In 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. faced a problem. He personally and deeply opposed the Vietnam War, but coming out against it publicly could alienate President Lyndon Johnson, who had staked much of his credibility on it. Condemning the war could put cherished civil rights legislation at home at risk. What was the way forward?
As a draftee I spent my time in Vietnam back then, and today I am a proud member of Vietnam Veterans Against the War. I have never heard of the relationship between Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Thich Nhat Hanh and find it enlightening. I took the liberty of posting this article on the VVAW FB page.
And I say Amen, Jay. What an incredible alliance and friendship of which we had no knowledge. The travesty that was the Vietnam War becomes ever more clear ...
Like everyone else's comments this is the first time I have heard of Thay. You brought back to me a piece of history that is so moving and a desire to continue this battle for peace. Thank you.
As a draftee I spent my time in Vietnam back then, and today I am a proud member of Vietnam Veterans Against the War. I have never heard of the relationship between Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Thich Nhat Hanh and find it enlightening. I took the liberty of posting this article on the VVAW FB page.
Thank you for telling their story.
Beautiful beautiful piece- I’m in tears
Thank you for this.
Enlightened beings recognizing each other's gifts and burdens. Memory eternal.
I never knew that Thay and Martin Luther King were friends. I have always respected these great men.
Jay, your tribute of them both really warmed my heart. Now it is up to us to carry on their message.
Both men were Bodhisattva’s, their lives are still with us, beacons of truth, kindness and love, for us all to follow.
And I say Amen, Jay. What an incredible alliance and friendship of which we had no knowledge. The travesty that was the Vietnam War becomes ever more clear ...
What a beautiful piece. Thank you.
Thank you for this
Like everyone else's comments this is the first time I have heard of Thay. You brought back to me a piece of history that is so moving and a desire to continue this battle for peace. Thank you.
I’ve never heard of Thay. I’m going to have to find out more about him. Thank you for the introduction.
(“There, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thich Nhat Hanh and spoke about the necessity and moral urgency to oppose the war.”
I think you’re missing a word (verb?) or two there.)
Thank you for writing this. I did not know this story but I am not surprised that two such men would find one another. Beautiful piece.
Your words are incredibly moving. Thank you.
Their relationship is something brand new to me. Thank you for this.
Keep up the good work, Jay. Your posts are clear, thorough, and in keeping with my own philosphy.
Thank you for posting this
Beautiful writing. Every day I learn more and more. Keep up the good work.
Thank you