and Henry David Thoreau were both people who were sent to prison for defying laws that they believed were unjust towards society. These two men were very different people but were very much the same. Each had his own theories and reasoning behind their acts, but their goals were always the same. Each man believed in standing up in what they believed in no matter what the repercussions.In Martin Luther King’s letter he says and believes that everyone, no matter where they live are together in one community. You can’t say that what ever happens in Atlanta does not affect you in Birmingham. If there is an injustice in Atlanta it affects you in Birmingham and is a threat everywhere no matter who you are. If you live in the U.S. you are never considered an outsider. King also believes that no one is weak and unimportant and that everyone has a role in the community. No matter how small of a job he has, if he doesn’t perform his obligations the community cannot function nor advance. Thoreau, however is not so optimistic. He believes that what ever happens in Atlanta does not affect other people or in that matter another city that has nothing to do with it. He also believes that one person’s vote or participation can make a difference. Thoreau holds that majority and nothing can change that.Both men were put in jail for very different reasons. Thoreau was thrown in jail for crime that he believed was unjust. He didn’t pay his poll tax. No matter how insignificant the law was, he thought the state was unjust for having the right to tax him. He stood up for what he believed in, and was not deterred from his beliefs when he was threatened with jail time. He encouraged people to do the same. He felt that the Government was corrupt and didn’t deserve his taxes. Martin Luther King also said that you should stand up for what you believe in. King was arrested for participating in sit-in at luncheon counters. This ...
