The Omaha guide., 1955-06-24
Civil Rights In Our Democracy

MI. President, 1 ask unanimous consent to have printed in the
body of the Record a news report from The New York Times of May
%, 1855, reporting on the marked progress being made toward elm
ination of racial discrimination in the West This news item report
ing on a survey undertaken in 10 far Western States is most reassur-
ing because it reflects the marked decline in racial bias in our nation
and the growing realization that racial discrimination is incompatible
with our democratic principles and with our aspirations for a whole
some, healthy American society.
1 want to add to the encouraging news reported by the New York
Times survey the information that my own State of Minnesota in this
past session of the Legislature adopted a bill to establish fair employ
ment practices in our State. This is added evidence that the true
spirit of America is a spirit of human equality.
These developments are a refreshing breath of fresh air in these
days of controversy over the augmentation of equal rights for all
our citizens. The principle of human equality is the cornerstone Of
political democracy Just so long a we tolerate conditions of second
class citizenship we weaken and jeopardze the fufillment of the OBJ
Jechves OF a democratic society.
1t is reassuring to see the steady progress which is being made in
the guaranteeing of civil rights to all persons regardless of race, color.
or creed. The force of events in the world and the spirit of liberal
democracy at home places increased emphasis upon the urgency Of
eliminating all forms of discrimination, bigotry, and intolerance.
The Supreme Court in its decision declaring segregation in public
schools unconstitutional and calling for indignation has fortified the
cause of civil rights in a most vital area.
In my judgment there has been too much irresponsible talk by a
small group of people who have been dissatisfied with the Supreme
Court decision. The task of responsible American citizenship is to set
about conscientiously and construcivdy to solve our Nations social
problems within the framework of our laws and our Constitution.
The fulillment of the ideals and detectives of our Constitution
manship is the subordination of selfish political advantage for the
national good. There is a problem involved in the elimination of
the proportions of this problem and has laid down a course Of action
that is moderate but mandatory, reasonable but firmly declared. Let
and constructlvely helping to meet 1t We must get on with the job
and demonstrate effective and continuing progress.
The Constitution o. the United States is the supreme law of the
land. The Supreme Court, under our Constitution, is the final author
Court has declared that segregation in the public schools is a viola
ton of the supreme law of the land. The responsibility is, therefore,
upon all lawabiding citizens and on all levels of government to con-
form to the Constitution. 1t is the responsibility of the Executive
Branch of the government to first seek observance of the law, and,
if need be, enforce the law. 1 am confident this will be done. Neither
the President, the Congress, any State O subdivision of government,
nor any citizen is above the Constitution.