Glenn Beck Rally: Has Criticism of Tomorrow's Event Been Fair or Unfair?
'World News' wants to know what you think. Share your comments below.
Aug. 27, 2010— -- Tomorrow, Fox News host Glenn Beck is planning a large rally on the National Mall in Washington D.C., an event that's drawn widespread criticism over its location and timing.
The rally will be held at the footsteps of the Lincoln Memorial on a significant day -- the anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, which was delivered in the same location 47 years ago.
About 100,000 people are expected to attend Beck's "Restoring America" rally, according to estimates from the National Park Service.
Beck says that Saturday's rally is non-political and intended to honor American troops. Still, many Tea Party chapters from across the country are planning to attend, and both Beck and Sarah Palin will deliver the keynote speeches.
"What they are trying to do is divert the nation from the agenda of Martin Luther King to their agenda, and I think that's hijacking his legacy," said Rev. Carlton W. Veazey, minister of the National Baptist Convention.
Some of have gone even further. Just yesterday, The Rev. Walter Fauntroy, a civil rights activist and former congressman, compared the Tea Party to the Ku Klux Klan, blasting the proposed rally.
Beck says that the timing of the event wasn't intentional, and the rally will also feature a speech from MLK's niece, Alveda King. She's expected to discuss her uncle's work.
"Uncle Martin's legacy is big enough to go around," Alveda King wrote in an op-ed for the Christian Science Monitor.
Our question to you today: Has criticism of Glenn Beck's "Restoring America" rally been fair or unfair?