((So, with the passage of the Communist Control Act, I need to know if @Fingon888 or @simcull would like to challenge the law and bring it before the Supreme Court. I will get the update as soon as possible after getting an answer to this.))
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Hausmann and Campbell Take to the Courts
The recently passed Communist Control Act that went through both Houses of Congress and signed into law by the President, whom I will not attack as I deeply respect him having served under his command against the Nazi threat in Europe back in the '40s, is simply absurd. I have no love for Communists. I was part of a movement that purged Soviet sympathizers from the Socialist Party in Wisconsin through legitimate party politics. However, my fellow socialists did not then prevent those Communists from forming a party and expressing their God given, and more importantly given by the Constitution, right to freedom of speech. If we now as a nation curb the right of people to express their views and to form political parties of whatever views we will become no better than the Soviets that you seek to defeat in this bill. In the USSR you may only be a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. This is the same in China, Romania, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, and all of the other Communist dictatorships in Europe and Asia. If you prevent a person from forming a political party or from joining a political party you become exactly what you hate in those horrid bastions of autocracy. Therefore I announce that Nicholas B. Hausmann and Alexander J. Campbell will take the government of the United States of America to court in order to prove unconstitutional nature of the Communist Control Act and to have the Supreme Court of the United States of America throw the law out to protect freedom of speech.
Yours humbly,
Nicholas Bernard Hausmann
Jame made his first foray into Wyoming politics by speaking of the recent national events, the Communist Control Act and the subsequent lawsuit brought to the courts by Hausmann and Campbell. He met with the reporters from Casper, Cheyenne, and Laramie at his ranch. There he stood on his front porch in his usual ranching clothes: white cowboy hat, cowboy boots, a tan shirt and dark pants. His gun rested comfortably in its holster on his hip. He smiled out to the reporters as they waited for his opinions on the "Communist Matter."
"These folks there down in Washington think we need to stay American through and through. I agree. We cannot overcome the Communists by mere military might but through ideas. This act they have down in Congress, the one limiting Communist activities among the people, it is clearly in the best interest of the people of this country. Yet we have two so-called men running around the country stirring up furor over the government's right to see that all Americans are held to a higher standing. I read the newspaper reports of Hausmann declaring that our government, our hard-won, battle-bled freedom-loving government, is acting as those Ruskies do over there. I'm here to tell you that I didn't fight for our beloved country or watch my brother die from an Italian mortar to let any of those damn Reds set up a stake in my country. No sirs. We have a perfect opportunity in this country to show the world that we don't put up with that shit.
America is the land of the free, hell look at us out here in Wyoming. Why...in a Red-controlled nation we'd all be forced to work in one industry or another, no one would get the opportunity to ride to their own path in life. When people tell the papers that it's all about freedom of speech I just laugh. Our freedom of speech is dear to our hearts but what happens when those speeches turn into treason? Are we better off then? No sirs. The best way to handle the Red threat is to treat it as a threat. Any politician who has their head so far up their ass to not see the difference is not worth fussing over.
Now we have in this state the opportunity to elect an individual to lead our fine people towards Americanism or towards a Red-controlled life. I tell you fine folks out there, I'm here to stand up for what it means to be an American. Our values are simple out here, but they have served us well. We'll do a great job without any interference by so-called "Americans" wearing a donkey's ass.
You heard it from me, Jame Fort. I hope I won't be the only American left if the Commies get their way."
He shook hands with the reporters after some follow-up questions about his chances against Clifford Rogers and some thoughts on local land issues. Then Jame smiled a big smile and went back to his duties on the ranch.
"These folks there down in Washington think we need to stay American through and through. I agree. We cannot overcome the Communists by mere military might but through ideas. This act they have down in Congress, the one limiting Communist activities among the people, it is clearly in the best interest of the people of this country. Yet we have two so-called men running around the country stirring up furor over the government's right to see that all Americans are held to a higher standing. I read the newspaper reports of Hausmann declaring that our government, our hard-won, battle-bled freedom-loving government, is acting as those Ruskies do over there. I'm here to tell you that I didn't fight for our beloved country or watch my brother die from an Italian mortar to let any of those damn Reds set up a stake in my country. No sirs. We have a perfect opportunity in this country to show the world that we don't put up with that shit.
