Joint Open Letter For The American People

A joint open letter has been issued by a number of residents of Bermuda, addressed to the people of the United States in response to the storming of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. on January 6.

The letter says, “We, the undersigned residents of Bermuda, take this opportunity on the birthday of the late Martin Luther King Jr to express our concerns and best wishes to our neighbours, the people of the United States of America, as that country navigates a most challenging crossroad.

“We do this in response to the January 6th storming of the Capitol during which five people died in tragic and unprecedented circumstances. In addition, we join with people across the globe in sharing grave concern that those claiming responsibility for the January 6th tragedy – according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI] – are promoting even more violent attacks over the next week which are planned to include all state capitals.

“This timing is fortuitous. MLK, a global icon, lived a life engaging critical crossroads. He was drafted to become the voice of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in December 1955, a most transformative movement of the 20th century. Notwithstanding that movement’s demonstrated commitment to peaceful protest, on January 30, 1956, only weeks into that year-long campaign, King’s home was dynamited – thankfully his wife and baby were uninjured.

“Of course, that was only one of numerous terror incidents against that peaceful movement which was actively lobbying for simple, basic rights. However, King and all those activists maintained their nonviolent approach and over years, successfully shifting the trajectory of this most powerful nation, which has benefited all involved.

“Martin Luther King went beyond addressing only Civil Rights – ignoring colleagues – in a historic speech at Riverside Baptist Church on April 4, 1967, exactly one year before his assassination. MLK identified that his country and the world were at a key crossroad at that time. The champion of nonviolence not only called for an end to the U.S. war on Vietnam, but addressed the big picture.

“The ‘Drum Major for Peace’ made a case for a revolution of values. He called for a focus on people rather than profits, making a case for fundamental transformation. King’s call for change cited the reality that U.S. military spending consumed the majority of the billions of tax dollars, leaving paltry amounts for services for the people, such as education, healthcare, etc. The 2020 US budget reflects that same disparity, reinforcing the notion that might makes right – a concept arguably embraced by those caught up in the January 6th mindset.

“At this 2021 crossroad, we encourage the American people to use mindful and peaceful consideration in charting their way forward as this will undoubtedly have implications for all of us who share the planet.”

The letter is signed by the people listed below; while the letter is not signed in the capacity of the organizations that the people belong to, the organizations are listed for identification purposes:

• Bishop Nicholas Dill [Anglican Church]
• Presiding Elder Rev Dr Larry Dixon [AME Church]
• Glenn Fubler
• Dr Carol Patricia Marsh-Lockett [Born & bred Bermudian who has recently retired as Associate Professor at Georgia State University]
• Lynn Millett
• Michelle Khaldun
• Bishop Wes Spiewak [Roman Catholic]
• Imam Saleem Talbot [Islamic Community]
• Kristin White [Social Justice Bermuda]
• Lynne Winfield [CURB]

#AmericanRelations #DrMartinLutherKing

Category: All