Letter from a Birmingham Jail - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages Individuals have the moral responsibility not only to obey just laws but also to disobey unjust laws. King agrees “with St. Augustine that “an unjust law is no law at all” (King, 8). He holds that a just law is one that is in accordance with morality, uplifts human personality, and is equally applicable to the majority and the minority. King categorically asserts that “law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice” (King, 9). King’s position justifies government action which would be immoral from the perspective of an individual.
A government is morally within its rights to strike back at any threat to national security, regardless of the geographical location of the perceived enemy. The government’s foremost duty is to ensure the security of its citizens and preserve the sovereignty of the nation. Although King’s “inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny” is based on the United States of his era, changing times and vast technological advances in communication and transport have made his position applicable on a global scale (King, 5). Actions in one part of the globe have instant repercussions on distant parts. The interconnectedness of global networks of terror justifies government strikes anywhere in the world. Such strikes cannot be construed as a contravention of another nation’s sovereignty. The use of drones in Pakistan in making preemptive strikes against Al Quaeda is justified. Critics cite this as extreme action, but, as King asserts, being “extremists -- for the extension of justice” King, 11) is acceptable. This validates the Obama government’s action against Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. King acclaims “the vision to see that injustice must be rooted out by strong, persistent and determined action” (King, 12). Governments can resort to extreme actions, resulting in the loss of lives, in the cause of national security.
Government intervention in the cause of global justice is also justified. King strongly declares that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” King, 5). It is not possible to insulate America from the rest of the world. ...Download file to see next pages Read More