America is the land of the free, hell look at us out here in Wyoming. Why...in a Red-controlled nation we'd all be forced to work in one industry or another, no one would get the opportunity to ride to their own path in life. When people tell the papers that it's all about freedom of speech I just laugh. Our freedom of speech is dear to our hearts but what happens when those speeches turn into treason? Are we better off then? No sirs. The best way to handle the Red threat is to treat it as a threat. Any politician who has their head so far up their ass to not see the difference is not worth fussing over.
Now we have in this state the opportunity to elect an individual to lead our fine people towards Americanism or towards a Red-controlled life. I tell you fine folks out there, I'm here to stand up for what it means to be an American. Our values are simple out here, but they have served us well. We'll do a great job without any interference by so-called "Americans" wearing a donkey's ass.
You heard it from me, Jame Fort. I hope I won't be the only American left if the Commies get their way."
He shook hands with the reporters after some follow-up questions about his chances against Clifford Rogers and some thoughts on local land issues. Then Jame smiled a big smile and went back to his duties on the ranch.
-83rd Congress-
July 1953 - May 1954
Congress had once again prevailed in overcoming partisan differences, as many bills were passed with relatively little strife or conflict, with the closest thing to a genuine conflict materializing in the high number of missed votes among members of the House of Representatives in regard to the Communist Control Act. The silent indifference of many congressmen was attributed to Speaker of the House Elam, who had made it clear that he would question the proposal not by opposing it, but rather by refusing to come out in support of it. Despite this move, the CCA ultimately passed with ease. This, however, was not the end for the legislation, which had already been called into question as unconstitutional. "Popular" socialist icons such as Alexander J. Campbell and Nicholas Hausmann had immediately engaged in lawsuits when they or their political allies had been arrested during rallies. Hausmann had attempted to contact President Eisenhower, but his calls for an end to McCarthyist witch-hunts fell mostly on deaf ears as the President began to feel pressure from anti-communists both on and off Capitol Hill.July 1953 - May 1954
Senator Joseph McCarthy
While the various anti-CCA cases were ongoing, a crisis had begun to brew in Iran, where the democratically-elected Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh had engaged in several notable anti-Western actions, with the most remarkable being the nationalization of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company. This action had sparked outrage in the British government, who (it was later discovered) would contact the CIA to conduct an operation to depose Mossadegh. The operation was a success, although the impact from deposing a popular Prime Minister may have broader effects on the future of Iran than intended.
Prime Minister Mossadegh on his first and last visit to the United States
October was marked with the testing of the United States' first hydrogen bomb, as well as the appointment of Earl Warren as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. It was around this time that the socialist-backed court cases had begun to make some waves, although climbing up the appellate ladder would take some time. These waves, however, would be met with intense opposition, concentrated in South Florida, by the Patriotic Front, a minor political party associated with intense nationalism, nativism, and anti-communism. Their work, however, failed to secure anywhere near as much support for their cause as originally hoped, although they had succeeded in causing severe wounds in the public opinion of socialists, already at a significant low following the passage of the CCA.
The First Issue of Playboy Magazine
December would bring the publication of the first issue of Playboy, which would quickly become a popular publication for men of all stripes. Additionally, President Eisenhower made clear that he would pursue a stronger nuclear arsenal so as to encourage peace in the world. This became widely known as the "Atoms for Peace" speech, which was the political highlight of the month of December in American and World politics.
Vaccinations in Pittsburgh, PA
February would be signaled by a warning, courtesy of President Eisenhower. He warned of going to war in Vietnam, fearing that it would not only have a massive social strain on the American people, but also that it would be an exceptionally difficult conflict due to the terrain of the region. While Ike warned of a new war, Pittsburgh, PA was home to the first mass-vaccination of children against polio. Congressman Nathaniel Stone made an appearance in which he applauded the work of scientists to bring health and safety to a new generation.
