"Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it. [snip]
"Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.
"When
historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century,
let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens
of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence,
aggression and war. So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and
sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love
be your guide." -- Rep. John R. Lewis, in a posthumous op/ ed published today in the New York Times. As President Obama said in his fiery eulogy this afternoon, "Someday, when we do finish that long journey towards freedom, when we do form a more perfect union... John Lewis will be a Founding Father of that fuller, fairer, better America.”
