Straight From the Mike: A House Divided, Yet Still

by Michael Murphy

As we come together to celebrate another MLK Holiday, the fissures of separation that divide us are too evident in our society today. On the macro level, the erosion of trust with our elected officials is much too broad and too deep for comfort and societal progress.

One feels that the lines of communication are almost nonexistent. The seat of power in our nation’s capital is too distant by almost any measure. For example, when was the last time you were invited to a town hall featuring your congressperson or senator? Why is it so hard to get across the point that a staff person can only do so much or can answer our passionate questions; can they feel you?

On the micro level, the feeling of frustration is much too evident and deep seeded. One feels there is a disregard for the taxpayers’ concern for needless spending. Our feeling of frustration when the voice of reason is being ignored or that our representative’s mind is already made up before a vote regardless of the cogent points laid out in the hearings that suggest more consideration is prudent, not a rush to judgment.

You have to wonder every time you hear the word ‘surplus’ one had better pay attention, ask questions to remind those in charge that it is still our money. Our government was meant to exist within its means with guardrails established to avoid going off the grid. There is nothing wrong with rainy day funds as long as the needs of the communities are being met and voices are being heard.

Dr. King was a strong advocate for the ‘Beloved Community.’ A community that recognizes every voice. Every voice has equal weight, every voice deserves attention and every voice deserves respect of the highest order. He would not tolerate limited access to officials, nor would he accept a void in the communication chain. He would support every representative that could boast of one’s prowess of progressive thought, that is, always trying stay ahead of the concerns of the constituents. They may think, but he would want representatives to have already thought.

Furthermore, Dr. King would want us to progress to this nation’s special birthday with more than the party favors, bands, whistles, and fireworks. Moreover, he would want to see equal treatment, equal access, measurable results, a report card filled out for each elected office so as to ensure that the freedom bell would continue to ring across the land, in every community and in the hearts and minds of each citizen.

Apathy would be considered a stain on a clean tablecloth at the banquet. Hatred would be considered like a fly on the plate of respect at the table setting. Importantly, condescending attitudes would be like a blemish on the silverware at the table. If these major impediments and divisions were absent and deemed unacceptable, then a true banquet can be celebrated with fervor, love and hope served and enjoyed by all.

We should keep in mind that all progress means change, but all change is not progress. We must walk in a way that makes it abundantly clear that we always seek the right combination of progress and positive change.

If we can come together and peacefully engage one another in the King spirit, it would truly be the most significant tribute we could pay to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this year of our Lord 2026 and for the years going forward.

Let us go forward and make the most of the true potential we still have and that Dr. King knew all so well and shared during in his time on this earth.

I remain Michael Murphy