Today marks a contradictory occasion: the inauguration of President Trump and the celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As we move into the new administration, we must carry forward Dr. King’s legacy of non-violent action to extend the promises of our founding documents to all.
PORTLAND – The following statement can be attributed to ACLU of Maine Executive Director Molly Curren Rowles:
"Today marks a contradictory occasion: the inauguration of President Trump and the celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“America has always been a nation of profound contradictions. While the Declaration of Independence boldly stated that ‘all men are created equal,’ it did not mean all people or even all men. Yet, as Dr. King so powerfully argued, our founding documents include incredibly potent ideas that have long outlived their authors and have transformed our society into a place in which we can seek justice and freedom for all – even if that promise has not yet been fully realized.
“All of our fortunes, hopes, and fears are forever bound together. As we move into the new administration, we must carry forward Dr. King’s legacy of non-violent action to extend the promises of our founding documents to all, and we must preserve our democracy for ourselves and all who lie ahead.
“The new administration made many campaign promises that threaten some of our most basic civil liberties. As we learn more details in the days to come, we encourage all people to familiarize themselves with ACLU of Maine Know Your Rights materials so they are prepared to protect themselves and their communities."
