Of all my prosecutors ... not one is my peer, but each and all are my political sovereigns; and had your honor submitted my case t...o the jury, as was clearly your duty, then I should have had just cause of protest, for not one of those men was my peer; but, native or foreign born, white or black, rich or poor, educated or ignorant, sober or drunk, each and every man of them was my political superior; hence, in no sense, my peer.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
The confirmation of Clarence Thomas, one of the most conservative voices to be added to the [Supreme] Court in recent memory, carr...ies a sobering message for the African- American community.... As he begins to make his mark upon the lives of African Americans, we must acknowledge that his successful nomination is due in no small measure to the support he received from black Americans.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
... the outcome of the Clarence Thomas hearings and his subsequent appointment to the Supreme Court shows how misguided, narrow no...tions of racial solidarity that suppress dissent and critique can lead black folks to support individuals who will not protect their rights.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
The Supreme Court would have pleased me more if they had concerned themselves about enforcing the compulsory education provisions ...for Negroes in the South as is done for white children. The next ten years would be better spent in appointing truant officers and looking after conditions in the homes from which the children come. Use to the limit what we already have.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
The whole matter revolves around the self-respect of my people. How much satisfaction can I get from a court order for somebody to... associate with me who does not wish me near them?LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
We assume that politicians are without honor. We read their statements trying to crack the code. The scandals of their politics: n...ot so much that men in high places lie, only that they do so with such indifference, so endlessly, still expecting to be believed. We are accustomed to the contempt inherent in the political lie.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
As to the thirty-six Senators who placed themselves on record against the principle of a World Court, I am inclined to think that ...if they ever get to Heaven they will be doing a great deal of apologizing for a very long time--that is if God is against war--and I think He is.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »