y convincing argument. The clergymen wrote a one-page letter that had incomplete information. MLK Jr. wrote a multipage letter that had an astounding argument that still leaves present day readers in awe of his ability to write. He uses many dexterous phrases along with irrefutable facts to cleverly persuade not only the clergymen, but also all readers. MLK Jr. forcefully undermines the clergymens criticism by quoting unquestionably correct sources and also by using the clergymens own words against them. The Bible, Socrates, and Martin Luther are just a few of the sources quoted in his letter, which subvert any criticism of his actions. The Bible is the most potent of his sources because the clergymen are men of the church and cannot deny the Bible of its truths. Socrates and Martin Luther are both very wise and pious men that people believe. Only a fool would argue against the greatest minds of history. This fact adds fuel to the fire of MLK Jr.s burning argument. From the beginning of his letter he twists and turns the words of the clergymen to his liking. The clergymen refer to MLK Jr. as an outsider. MLK Jr. subverts these words in the first paragraph of his letter, undermining the clergymen. He states that he has eighty-five affiliate organizations and that the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights is one of his affiliates, which has invited him to come to Alabama. This makes the clergymen look wrong right from the start of the letter. Another example of MLK Jr.s ingenious use of the distortion of the clergymens words is when he takes their phrase untimely and unwisely and uses it to show that they are completely wrong yet again (King pp.628-641). He goes on to explain that he and his affiliates delayed their demonstrations for political and economic reasons. He also states that he timed the demonstrations for days that would be most effective. These statements not only show that the demonstrations were wise...
