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Both Dr. King and Barack Obama lived in a time of war. For King, it was the Vietnam War. Obama, the War in Iraq. And both men held similar beliefs that war should only be done when absolutely necessary and all other options have been exhausted. But more than anything, both men believed America can’t justify a war abroad, when we’re not taking care of business at home.
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“A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom.”

“Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies - or else? The chain reaction of evil - hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars - must be broken, or else we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.”

“As Commander-in-Chief, I will never hesitate to defend this nation, but I will only send our troops into harm’s way with a clear mission and a sacred commitment to give them the equipment they need in battle and the care and benefits they deserve when they come home. I will end this war in Iraq responsibly, and finish the fight against al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. I will rebuild our military to meet future conflicts…I will build new partnerships to defeat the threats of the 21st century: terrorism and nuclear proliferation; poverty and genocide; climate change and disease. And I will restore our moral standing, so that America is once again that last, best hope for all who are called to the cause of freedom, who long for lives of peace, and who yearn for a better future.

Source: Speech at 2008 Democratic National Convention Aug 27, 2008

“I don't oppose all wars. What I am opposed to is a dumb war. What I am opposed to is a rash war.”

 

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Captain P.J. Matthews
Curator, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
The founder of the museum celebrating the contributions of African-American soldiers to the U.S. military takes a different perspective on Dr. King and President  Obama’s quotes on war.
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