Flag of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party
Stone, however, would be seriously wounded in a shooting incident at the U.S. Capitol. It is discovered that the shooting was conducted by Puerto Rican Nationalists, who had succeeded in wounding 8 congressmen before nearly escaping. Stone would be hospitalized following the incident, leading to him missing a number of votes- not that it was much concern, given Congress' willingness to cooperate during such trying times.
Demonstrations against Brown v. Board of Education often channeled popular anger at communism
The month of May would ultimately bring an extremely important Supreme Court case in Brown v. Board of Education. The court, with recently-appointed Chief Justice Warren at its head, would make a unanimous decision that the "separate but equal" alluded to in Plessy v. Ferguson should be overturned and that segregated schools were completely unconstitutional. This decision sparked outrage and protest in the South, setting the scene for what may be a difficult and especially trying period for many Americans...
POLLING STATISTICS:
GOP - 41.4%
DEM - 37.9%
Eisenhower - 56.1%
Congress - 48.4%
Brown v. Board of Education - 39.2%
Communism - 6.8%
GOP - 41.4%
DEM - 37.9%
Eisenhower - 56.1%
Congress - 48.4%
Brown v. Board of Education - 39.2%
Communism - 6.8%
_____________________________________________
((So, after a long delay, there's finally an update!
We are about to enter the period where you may propose legislation. Feel free to do so at your leisure, although you should keep in mind that you must announce your candidacy if you plan to run for any office in November 1954.
This proposal/announcement period will last 48 hours, or until approx. 8:00 PM EST on Sunday. Have fun!
Last edited:
David James Adams announces his intention to run for Kansas seat in the United States Senate.
*Nathaniel Stone stands on the steps of the Cathedral of Learning on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh*
I must congratulate the works of Dr. Jonas Salk and Dr. Thomas Francis Jr. as well as the medical professors at the University of Pittsburgh in advancing the field of medicine to include a successful vaccine against one of the deadliest diseases to ever infect human kind. Polio is a disease that is comparable to smallpox and the bubonic plague, in that it has killed thousands of people, crippled many more, and has broke hearts across the country. How many of us know someone who was put in an iron-lung or has been unable to walk due to the disease? It is a disease that has affected us for centuries, but now, with the help of Dr. Salk and Dr. Francis Jr., we have the methods to finally eradicate this disease once and for all!
I must congratulate the works of Dr. Jonas Salk and Dr. Thomas Francis Jr. as well as the medical professors at the University of Pittsburgh in advancing the field of medicine to include a successful vaccine against one of the deadliest diseases to ever infect human kind. Polio is a disease that is comparable to smallpox and the bubonic plague, in that it has killed thousands of people, crippled many more, and has broke hearts across the country. How many of us know someone who was put in an iron-lung or has been unable to walk due to the disease? It is a disease that has affected us for centuries, but now, with the help of Dr. Salk and Dr. Francis Jr., we have the methods to finally eradicate this disease once and for all!
Charles P. Granger announces his intention to run for the House of Representatives as the representative for Massachusetts' 10th congressional district.
"Today we have reached a day of decision. From the grounds of Washington comes a request that Texan schools, with Texan boys and girls will be told how to learn because of how nine people feel. Now personally I have expressed my opinion that a state's residents ought to be able to decide how to govern their state. It worries me that the Supreme Court isn't doing more to enforce the laws up North where de facto segregation is a truth, rather in the South where the people uphold it as law. You want integration in the North? That's fine. You want segregation in the South? That's fine, but you simply cannot enforce total-integration or total-segregation across the United States without some people gettin' pissed off. But I've got a solution that makes everyone happy. It's called voting, Mr. Warren. If Texas is in favor of continuing segregation, I will uphold their decision. If not, I'll have to comply. It's not for me to choose, it's for the people of Texas to. Since I've been elected Governor I've upheld the idea of popular sovereignty, because it works in our democracy. If the people disagreed with a president like Washington, he wouldn't have gone stompin' all over the state's laws and 10th Amendment to get his way. He was a man who believed in popular sovereignty, such as the likes of Jefferson and Jackson. That said, I hope Warren and a whole lot of other politicians in this country wake up and smell the coffee, 'cause enforcing integration across the board just won't work. Focus on enforcing the laws in the Northern states, and we'll enforce ours. That's the only right thing to do. Maybe someday they'll look back at "that Texan Governor", and realize that he wasn't just sayin' things.
