I feel that the clergymen who wrote "A Call for Unity" are turning a blind eye to the social and civil injustices in Birmingham. Without the outside influences, the Black community would not have the courage to stand up for their rights. Yes, they do not explicitly promote violence and hatred in their religious and political activities, but the clergymen do not promote equality among all races. Jesus has love for everyone. As men of God and as leaders in their community, they should teach this to their followers. The clergymen suggest using the court system and negotiating with local leaders in the community. How can they suggest this when the Black community has tried this countless times and have been denied their rights? One can always suggest a solution when he or she doesn't live with the issue or predicament. They claim that the demonstrations occurred at the wrong time. There is no such thing as a right time to fight for what one thinks is right.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. responded to "A Call for Unity" with "A Letter from Birmingham Jail." The response was necessary, because it voiced the purpose and motivation behind the demonstrations in Birmingham. As a fellow clergyman, he includes appropriate allusions to the Bible, in order to illustrate his points. I agree with his points, I feel that he needed to edit himself. Yes, the eight clergymen needed to be enlightened, but it does not warrant countless allusions and explanations. The passion is appreciated, but the phrase, "Less is more," should be applied. I believe that Dr. King was a brave man for voicing his opinion. Many forget that he was only a leader who could convey the views of the Black community. This is shown in his appeals to the clergymen. He describes the everyday life and experiences of the Black citizen. His intelligence is displayed, when he mentions Hitler's regime to counter the clergymen's view of blacks' involvement in politics.
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