Wednesday, September 5, 2012

A Great Moment, Remembered

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YouTube notation: "Uploaded by EVGINC on Oct 19, 2009
Barbara Jordan 1976 DNC Keynote Address taken from Great Speeches Vol. 4"

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from "the first and only" -- a remembrance of Barbara Jordan available at the Online NewsHour.

CHARLAYNE HUNTER-GAULT: We'll talk with two people about Barbara Jordan's life and impact, but first some words from Barbara Jordan, herself.

REP. BARBARA JORDAN, (D) Texas: (House Impeachment Hearing - July 25, 1974) Earlier today, we heard the beginning of the preamble to the Constitution of the United States. "We the people," it's a very eloquent beginning. But when that document was completed on the 17th of September in 1787, I was not included in that "we the people." I felt somehow for many years that George Washington and Alexander Hamilton just left me out by mistake. But through the process of amendment, interpretation, and court decisions, I have finally been included in "we the people."

BARBARA JORDAN: (Democratic National Convention - July 1976) Now, I began this speech by commenting to you on the uniqueness of a Barbara Jordan making the keynote address. Well, I am going to close my speech by quoting a Republican President. And I ask you that as you listen to these words of Abraham Lincoln, relate them to the concept of a national community in which every last one of us participates. "As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This"-- (applause) -- "This expresses my idea of democracy. Whatever differs from this to the extent of the difference is no democracy.

BARBARA JORDAN: (Democrat National Convention - July 1992) E pluribus unum. From many one. It was a good idea when the country was founded, and it's a good idea today! We must change that deleterious environment of the '80s, that environment which was characterized by greed and hatred and selfishness and mega mergers and debt overhang, change it to what? Change that environment of the '80s to an environment which is characterized by a devotion to the public interest, public service, tolerance, and love--love--love. (applause) Love.

How we miss that voice, that mind, that dignity, that thought, that heart.

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