7 Comments
⭠ Return to thread

You're right. Neither was Eisenhower, but by 1957 there was a sufficient political movement in favor of civil rights in the wake of Brown that he had to act in Little Rock like it or not. Presidents are weather vanes. As FDR said to his advisors in 1932 following his election (before his inauguration) regarding their suggestions for action: "No go out and convince the country to convince me to do these things."

Expand full comment

You have not answered with reference to Theodore's level of determination to secure the rights and equality of Blacks in the USA. Cheers!

Expand full comment

I have answered you twice. As I pointed out, the existence of a viable political movement has to precede the kind of action you are talking about. It's still the case.

Expand full comment

I did not read your answer concerning Theodore Roosevelt's personal commitment in his mind, heart and gut to the rights and equality of Blacks. You mentioned common political practice and slogans not what motivates a leader to do what he believes in even with unfavorable odds. The equality of Blacks was not on Theodore Roosevelt's agenda.

How committed have most Democrats and liberals been to Civil Rights? Might a major factor in the position of Blacks in this country have to do the level of engagement on the part of White America? That may change with the participation of young American voters.

Expand full comment

I don't go around finding people guilty of being in step with their times, since we'd all be doing time under that.

Expand full comment

I wonder what my answer to that would have been around 1957?

Expand full comment

I did not see your answer to my last question. If you read my initial response to '120 YEARS AGO... you saw what T. Roosevelt's opinion was of Blacks.

Expand full comment