While the world is watching what appears to be dysfunctional chaos here in America over these past few days, people in cities, towns and villages have been busy honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King; and President Trump is Tweeting! (Mentioning these two men in the same sentence might be considered an oxymoron.)

After the contradictory statements from within the White House this past week one needs to take a moment to reflect on the reason this country was founded in the first place. The Pilgrims left their home country to escape oppression and to live in a world where freedoms could be expressed without fear of persecution. It was that premise on which our Constitution was created, and it is that same principle that has been the driving force leading the United States of America to be known as the beacon of hope for all who have come since.

The inscription on the Statue of Liberty that stands in New York Harbor doesn’t say, bring only the educated, highly skilled, intellectual, and preferably Caucasian. The inscription speaks to those who are repressed as well. This statue is a symbol of who we are as Americans, and we must not forget that. When statements are made, such as those reportedly said by the President this past week, they must be disavowed. It is time to call on our better Angels!

When Dr. King gave his famous speech, and talked of his dream, he did so with a true belief in what this country could and would eventually become. I wonder what he might say to President Trump today? I wonder if he would dismiss the President’s statements as based solely on economics (as was defended by Senator Rand Paul)? I am not suggesting that President Trump is a racist, even though he certainly does himself no favors with the words he uses, or his tweets. I am however, suggesting that he is too often unaware of how his words are interpreted by those of us who are listening. Dr. King may have said it best when he said, “Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” One might wonder which of these should be ascribed to President Trump?

In his life, Dr. King fought for equality for all, not just the black man. He took his vision for equality across this nation where he spoke before crowds of thousands. He was a man who was not perfect, but a man who believed that … “One day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed … that all men are created equal.” I am amazed that we are still fighting this fight; and not just in the White House! Racism exists right here in the little ole’ city of Dunkirk and the village of Fredonia, and the county of Chautauqua and the state of New York and all across this country! It is time to stamp out racism whenever and wherever we see it. We must walk the walk!

Sitting in a crowded dining room recently, and listening to individuals speak out for equality and the need to keep Dr. King’s dream alive reminded me of a bible verse from Galatians 3:28 in which we are told, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

My father was a Pentecostal Preacher, my mother a “stoic” Methodist. Life was interesting growing up and I was fortunate and blessed to have met people from all walks of life, religions, and political views — one of whom was Dr. Martin Luther King, and for that I will always be grateful.

I will leave you with the words inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty, and I ask that you take a moment to reflect on what this might mean as you consider your stance on the immigration debate, DACA, and the words that have been recently ascribed to President Trump.

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Have a great day.

Vicki Westling is a Dunkirk resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com.