Millions of Americans joined together on Monday to honor the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. Here in Ogden, the local chapter of the NAACP organized a march and event with hundreds participating.

Yet at this very moment every single Republican member of the House and Senate stands opposed to passing legislation that would protect voting rights for all Americans. Ensuring the right to vote was central to Dr. King’s mission — we have all seen the photo of him standing behind President Lyndon Johnson as the Voting Rights Act was signed into law in 1965. This law gave voting rights federal protection, which has since eroded.

With echoes of Jefferson Davis and George Wallace, Republican leaders proclaim “states’ rights” and dismiss the idea that the federal government can provide this protection. Included in this group are all six members of Utah’s congressional delegation — all Republicans.

Protecting the most fundamental right given to all Americans, the opportunity to vote, is job number one for our elected representatives. Spare us their empty and worthless statements recognizing Dr. King and his work. Their actions, or non-actions, speak louder than their words. Until they truly embrace Dr. King’s mission and work to support voting rights, they are not worthy to utter his name.

Michael Bowcut

Pleasant View

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