Quick Hits: Week of Martin Luther King Jr's ‘Dream’

A few items making this a both good (and bad) week of remembering a fallen civil rights hero

It’s hump day. That means the week is all downhill from here.

On the journey to the mountaintop, it’s safe to say Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. didn’t envision a raucous debate audience in South Carolina cheering on racist “welfare queen” rhetoric from men auditioning to be president.

That, on the day that would later be set aside to commemorate his and others’ contribution to the country.

Fret not. It’s been more than just “Newty” this week. There’ve been a few sweet moments as well. Below I’ve mixed a bit of the good with the not so good:

The Obamas host surviving Tuskegee airmen for new film

Last Friday, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle got an early screening of Red Tails, the new action film depicting the Tuskegee Airmen’s triumph over racism during World War II. Several living Tuskegee airmen, members of the film’s cast, and producer George Lucas joined the Obamas at the White House. Lucas claims Red Tails is the first all-black action film ever made, although many cinephiles debate whether that’s completely true. The movie opens in theaters this Friday.

Also check out: "Ten Movies To Consider During MLK, Jr. Week"

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Chris Matthews says poor blacks are the hardest working

MSNBC Hardball host Chris Matthews delivered poignant closing remarks during his Tuesday night broadcast, bluntly chiding former House Speaker Newt Gingrich for racial rhetoric during Monday’s presidential debate in South Carolina. He ends the show by challenging users of “welfare queen” rhetoric to observe how early those Americans wake to take the bus to their hard, low-paying jobs.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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President gets in one more jab at birthers

Muhammad Ali and Michelle Obama aren’t the only public figures celebrating a birthday this week. Golden Girls actress Betty White turns 90. The folks at NBC threw her a televised bash. President Barack Obama even got in on the act, and also poked fun at the “birthers” who hounded him about his origins.

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NYT gives inside look into debate prep

The good folks over at the Times' The Caucus blog give a behind-the-scenes look at prepping for a presidential debate.

Also, check out Loop21’s debate recap and analysis:

- “GOP Debate Recap: Southern Confederate Pride”

- “President Obama: The Welfare King?”

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OWS co-ops Dr. King’s dream

To those who think the Occupy Wall Street group has fizzled away to nothing, here’s your proof that that’s not true. On Monday, OWS staged several multi city demonstration, declaring a continuation of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s message of economic justice. Hip hop mogul and OWS activist Russell Simmons sat down with Current TV’s Keith Olbermann.