Now, I have to say that my work in Texas is far from done. There is so much one man can do in one term, and the two years I have known you all have been not too shabby, I reckon. I'm lookin' out for those in need all over Texas. Farmers, I'll help us get through this drought to improve our agriculture. Waco, I'm here to aid all our cities to improve our industry and protect our citizens. People our Texas, it's time for two more years as Governor!
-Governor Leonard P. Jefferson
Now, I have to say that my work in Texas is far from done. There is so much one man can do in one term, and the two years I have known you all have been not too shabby, I reckon. I'm lookin' out for those in need all over Texas. Farmers, I'll help us get through this drought to improve our agriculture. Waco, I'm here to aid all our cities to improve our industry and protect our citizens. People our Texas, it's time for two more years as Governor!
-Governor Leonard P. Jefferson
Governor Spencer speaks on a syndicated Illinois news show.
HOST: "So, Governor, a lot of things are going down in the United States regarding the right of coloreds, communists, and the recent coup d'etat in Iran. You were an adamant supporter of the Eisenhower campaign back in 1952, and you defeated the Democratic nominee for Governor with good strides. Can, uh, you tell us a bit about your feelings about the demands for integration by the Supreme Court in the South, and in other states? You and the Republican-majority Illinois State Senate and House passed laws last year that... uh, forcibly integrated housing and other things in the State of Illinois.
SPENCER: Yes, Sam, you're right. I have always been a firm believer in integration, and an opponent of segregation. "Seperate but equal" is contradictory to the text of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. I support the appointment of Earl Warren as he has always had strong liberal credentials. I'm hoping that under his guidance, SCOTUS rules in a manner becoming a land of liberty and freedom such as ours.
HOST: What do you think about the lawsuit against the Communist Control Act, and the challenges to banning the Communists?
SPENCER: Well, uh, I fought against Communism on the ground in China and Korea, and I remember the atrocities committed in the name of this phoney baloney Workers Revolution, and I've stood firm against communism the entire time I've campaigned; but I can't agree with the Communist Control Act entirely because, well, you have people like the Patriotic Front, who are basically Hiterlites in a patriotic disguise, and they're still allowed to run about preaching their own brand of right-wing militancy; yet we ban Communists? If we're going to ban the radical leftists, let's do it to the right to. Fascism and Communism are two sides of the same beast.
HOST: Absolutely, sir... what about the coup in Iran?
SPENCER: As a soldier, and a man of dignity, I am disgusted by the coup d'etat that deposed the democratically elected leader of Iran, and I am appauled by President Eisenhower's lethargy in the matter. Our British Allies should know better than to go around overthrowing democratic regimes on a whim; if I was President, I would have had some strong words for the Prime Minister, and would have directed the State Department and CIA to conduct operations to restore the democratic regime. This will come back and bite America firmly on the butt in the coming years, if you ask me.
HOST: So, sir, is this an unofficial official confirmation of rumors here in Illinois that you might be running in opposition to General Eisenhower in '56?
SPENCER: [laughs] I dunno about that one, Sam. I have immense respect for President Eisenhower, and if he keeps governing the way he does, and shows Congress a thing or two, he may just work out and be a two-term President. If President Eisenhower continues to backpedal on democratic principles overseas, then yes, I would consider an opposition run for the nomination in 1956; but just as well, if he remains firm in defense of democracy, I will gladly endorse him for another term.
HOST: What about 1960?
SPENCER: Well now! That's even further away! All I know is that the coming years are bright for America, and I know we'll do what is right by the people, and by the law of the land. That's all I can really say on the matter.
HOST: If the Republican Party became untenable to your ideological aims, would you defect to the Democratic Party?
SPENCER: Not as long as they have racists and Dixiecrats in their ranks, no sir. If the Republican Party ceases to be the function of democracy, liberty and progression in this nation, as good ol' Teddy Roosevelt intended, I would probably form my own third party; likely named after Lincoln's 1864 "National Union", and draw liberals from both parties together under one house, to show the establishment the ol' one-two.
