Top Ten Things Not to Do on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 18, 2021 · by John W. Howell · in Ten Things Not to Do · 73 Comments

Photo by Clay Banks – Unsplash

It has been 93 years since Martin Luther King Jr was born. Today we celebrate his birth, although the actual day was January 15th. Today’s Top Ten is a focus on just one thing not to do. Do not hate your neighbor and take a lesson from Dr. King’s non-violent approach to change.

I wish for a day of peace that will become so comfortable that it extends into a week, then a month, then a year. Who knows? It could last a lifetime.

Let’s hope Dr. King’s example serves to guide our behavior going forward.

Tags: author, books, Circumstances of Childhood, Eternal Road - The final stop, fiction favorites, His Revenge, John W. Howell Author, My GRL, Our Justice, Ten Things Not to Do, The Contract with Gwen Plano, thriller fiction

73 comments

Gwen M. Plano · January 18, 2021 - 4:30 am ·

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was/is one of my heroes. We need his leadership now, if not in our Capitol, then in the streets and in our hearts. “We may have all come on different ships, but we are in the same boat now.” So simple, so relevant, so true. Thank you for focusing on him today, John. ✨💗✨

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 7:25 am ·
  
  I agree on the need for leadership. It has to come from the people. Thank you, Gwen.
  
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Victoria Ray NB · January 18, 2021 - 5:42 am ·

wonderful message for this day or any day, really 💙💙📚☕️

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 7:26 am ·
  
  Thank you, VR. 🍩☕️ 😁
  
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Dan Antion · January 18, 2021 - 6:11 am ·

Excellent, John. That’s a perfect wish. Thanks for reminding us of a great man and his wonderful dream.

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 7:27 am ·
  
  Thank you, Dan
  
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Pit · January 18, 2021 - 6:14 am ·

I’m hoping with you, John.

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 7:28 am ·
  
  Maybe a great sea of hope will turn the tide. Thanks, Pit.
  
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Jill Weatherholt · January 18, 2021 - 6:30 am ·

Dr. King’s message has never been more important. Thank you, John.

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 7:28 am ·
  
  Thank you, Jill. 😊
  
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Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections · January 18, 2021 - 6:33 am ·

Perfect words for today, tomorrow, and the tomorrows to come. If people only knew – so I shake my head at those who still do not acknowledge his cause.

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 7:29 am ·
  
  Yes indeed, Frank.
  
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Staci Troilo · January 18, 2021 - 6:41 am ·

Amen.

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patgarcia · January 18, 2021 - 6:54 am ·

Hi John,
I too wish for peace but a peace that exists in a loving and forgiving environment where people respect one another and agree that it’s okay to disagree. If that happens no one needs to be afraid and the next generations will grow up in safety instead of hatred.

Shalom aleichem

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1. Liz Gauffreau · January 18, 2021 - 7:25 am ·
  
  Well said, Pat.
  
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2. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 7:33 am ·
  
  A tall wish, Pat. As I look around I see both sides of the political spectrum spewing the same venom. Dr. King’s lessons are being universally ignored. Shalom.
  
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Dale · January 18, 2021 - 7:02 am ·

Beautifully said, John. Love over hate. Always. It would change the world if everyone decided to choose love.

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 7:35 am ·
  
  It can start as a small movement and build. Unfortunately the government isn’t the answer either. As we swing into a socialist phase there will be more hatred espoused by both sides. Thank you, Dale.
  
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  1. Dale · January 18, 2021 - 7:52 am ·
    
    Yes, it can.
    And no, government is not the answer. What you guys need is a third party to pop up, right in the middle…
    
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Liz Gauffreau · January 18, 2021 - 7:26 am ·

It takes people to keep Dr. King’s dream alive and see it come to fruition. Count me in.

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 7:36 am ·
  
  Thank you, Liz.
  
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  1. Liz Gauffreau · January 19, 2021 - 6:25 am ·
    
    You’re welcome, John.
    
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Teri Polen · January 18, 2021 - 7:35 am ·

Perfect.

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Darlene · January 18, 2021 - 8:20 am ·

This is a perfect Top Ten for today. Thanks.

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markbierman · January 18, 2021 - 8:43 am ·

Amen to that, John.

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Charlotte Hoather · January 18, 2021 - 9:46 am ·

I wish for peace for the USA this week.

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 2:22 pm ·
  
  Thnk you, Charlotte. We welcome your wish. 😊
  
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Teagan Riordain Geneviene · January 18, 2021 - 9:58 am ·

Simply and eloquently to the point, John. Terrific sentiment and post. Hugs on the wing.

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 2:21 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Teagan. Hugs
  
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Debbie · January 18, 2021 - 10:19 am ·

Well said, John! Peace and an end to hate are worth working for.

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 2:32 pm ·
  
  They sure are, Debbie. Thank you.
  
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Baydreamer · January 18, 2021 - 10:30 am ·

Perfect message and wish, John! Thank you!

