Looking back: Editorials from the past

Tragic Event That Hurts America

From The Spokesman-Review, Friday April 5, 1968. Unsigned editorial.

The murder of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is a tragic event for all America. The nation as a whole, however, should not be blamed for this dastardly or hateful act of violence on the part of one or several individuals.

As the country's best known and most effective Negro leader in the cause of human rights for all Negro citizens, Dr. King has had a following that must now not despair. It is to be hoped that the human frustrations and anger that could arise in reaction to the loss of Dr. King may be tempered by the kind of judgment he so often exercised in pursuit of his aims.

America has been hurt by this senseless fatal shooting in Memphis. Americans must see that the national wounds are healed by men and women of good will who have the courage to maintain self-control.

As a preacher of the doctrine of nonviolence, Dr. King realized what violence can do to a community and a nation in a period of tensions such as we are now undergoing. His memory can best be served by a close allegiance to the principles of law observance and the maintenance of public order in the achievement of the changes this nation still needs if true justice is to be secured for all our people.

Murder Shakes Nation

From the Spokane Daily Chronicle, Friday April 5, 1968. Unsigned editorial.

The life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was dedicated to the cause of equality for the Negroes of America. His death, a terrible and numbing and needless loss which this nation could not afford, may evolve ultimately into a mighty factor for achievement beyond his own most fervent prayers.

If that achievement should be sought on the basis of an eye for an eye, on a pattern of violence as senseless and awful as the violence of his murder, it would not stand as his legacy. For he preached the precept of nonviolence.

Yet that was the danger across the face of the United States today, after another shot that was heard 'round the world.

Violence attached itself to Dr. King's first march in Memphis. It rode the air of that city. Had better judgment prevailed, in the face of that blazingly apparent situation, he would not have returned so soon to that seething city. Yet the disgraceful, the unacceptable fact is that this American could not safely travel and talk wherever and whenever he chose.

Dr. King had many critics, white and black, among them the Negro leaders who preach murderous conduct. There are those who felt that his projected peaceful march on Washington, to shut down the wheels of government if necessary, was destined to incite bloodshed.

But an unconscionable act of violence cut him down. The act is now begetting more violence, and Dr. King's own voice against it is needed now as never before.

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