Letter to Birmingham jail

He first confesses that he has been “disappointed with the white moderate,” who he believes has been the largest obstacle to integration and black freedom. By preaching patience and valuing “order” over “justice,” moderates have ensured the continuation of segregation. He believes this moderation is worse that outright “ill will” (176-177). He is disappointed that moderates do not realize that the black man does not cause tension, but rather reveals society’s underlying tension by taking direct action against injustice. The protestors only bring this tension and injustice to the surface.

He cites the clergymen's statement, which argues that the actions of the SCLC “precipitate violence.” However, he likens this attack to blaming “a robbed man” because he had money to steal, or “condemning Jesus” because his faith angered others. In other words, the robber or villain should always be punished, not the victim for having given the villain something to attack (177).