HOST: So a repeat of Roosevelt's appearance in 1912?
SPENCER: Something like that, yes.
HOST: Thank you for being on the show today, Governor. We'll be back with the local news. This is Sam Washburn signing off for now, enjoy The Ink Spots' "I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire"...
HOST: "So, Governor, a lot of things are going down in the United States regarding the right of coloreds, communists, and the recent coup d'etat in Iran. You were an adamant supporter of the Eisenhower campaign back in 1952, and you defeated the Democratic nominee for Governor with good strides. Can, uh, you tell us a bit about your feelings about the demands for integration by the Supreme Court in the South, and in other states? You and the Republican-majority Illinois State Senate and House passed laws last year that... uh, forcibly integrated housing and other things in the State of Illinois.
SPENCER: Yes, Sam, you're right. I have always been a firm believer in integration, and an opponent of segregation. "Seperate but equal" is contradictory to the text of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. I support the appointment of Earl Warren as he has always had strong liberal credentials. I'm hoping that under his guidance, SCOTUS rules in a manner becoming a land of liberty and freedom such as ours.
HOST: What do you think about the lawsuit against the Communist Control Act, and the challenges to banning the Communists?
SPENCER: Well, uh, I fought against Communism on the ground in China and Korea, and I remember the atrocities committed in the name of this phoney baloney Workers Revolution, and I've stood firm against communism the entire time I've campaigned; but I can't agree with the Communist Control Act entirely because, well, you have people like the Patriotic Front, who are basically Hiterlites in a patriotic disguise, and they're still allowed to run about preaching their own brand of right-wing militancy; yet we ban Communists? If we're going to ban the radical leftists, let's do it to the right to. Fascism and Communism are two sides of the same beast.
HOST: Absolutely, sir... what about the coup in Iran?
SPENCER: As a soldier, and a man of dignity, I am disgusted by the coup d'etat that deposed the democratically elected leader of Iran, and I am appauled by President Eisenhower's lethargy in the matter. Our British Allies should know better than to go around overthrowing democratic regimes on a whim; if I was President, I would have had some strong words for the Prime Minister, and would have directed the State Department and CIA to conduct operations to restore the democratic regime. This will come back and bite America firmly on the butt in the coming years, if you ask me.
HOST: So, sir, is this an unofficial official confirmation of rumors here in Illinois that you might be running in opposition to General Eisenhower in '56?
SPENCER: [laughs] I dunno about that one, Sam. I have immense respect for President Eisenhower, and if he keeps governing the way he does, and shows Congress a thing or two, he may just work out and be a two-term President. If President Eisenhower continues to backpedal on democratic principles overseas, then yes, I would consider an opposition run for the nomination in 1956; but just as well, if he remains firm in defense of democracy, I will gladly endorse him for another term.
HOST: What about 1960?
SPENCER: Well now! That's even further away! All I know is that the coming years are bright for America, and I know we'll do what is right by the people, and by the law of the land. That's all I can really say on the matter.
HOST: If the Republican Party became untenable to your ideological aims, would you defect to the Democratic Party?
SPENCER: Not as long as they have racists and Dixiecrats in their ranks, no sir. If the Republican Party ceases to be the function of democracy, liberty and progression in this nation, as good ol' Teddy Roosevelt intended, I would probably form my own third party; likely named after Lincoln's 1864 "National Union", and draw liberals from both parties together under one house, to show the establishment the ol' one-two.
HOST: So a repeat of Roosevelt's appearance in 1912?
SPENCER: Something like that, yes.
HOST: Thank you for being on the show today, Governor. We'll be back with the local news. This is Sam Washburn signing off for now, enjoy The Ink Spots' "I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire"...
Nicholas B. Hausmann announces his intention to run for the House of Representatives as a representative for Wisconsin's 5th District.
Senator Benjamin Joseph Blake in an interview on a Seattle radio station:
INTERVIEWER: Hello ladies and gentlemen. Tonight I have with me our fair state's representative in the Senate, Senator Benjamin Joseph Blake. It's good to have you here.
