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As a child in rural Montana during the Civil Rights movement, my memories are filtered through the news of the time and sermons from the pulpit. These reports from faraway places cast a light on the shameful practices so foreign to what America is supposed to stand for. Fortunately it also cast a light on those willing to risk their lives for what they believed. Although the fight focused on rights for blacks, taking the long view means a look at the broad ramifications of the civil rights movement. It also improved the lot of women in this country, advanced the cause (and services) for the disabled and laid the groundwork for gay rights. And yet, although much progress has been made for the original intent, the racial divide and revisionist views of some whites -- as evidenced by some recent bizarre Civil War remembrances -- continue to haunt our country. Progress sometimes is grindingly slow. 

posted 2 years, 4 months ago
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