Why Kings Letter from a Birmingham Jail Resounds...

Standing the Test of Time: Why Kings Letter from Birmingham Jail Resounds Throughout American History Dr. Martin Luther Kings Letter from Birmingham Jail is a direct response to A Call for Unity, a letter penned by eight Alabama clergymen including one rabbi. In A Call for Unity, the eight clergymen decry the peaceful protests organized by Dr. King and his fellow civil rights activists. The clergymen claim that the protests are unwise and untimely. In his response written from jail, Dr. King outlines all the reasons why the peaceful protests are both wise and timely, for, in his words, we have waited for more than 340 years for our constitutional and God given rights. There is a clear reason why Dr. Kings legacy remains strong, whereas the clergymens misguided letter has fallen into historys dustbin. Because King writes with skillful logic, appeals to his readers ethics, and proves his credibility as a political leader, Letter from Birmingham Jail is a more effective argument. King writes with a deft sense of logic and organization, which distinguishes him from his fellow clergymen. The letter from the clergymen is shorter than the King letter, showing that the clergymen seemed not to take the time to back up their statements. Twice, the clergymen state that the African-American community should use the judicial system to air grievances rather than use the Constitutionally protected right to organize peaceful political demonstrations. For example, in