BLAKE: It's good to be here.
INTERVIEWER: Let's get right to the question everyone is dying to ask. What is your opinion on the Brown vs. Board of Education case?
BLAKE: To be honest, I can't say that I've formed a definitive opinion yet.
INTERVIEWER: Is that some fancy way of saying you don't want to choose either side to avoid alienating voters.
BLAKE: *laughs* No, that's not it. Simply put, I'm not qualified to make an informed decision yet. You have to understand that here in the Northwest, you could go your entire life without seeing a single Negro. We have Asians, sure, but they're very different from the average Negro. I don't know the circumstances that the average Negro in the South might go through, nor do I know the situation for the white population as well. There could be a legitimate reason for their decision to allow segregation. I will say that I support men and women of all races having equal access to education.
INTERVIEWER: What about the legal ramifications of the issue in regards to the Constitution? I've heard both sides using it for their arguments.
BLAKE: Whenever the Constitution is involved, things get difficult. Segregationists will tell you that forcing them to end segregation interferes with state rights, while those in favour of ending it says that segregation itself is unconstitutional. I can see valid points for both. Segregation could be seen as infringing on the rights of the Negros, who have as much right to seek education as do those of other races. If that requires them to attend classes amongst the white population, then so be it. I don't know if that is necessarily required, as I have said I know little of the specifics of the issue. As for state rights, the opponents of segregation better be ready for a uphill battle. The last time the federal government tried to change the station of the Negro at the expense of state rights, we had a civil war. Everyone should keep that in mind.
INTERVIEWER: Well, enough of that. What is your opinion on the Communist Control Act?
BLAKE: There is a reason that I refused to vote for or against it. While I am fully opposed to communism and all it stands for, I do not believe this is the right approach to the matter. Our nation has always been about freedom and liberty. Our democratic system allows men of all opinion to participate and vote for who they want. Restricting that in any way infringes on that right. If we start banning parties because the majority don't approve of them, we'll eventually end up with a one party state like the USSR.
INTERVIEWER: Some believe that the socialist and communist parties could act as spies for the Soviets.
BLAKE: And banning them will just encourage those people to go underground and act in the shadows. If you give people the opportunity to express their beliefs freely, they will believe in the system and support it. If we truly believe that we are better than the Soviets, then we should not fear these socialists. Perhaps their ideas may resemble some of those in the Soviet Union, but they are far from communists. They believe in the democratic system as much as anyone else. Now if they start calling for a Soviet-style government, then we might have a need to be concerned.
INTERVIEWER: So would you say you support these socialist parties in the United States?
BLAKE: Not exactly. I do not agree with all their ideas, although I do share similar views on others. What I do believe in is that every party should have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. There are people out there, mostly workers, who agree with the socialist line. As long as they are allowed to express that view and vote for representatives who support it, they will have no need to resort to more subversive means of obtaining their goals.
INTERVIEWER: Aren't you afraid the Soviets might try to undermine our democratic system.
BLAKE: I'd like to see them try. As long as we are all truly free in America, most people will see no need to follow the doctrines espoused by a tyrannical communist government. Let the Soviets fear their people's growing demand for democratic representation while we stand strong. We have nothing to fear because we are right.
INTERVIEWER: Well that's certainly an optimistic opinion on the matter. I'm afraid we're out of time though. Thank you for joining us, Mr. Blake.
BLAKE: Thank you for having me.
INTERVIEWER: Hello ladies and gentlemen. Tonight I have with me our fair state's representative in the Senate, Senator Benjamin Joseph Blake. It's good to have you here.
BLAKE: It's good to be here.
INTERVIEWER: Let's get right to the question everyone is dying to ask. What is your opinion on the Brown vs. Board of Education case?
BLAKE: To be honest, I can't say that I've formed a definitive opinion yet.
INTERVIEWER: Is that some fancy way of saying you don't want to choose either side to avoid alienating voters.
