The central idea of paragraph 4 is that the moral crisis facing the country requires proactive and constructive action from individuals and lawmakers, rather than reactive measures or blame-shifting. This idea is implied rather than explicitly stated, as the paragraph focuses more on the necessity for action and the consequences of inaction. Two supporting details are: (1) The assertion that repressive police measures, protests, and superficial reforms will not address the crisis, emphasizing the need for meaningful engagement in legislative processes and daily life. (2) The distinction between those who do nothing, who risk inviting shame and violence, and those who act boldly, who acknowledge both right and reality, highlighting the importance of individual and collective responsibility in effecting change.
Write a brief paragraph explaining the central idea of paragraph 4. Identify the central idea, explain whether it is stated or implied, and list two details that support it.
(4) . . . We face, therefore, a moral crisis as a country and a people. It cannot be met by repressive police action. It cannot be left to increased demonstrations in the streets. It cannot be quieted by token moves or talk. It is a time to act in the Congress, in your State and local legislative body and, above all, in all of our daily lives. It is not enough to pin the blame on others, to say this is a problem of one section of the country or another, or deplore the facts that we face. A great change is at hand, and our task, our obligation, is to make that revolution, that change, peaceful and constructive for all. Those who do nothing are inviting shame, as well as violence. Those who act boldly are recognizing right, as well as reality.
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