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I have a dream Four little words that mean so much. Martin Luther King Juniors famous words ones we all recognize and connect to the African-Americans fight against segregation. We hear those words and we automatically think about the violence and struggle that went on in our own country. a. We shall overcome. Three little words that also carry a heavy weight, though not as famous as MLKs. b. Attempt to reach out to the peoples of America and ask for a truly united nation c. Uses allusions to past events in history, rhetoric devices to drive point through, shows us the essence of a truly timely and timeless speech. On March 15th, 1965 Lyndon B. Johnson addressed Congress in regards to the recent violence in Selma, Alabama. a. Selma, Alabama history of anti-black voting b. SNCC, SCLC, MLK voting protests c. March to Montgomery Allusions to past events in history a. Appomattox b. Lexington and Concord c. Protesting and fighting for freedom Repetition in phrases a. I have a dream I have a dream b. I want to be the President I want to be the President c. His own dreams, wishes for the country Rhetorical devices keep the reader attached, entertained a. 45 minute long speech can be tiring to listeners, especially if not used to southern drawl b. Many pauses for effect within sentences, could be argued as too many pauses sometimes c. Fluctuates tones of voice, often up speaking at beginning of sentences and down speaking at end d. Fluctuates volume and strength of voice, often louder and beginning of sentence, decreasing volume after first phrase President Johnsons speech was timely because it occurred at a time when America was vulnerable and amidst an internal struggle.. a. Called for unity of nation, to work together b. Their cause must be our cause too. Because Its not just Negroes, but really its all of us, who must overcome the crippling legacy of bigotry and injustice. And we shall overcome. c. Recognize our true enemies as poverty, ignorance, and disease. Not our fellow man, not our neighbor. d. 1964 Civil Rights Act e. Voting Rights Act of 1965

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His speech remains timeless because the significance of the message is just as important today as it was in 1963. Racism and hatred still has a presence in todays society. Not just black versus white racism and hatred, but hatred against different religions and nations a. We have overcome segregation to a point Black president but just because we elected a black president doesnt mean racism is gone b. In South, many people still think its wrong to have interracial relationships c. Hatred against other religions/peoples because of terrorism d. All Americans must have the privileges of citizenship, regardless of race Immigrants are still Americans, should not be discriminated against Lyndon B. Johnsons call for equality is one we should still be listening to today. We must preserve the right of free speech, but the right of free speech does not carry with it the right to holler fire in a crowded theatre. We must preserve the right to free assembly, but free assembly does not carry with it the right to block public thorough fares to traffic. Does our right to freedom of expression really include the burning of a Quran? Shouldnt each individual have the right to feel safe and be respected in our country? Many immigrants are coming from war torn countries, from civil wars, from extreme poverty. Can they still feel safe and respected if we are burning their holy book? We all descend from immigrants of some kind or another, so how can we outcast certain peoples because they are immigrants? Equality does not come from violence. As President Johnson states, Equality depends, not on the force of arms or tear gas, but depends upon the force of moral right not on recourse to violence, but on respect for law and order. We will not find equality or solve conflict by resorting to violence. We will not truly be a united nation unless we fight our true enemies, and not our fellow neighbors and citizens.

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