Then: Attack the Problem
The only genuine, long-range solution from what has happened lies in attack --
mounted at every level -- upon the conditions that breed despair and violence.
All of us know what those conditions are: ignorance, discrimination, slums, poverty,
disease, not enough jobs. We should attack these conditions -- not because we
are frightened by conflict, but because we are fired by conscience.
-- Opening statement by President Lyndon B. Johnson, July 27, 1967
Now: Let's Keep Working On It
Today, I ask the American people to join me in a great national effort to perfect
the promise of America for this new time as we seek to build our more perfect
union. . . . That is the unfinished work of our time, to lift the burden of race
and redeem the promise of America.
-- Opening statement by President Clinton, June 14, 1997
Then: Divided We Fall
To pursue our present course will involve the continuing polarization of the American
community and, ultimately, the destruction of basic American values.
-- Introduction to Kerner report
Now: United We Stand
Throughout the year, the Board heard stories and shared experiences that reinforced
their belief that we are a country whose citizens are more united than divided.
All too often, however, racial differences and discrimination obstruct our ability
to move beyond race and color to recognize our common values.
-- Introduction to Clinton report
Then: The Aim Was 'Visible Progress'
It is time to adopt strategies for action that will produce quick and visible
progress. It is time to make good the promises of American democracy to all citizens
-- urban and rural, white and black, Spanish-surname, American Indian and every
minority group.
-- Kerner introduction
Now: The Aim Is 'Dialogue'
The Board struggled with the fact that there currently does not exist a language
or vocabulary that respects differences of opinion and experience that often materialize
during conversations about race and racism in this country. The absence of such
a language created tensions and opportunities to expand the dialogue.
-- Clinton board's introduction
Then: Integrate the Schools
We support integration as the priority education strategy because it is essential
to the future of American society. . . . It is indispensable that opportunities
for integration between the races be expanded.
-- Kerner Commission
Now: Hey, That Was a Good Idea
Emerging evidence shows that diversity in the education context, including racial
diversity is essential to provide all students with a complete educational experience.
To varying degrees in the K-12 and higher education contexts, diversity can promote
many benefits that accrue to all students and society.
-- Clinton board
Then: The News Media Are Out to Lunch
By and large, news organizations have failed to communicate to both their black
and white audiences a sense of the problems America faces and the sources of potential
solutions. The media report and write from the standpoint of a white man's world.
The ills of the ghetto, the difficulties of life there, the Negro's burning sense
of grievance, are seldom conveyed.
-- Kerner Commission
Now: What Media?
The Clinton advisory board did not discuss the media.
Then: Subsidize Millions of New Homes
In our view the dimension of the need calls for an unprecedented national effort.
We believe that the nation's housing programs must be expanded to bring within
the reach of low and moderate income families 600,000 new and existing units next
year and 6 million units over the next five years.
-- Kerner Commission
Now: Segregation Is Regrettable
Many poor minority residents live in segregated, isolated and stigmatized neighborhoods.
Racial segregation, limited job opportunities, and discrimination continue to
serve as a basis for persistent minority poverty. As a result, efforts to remove
these barriers to prosperity are important, although not easy, and will require
commitment from government, business, the nonprofit community and local communities.
-- Clinton board