Eighth Grade Third Place Essay
BROCK DEAN
St. Catherine Laboure School

A "Different" America

I believe that Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Junior thought that America "ought to be" a nation of peace, a nation free of violence, racism, war and a place where everyone is treated equally. I feel that if Dr. King were living today he would be distraught and disappointed. He would not approve of war, stereotyping, immigrants being treated unfairly, people being discriminated against for their religion and even for something as simple as the way they look.
For example, in the Middle East we are fighting a war on terrorism. We went into their country turning everything upside down, killing so many innocent people and even jeopardizing the lives of our own soldiers. It seems contradictory to use a violent source to protect our country and promote peace. Dr. King said, " Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon. It is a weapon unique in history, which cuts without wounding, and ennobles the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals." Dr. King would not want out country in this position. He promoted peace and ways to stop violence. Our nation "ought to be" filled with peace and love not war and hate.
Dr. King strived for equality of all people, not just blacks. He promoted solving problems in a peaceable manner. The terrorists that stuck our country were cruel and hateful. In order to combat this mentality we cannot expect to retaliate with violence and hate, but rather the way it "ought to be…"
The challenge that faces America today is not an easy one to solve. We "ought to be" trying to have a mutual respect for all; despite race, color, or creed. We "ought to be" working as a nation to resolve problems peacefully not fighting violently. We "ought to be" trying to improve each other’s countries despite differences. We "ought to be" the one who is unique and makes the difference.