In 1846, thoreau’s act of civil disobedience was in response to slavery and the mexican-american war. though the essay did not receive widespread recognition in his own time, thoreau’s “civil disobedience” has inspired countless activists, including gandhi and martin luther king, jr. what law, policy, or practice in today’s society do you feel is unjust and want to change? your response should include three parts: state the law/policy or practice, explain why it is not just or moral, and explain what we must do to achieve justice.