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American democracy Quote by John Nichols

“We are not wrong in what we are doing. If we are wrong, the Supreme Court of this nation is wrong. If we are wrong, the Constitution of the United States is wrong. If we are wrong, God Almighty is wrong. If we are wrong, Jesus of Nazareth was merely a utopian dreamer that never came down to Earth…” quote by John Nichols
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““We are not wrong in what we are doing. If we are wrong, the Supreme Court of this nation is wrong. If we are wrong, the Constitution of the United States is wrong. If we are wrong, God Almighty is wrong. If we are wrong, Jesus of Nazareth was merely a utopian dreamer that never came down to Earth. If we are wrong, justice is a lie, love has no meaning. And we are determined here in Montgomery to work and fight until justice runs down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream … There is never a time in our American democracy that we must ever think we are wrong when we protest. We reserve that right. When labor all over this nation came to see that it would be trampled over by capitalistic power, [there] was nothing wrong with labor getting together and organizing and protesting for its rights. We, the disinherited of this land, we who have been oppressed so long, are tired of going through the long night of captivity. And now we are reaching out for the daybreak of freedom and justice and equality.””

John Nichols

About This Quote

Source Speech: Montgomery rally, date unknown

The speaker asserts that any claim of being wrong is a challenge to supreme institutions, urging continued protest for justice and equality.

In simple terms: Protest is a right; justice must be pursued despite opposition.

Key Takeaway

Stand firm for justice.

Themes

justice protest rights equality faith

Mood

defiant passionate

Type

political spiritual

When to use this quote

  • civil rights marches
  • legal challenges
  • community organizing

Key Concepts

civil rights constitutional law activism spiritual belief

Questions to Reflect On

  • What limits should protest have?
  • How can you balance faith and activism?
A Different Perspective

Risk of alienating moderate allies.

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