Editorial

During the Civil Rights Movement Jews and blacks were inseparable allies. Both groups wanted the same result — the elimination of legal support for racial and religious discrimination. With the approval of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, that objective was substantially achieved. However, because of the innate hostility to people of color in this country, African Americans had to continue their fight. It was natural for blacks to identify with Rep. Ilhan Omar in her conflict in the Congress over policies in Israel.

Americans have the right to a legal defense when they are charged with a crime. The defendant may engage a lawyer of his choice, or accept a lawyer provided by the jurisdiction if the accused is unable to afford one. This right is so fundamental, it is shocking that Harvard University would question Professor Ronald Sullivan’s willingness to represent Harvey Weinstein in a rape case brought against him.

Having enjoyed the availability of health coverage under Obama’s ACA, working class voters are expected to respond to a campaign by the liberals to improve their health coverage. But with so many working class voters supporting conservative issues, the political backing for improved ACA cannot be assured.

Why do whites want to imitate blacks? An easy answer is that they want to ridicule blacks, but what is really on their minds?

In Boston, and undoubtedly elsewhere, blacks have been hampered from joining the police force. Even today there are only a few black members of the state police. It was not until the 1950s that Samuel M. Range became the first black trooper and he remained until retirement. At Range’s recent funeral, he was honored for his service in breaking down racial barriers.

What happened in New York? Shortly after Amazon named New York as the site of its new headquarters the company management rescinded the decision. What new circumstances caused the change?

Those pursuing abstract causes have to avoid the improper use of language lest they harm their objectives. That happened to some extent with “affirmative action,” and a careless usage of “socialism” seems to be developing.

It is unreasonable to expect the average person to be ready for whatever change comes.

An article in the Sunday New York Times entitled “When the suffrage movement sold out” showed how the suffragettes had failed to secure the voting rights of their black sisters in the South. It will be of interest to note whether gender solidarity holds up as the 115th Congress presses forward on controversial issues.

Despite periodic conflicts, it is far better to reflect on the human commonality between blacks and the Irish rather than revert to the antagonistic mindset that prevailed on North Sentinel Island.

As might be expected, Republican leaders who are embarrassed by King’s outbursts now state that they were unaware of his commitment to white supremacy. But King was the national co-chairman of Ted Cruz’s 2016 presidential effort. When the tide turned the Republican Party essentially renounced an embarrassing congressman.

Soon after attending to the implementation of the civil rights legislative gains, King turned to the Poor People’s campaign.