Since the peace protest coincided with the celebration of Dr. King’s birthday, I would remind the protestors that no one knew better than Dr. King that in order to make himself and his message understood, he had to find a way to connect with those who disagreed with him. He didn’t shout racial epithets at police when he was arrested; he didn’t burn city blocks and bust out store windows; he didn’t even retaliate when he was beaten, or blasted by a water hose, or chased by police dogs. All anyone needs to do is read “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” to know that Dr. King truly wanted his message to be heard, not just by those who already agreed with him, but where it mattered most – in the places of power, where his message wasn’t welcome in the first place, where he had to find a way to make our leaders listen.

Seeing someone urinate on the American flag, or burn it, or walk on it, is offensive to many Americans – and I’m sure it didn’t score the peace protest any points with our leaders in Washington, who will ultimately make the decision of whether or not we go to war, and, if we do, how that war is conducted. So next time, before you desecrate the flag, consider what message you’re trying to send, and who you’re

trying to reach, and look for a way to make them not only hear you but listen to you. And then you may truly see the fruits of your labors in this country’s foreign policy.

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