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 2:32 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Lauren. 😊
  
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Jan Sikes · January 18, 2021 - 10:53 am ·

I share your wish for peace, John. Thank you!

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 2:31 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Jan
  
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Book Club Mom · January 18, 2021 - 11:10 am ·

I’m hopeful, John. Thanks for sharing this. I love that statue/sculpture.

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 2:31 pm ·
  
  It is beautiful. Thanks, Barbara.
  
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D.L. Finn, Author · January 18, 2021 - 1:39 pm ·

Yes, perfect thing to take away from Martin Luther King, John. I hope many hear his message today and every day.

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 2:27 pm ·
  
  I do too, Denise. Thank you.
  
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B R Chitwood · January 18, 2021 - 1:39 pm ·

We need a ‘calming and soothing’ air to wash over the people, to fill their hearts and minds…sweet whispers from God to take away the greed and hate!

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 2:27 pm ·
  
  If only, Billy Ray. If only that would happen.
  
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Becky Ross Michael · January 18, 2021 - 2:06 pm ·

Such an important hope!

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 2:26 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Becky. Maybe the most important right now. 😊
  
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  1. Becky Ross Michael · January 18, 2021 - 4:04 pm ·
    
    Probably so!
    
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  2. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 4:15 pm ·
    
    😊
    
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Susannah Bianchi · January 18, 2021 - 2:19 pm ·

I so loved this John. You said so much with very few words, the same way he did. I have a lump in my throat now. Thank you. 🙂

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 2:25 pm ·
  
  I think we all ought to have a collective lump in our throat. Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Susannah. 🤗
  
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  1. Susannah Bianchi · January 18, 2021 - 3:39 pm ·
    
    No, thank you John.
    
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  2. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 4:17 pm ·
    
    😊
    
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Marie A Bailey · January 18, 2021 - 2:37 pm ·

You have the perfect perspective, John, and I do believe it is shared by many. Thank you for this post ❤

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 4:15 pm ·
  
  Thank you for the comment, Marie. 🤗
  
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Luanne · January 18, 2021 - 5:53 pm ·

Oh, I love that! Hate is such a poison.

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 9:20 pm ·
  
  It is, Luanne. Thank you.
  
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petespringerauthor · January 18, 2021 - 7:07 pm ·

So sad that history continues to repeat itself. Generations of hate can take a long time to overcome.

I loved the curriculum teaching fifth-grade as social studies were all about US history. We spent a lot of time studying the civil rights movement, acting out the Rosa Parks bus ride. It was an age when we could get into important issues in-depth.

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 9:18 pm ·
  
  Hate is a tough one, Pete.
  
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shoreacres · January 18, 2021 - 8:07 pm ·

It’s a shame that this year’s celebration was overshadowed by events that he would have condemned. Perhaps by next year, we can have regained our senses, and the remembrance of his life and legacy can be more focused.

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 9:18 pm ·
  
  I agree. Looking forward to next year. Thanks, Linda
  
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Kim of Glover Gardens · January 18, 2021 - 8:27 pm ·

Yes! But let’s go beyond hope to ACTION.

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1. John W. Howell · January 18, 2021 - 9:17 pm ·
  
  Sounds good to me.
  
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Don Massenzio · January 19, 2021 - 6:12 am ·

Excellent message, John. It’s especially fitting for this week as we (hopefully) witness a peaceful transfer of power.

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1. John W. Howell · January 19, 2021 - 7:38 am ·
  
  There is seems to be enough firepower on the mall in DC for a peaceful transfer. Let’s hope all those knuckleheads decide to do something else like go to McDonalds instead of starting trouble. Thanks, Don.
  
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  1. Don Massenzio · January 19, 2021 - 9:45 am ·
    
    Ironic that you need firepower to keep things peaceful. I don’t envy those poor military folks having to protect the area from our own misguided citizens.
    
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  2. John W. Howell · January 19, 2021 - 10:28 am ·
    
    I agree. But we can’t repeat the mistake made by the DC police.
    
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circadianreflections · January 19, 2021 - 9:27 am ·

Great message and tribute to MLK, John!

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1. John W. Howell · January 19, 2021 - 10:27 am ·
  
  Thank you, Deborah.
  
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noelleg44 · January 19, 2021 - 9:29 am ·

Too bad too many of us have seem to have forgotten his message.

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1. John W. Howell · January 19, 2021 - 10:27 am ·
  
  Yes it is too bad, Noelle. Maybe over time we’ll remember.
  
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Sorryless · January 19, 2021 - 5:42 pm ·

Beautifully said, Boss.

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1. John W. Howell · January 20, 2021 - 7:27 am ·
  
  Thank you, Marc.
  
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Jennie · January 21, 2021 - 6:09 am ·

Hear, hear! This was just perfect, John.

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1. John W. Howell · January 21, 2021 - 7:09 am ·
  
  😊
  
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Andrew Joyce · January 23, 2021 - 6:00 pm ·

Good one, John.

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1. John W. Howell · January 23, 2021 - 6:27 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Andrew.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person

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