Why did Martin Luther King use the words in this title? Like any potent expression, they recall meanings latent in language, that is, deeply embedded in their root meanings. “Urgency” derives from Latin (urgere, to drive on) and implies “insistence” or an “impulse that impels.” But why did Rev. King use the word “fierce” as a modifier? It evokes the Old High German derivative of urgere, that is, rehhan, to “avenge.” Of course, Rev. King was not inciting his followers to wreak havoc on white overlords. But, subliminally, his words touched an emotional chord that resonates with African Americans. And that chord, when struck by a gifted orator, impels a very loud call to action.

While Rev. King was inspiring hope, he was also urging peaceful protests. But his time was fraught with emotion and discord. It was a boiling point in American history. What surfaced were riots and fires engulfing many American cities. Though some politicians blamed the good reverend for inciting unrest, he could not be held accountable for the latent angst that had boiled beneath the surface for generations. Its source was an incident that occurred more than 400 years before Rev. King’s call to action, specifically, when that first slave ship docked on an African shore. Not the 13th 14th and 15th Amendments, nor the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts could totally wash away the sludge of slavery. But Martin Luther King had come to hold the American experiment in democracy accountable. His legacy is twofold: he helped America more fully realize its promise; and he showed us how to continue along the same path.

Another famous quote from Rev. King was “the arc of history bends toward justice.” But, as witnessed by the abolition of slavery, that arc bends very slowly. Also, consider the status of women in America. Though very instrumental in the abolition movement, women were not allowed to vote until the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920. I doubt Abigail Adams ever envisioned it would take 133 years before women would be allowed to vote. Perhaps the gestation for democratic self-correction is shortening. The Inequality Amendment passed by Congress in 1972 may finally be ratified by the last State on the docket—Virginia—which just voted in a Democratic majority favorable to that amendment. Perhaps, Rev. king’s “fierce urgency” can impel change sooner than in the past. Let’s hope so, for I believe that moment of urgency has once again arrived.

What should impel change now? Well, you might consider climate change, corruption in government, and an economy disproportionately favoring the wealthy. With respect to climate change, we will reach the point of no return within the lifetime of millennials, unless we reverse course now. But we no longer have a government that cares about that impending crisis. Our President has formally withdrawn America’s support from the global climate change initiative. That withdrawal becomes effective upon the inauguration of our next elected President. Meanwhile, he is embroiled in impeachment proceedings that address alleged crimes. But, even if personally exonerated of bribery, extortion, and treason, neither he nor his White House appear capable of governing. Ethical and legal transgressions have derailed many of his appointees to public service. Nevertheless, the President holds the support of an aggrieved plurality that can find no fault in his conduct or in his Administration. And he commands a huge campaign war chest to fund his reelection. Although some of these funds has come from foreign sources (which violates campaign finance laws), the vast majority appears to come from well-healed donors. Likely his tax bill has earned him their support. During his first term, income and wealth inequality have increased. While this Administration is consumed with court cases and with amassing wealth for its members and its supporters, there appears little interest in governance “of, by, (and) for the people.” And any concern for climate change will have taken a four-year hiatus. In fact, practically all Federal government measures to abate climate change have been aborted by this Administration.

Do you see the urgency? Faced with the increasing frequency of climate disasters and a growing majority of Americans living paycheck-to-paycheck, how can Americans rely on a government riddled with corruption and inefficiency? We are running out of time to act. In truth, we must confront the “fierce urgency of now.”

If you do not agree, then consider the following three objectives emanating from our founding ideals. First, every American should have an equal opportunity to secure his/her happiness. Second, every American should have the ability to think, speak, and act freely within the scope of the law. And, thirdly, every American, by virtue of these principles, must respect the sanctity of every human life. Certainly, Rev. King exemplified these objectives and the ideals that inspired them. Moreover, he showed us how to attain them in moments of divisiveness and conflict. He negotiated with politicians and others who did not agree with his methods, principles, or both. He sat down with Presidents, Senators, and Congressional Representatives. The major legislation he sought was eventually supported by both sides of the aisle in Congress.

In our system of government, debating both sides of any issue is required in order to reach the most comprehensive solution to any issue of public concern. But even the best solution is reflective of time and place, which often guarantees future amendments. In other words, our American republic must evolve, else it will become stagnant. And stagnation defines this moment in our history: gridlock in Washington, tribal voting blocks, “alternative” facts, bias media, and a directionless Administration. Moreover, impeachment proceedings guarantee a halt in any forward process while our elected representatives decide the fate of our Commander-in-Chief. For sure, they must recognize the “urgency of now.”

If you still do not agree, then I offer one final consideration. And that concerns the inalienable right to life. That right is not just one of the objectives of our system of government. It is a core value that defines us as Americans. It drives philanthropy, foreign aid, immigration policy, healthcare policies, regulations assuring safe air, water, and food, and so much more. Our politicians often appeal to this core value in order to win support for legislation and/or reelection. Ask yourself whether you have heard that appeal during the current Administration. Instead, you have witnessed the defunding of endowments and foreign aid, a zero-tolerance immigration policy, an attack on our healthcare system, and the death of public welfare regulations by executive order.

Perhaps there is no greater devaluation of life in the current Administration than its war against children. Consider the 5,000+ children separated from their parents at our southern border, more than 1500 of whom may never be reunited with their parents. Consider the more than 70,000 Kurdish children fleeing the destruction of their home with just the clothes on their backs. Consider the cancellation of deferred medical visas for children undergoing life saving treatment only available in American hospitals. It may be too late to address these inhumane policies, even though they affect the most innocent among us. But we must stop their proliferation. They belie our ideals. And they redefine who we are as a people.

How can any American not see the “fierce urgency of now?”

_______________________________________________________
* If you found this blog of interest, you may find “All Problems Solved” worth reading as well.