Fifty Years ago

Fifty Years ago an iconic speech was given by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Today, the full text of the speech is copyrighted, but it can be accessed from the National Archives here:
http://www.archives.gov/press/exhibits/dream-speech.pdf

MLK's words are a prayer, a hope for a future where ALL will be free.  He famously concluded:
"Let freedom ring. And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring -- when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children -- black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics -- will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/08/27/transcript-martin-luther-king-jr-have-dream-speech/#ixzz2dIFQ3zfu

There is much work left to be done today.  Economic inequality, racism, anti-Semitism, misogynism and hate are still present here and abroad.  Yet, we have much to be thankful for.  Outright and institutional racism is disdained or banned in America.  If I go to a hotel, I will not be refused service as a Jew (or as an African-American).  My writings are not censored.  Progress has been made.  Some progress was incremental, some regression has occurred (see recent Supreme Court cases for both examples).

I pray that MLK's final words ring true in 2063.  May we see a day when all Americans have work that brings them reliable and steady income.  May we see a day when all children are raised in loving homes.  May we see a day when there is no need for police, as there is no violence or crime!  If we haven't made it there yet, let us see even more progress in the next 50 years.