BLAKE: *laughs* No, that's not it. Simply put, I'm not qualified to make an informed decision yet. You have to understand that here in the Northwest, you could go your entire life without seeing a single Negro. We have Asians, sure, but they're very different from the average Negro. I don't know the circumstances that the average Negro in the South might go through, nor do I know the situation for the white population as well. There could be a legitimate reason for their decision to allow segregation. I will say that I support men and women of all races having equal access to education.
INTERVIEWER: What about the legal ramifications of the issue in regards to the Constitution? I've heard both sides using it for their arguments.
BLAKE: Whenever the Constitution is involved, things get difficult. Segregationists will tell you that forcing them to end segregation interferes with state rights, while those in favour of ending it says that segregation itself is unconstitutional. I can see valid points for both. Segregation could be seen as infringing on the rights of the Negros, who have as much right to seek education as do those of other races. If that requires them to attend classes amongst the white population, then so be it. I don't know if that is necessarily required, as I have said I know little of the specifics of the issue. As for state rights, the opponents of segregation better be ready for a uphill battle. The last time the federal government tried to change the station of the Negro at the expense of state rights, we had a civil war. Everyone should keep that in mind.
INTERVIEWER: Well, enough of that. What is your opinion on the Communist Control Act?
BLAKE: There is a reason that I refused to vote for or against it. While I am fully opposed to communism and all it stands for, I do not believe this is the right approach to the matter. Our nation has always been about freedom and liberty. Our democratic system allows men of all opinion to participate and vote for who they want. Restricting that in any way infringes on that right. If we start banning parties because the majority don't approve of them, we'll eventually end up with a one party state like the USSR.
INTERVIEWER: Some believe that the socialist and communist parties could act as spies for the Soviets.
BLAKE: And banning them will just encourage those people to go underground and act in the shadows. If you give people the opportunity to express their beliefs freely, they will believe in the system and support it. If we truly believe that we are better than the Soviets, then we should not fear these socialists. Perhaps their ideas may resemble some of those in the Soviet Union, but they are far from communists. They believe in the democratic system as much as anyone else. Now if they start calling for a Soviet-style government, then we might have a need to be concerned.
INTERVIEWER: So would you say you support these socialist parties in the United States?
BLAKE: Not exactly. I do not agree with all their ideas, although I do share similar views on others. What I do believe in is that every party should have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. There are people out there, mostly workers, who agree with the socialist line. As long as they are allowed to express that view and vote for representatives who support it, they will have no need to resort to more subversive means of obtaining their goals.
INTERVIEWER: Aren't you afraid the Soviets might try to undermine our democratic system.
BLAKE: I'd like to see them try. As long as we are all truly free in America, most people will see no need to follow the doctrines espoused by a tyrannical communist government. Let the Soviets fear their people's growing demand for democratic representation while we stand strong. We have nothing to fear because we are right.
INTERVIEWER: Well that's certainly an optimistic opinion on the matter. I'm afraid we're out of time though. Thank you for joining us, Mr. Blake.
BLAKE: Thank you for having me.
In an event in Manchester, Teddy Bartlet announces his intention to run for a second term as the representative for the New Hampshire 1st District.
((Also, would it be at all possible for the character and position lists to be updated after the election, Firehound?))
((Also, would it be at all possible for the character and position lists to be updated after the election, Firehound?))
Walt Disney in San Francisco, CA
"The Last Mile Tour"
"Folks, we're at the last stretch!
Come June we're gonna knock Mr. Goodwin Knight right out of the ballpark at the Republican Convention, and lead forth the banner of Progressive Republicanism in the west coast. Then we're gonna go straight to the Gubernatorial Elections and trounce whatever hot-headed segregationist that these Democrats throw at us. We're gonna make history right here in California. We're gonna overturn this establishment of conservatism and stagnation and build America as it once was, together...
God Bless You All."
Disney stepped off, smiling and shaking hands as he went.
In a rally on the campus of his alma mater, Yale University, John Castle announced his intention to run for Governor of Connecticut on the Republican ticket. He seeks to fill the seat of Republican Governor John D. Lodge who has decided not to seek a second term.
