all Americans of the sacredness of their civil rights, and of course, to rededicate themselves to ensure and protect the civil rights of future generations.

As a nation moving into the 21st century, rich with its diverse ethnicity, we are challenged to move forward and stand united as one nation or to reclaim the past and stand divisive. I think America wants to show the world that it is indeed possible for all races of people to live harmoniously under one flag. Dudley J. Davis Jr. Portland