On the 25th anniversary of the federal holiday named for King, many remember his assassination. King would have been 82 today and likely speaking out against the violence in Arizona.
Ray was an Illinois-born career criminal whom many called a puposeless man. He did not show signs of lunacy like Loughner but was, many say, a deeply disturbed individual.
The national sentiment was also similar in America. Politically-charged battles raged in the nation. Gun sales were increasing and rhetoric spilled onto the streets.
A CBS poll released Tuesday found that 57 percent of Americans don't believe the country's harsh political tone contributed to the attack. However, answering a slightly different question, 45 percent said they thought Loughner's political views were a factor.
However, as more information is revealed, authorities say Loughner seems more like a drug-addicted lunatic that a man with purpose. And he joins a long list of assassins.
Source: http://www.thirdage.com/news/james-earl-ray-king-killing-similar-tucson_1-17-2011#ixzz1BLsnjgJV