"Good people of Connecticut, today I am honored to stand before you and anounce my intention to run as the Republican candidate for governor. I was born and raised in Connecticut, and I know that no one embodies the American spirit of hardwork and determination better than the people of Connecticut. From the bustling factories of New Haven and Hartford, to the farms and meadows of Essex and Cornwall, to renowned centers of knowledge such as Wesleyan, the Coast Guard Academy, and of course,Yale, Connecticut has everything that makes America great. This is the American greatness that is under attack both from abroad and from within by the forces of Communism. I have worked in Europe, I have seen what is at stake. The people of East Germany, Czechslovakia and Poland have had their rights stripped from them. Only fools think the Russians will be content with their present empire, anyone can see the Russians will not sleep until the entire world sits under their yoke.
Under my leadership, Connecicut will be a bastion against the evils of communism and socialiism. I will work with unions to ensure a square deal for both workers and their employers. I will ensure the State government is kept free of Communists. I will invite more investment from both the federal government and from private enterprise. As a returning veteran myself, I understand and appreciate the value of service to nation, which is why I will work with Washington to ensure benefits like the GI Bill continue to reach those who have nobely served. I will also fully support the integration of Connecticut public schools in accordance witht he Supreme Court's ruling. America is a nation of a thousand different cultures, and I firmly believe there can be no second class citizens in the land of the free. America great because it is the land of the free, and I believe everyone is entitlied to thier freedom. A vote for Castle will be a vote for the American way of life, a vote for jobs in a Connecticut, and a vote against Moscow. Thank you, and God Bless America!
"Good people of Connecticut, today I am honored to stand before you and anounce my intention to run as the Republican candidate for governor. I was born and raised in Connecticut, and I know that no one embodies the American spirit of hardwork and determination better than the people of Connecticut. From the bustling factories of New Haven and Hartford, to the farms and meadows of Essex and Cornwall, to renowned centers of knowledge such as Wesleyan, the Coast Guard Academy, and of course,Yale, Connecticut has everything that makes America great. This is the American greatness that is under attack both from abroad and from within by the forces of Communism. I have worked in Europe, I have seen what is at stake. The people of East Germany, Czechslovakia and Poland have had their rights stripped from them. Only fools think the Russians will be content with their present empire, anyone can see the Russians will not sleep until the entire world sits under their yoke.
Under my leadership, Connecicut will be a bastion against the evils of communism and socialiism. I will work with unions to ensure a square deal for both workers and their employers. I will ensure the State government is kept free of Communists. I will invite more investment from both the federal government and from private enterprise. As a returning veteran myself, I understand and appreciate the value of service to nation, which is why I will work with Washington to ensure benefits like the GI Bill continue to reach those who have nobely served. I will also fully support the integration of Connecticut public schools in accordance witht he Supreme Court's ruling. America is a nation of a thousand different cultures, and I firmly believe there can be no second class citizens in the land of the free. America great because it is the land of the free, and I believe everyone is entitlied to thier freedom. A vote for Castle will be a vote for the American way of life, a vote for jobs in a Connecticut, and a vote against Moscow. Thank you, and God Bless America!
Braxton Burpo addresses a large crowd in Atlanta
Washington Yankee elites have stuck their noses in our business for far too long. Why is it their business to decide who goes to what school? Education has always been a state right ever since the days of Jefferson. Furthermore, what medicine is Justice Warren taking to think mixing Negro and white children in a school is a good idea? We've had separated schools since the Civil War and no one has complained from either race! Integration is a communist idea that will only lead to hard times.
It's this interference with our rights that has led me to believe that drastic action must be taken to save democracy. That's why I, Braxton Burpo, am running for governor of Georgia!
Segregation and states' rights forever!
Washington Yankee elites have stuck their noses in our business for far too long. Why is it their business to decide who goes to what school? Education has always been a state right ever since the days of Jefferson. Furthermore, what medicine is Justice Warren taking to think mixing Negro and white children in a school is a good idea? We've had separated schools since the Civil War and no one has complained from either race! Integration is a communist idea that will only lead to hard times.
It's this interference with our rights that has led me to believe that drastic action must be taken to save democracy. That's why I, Braxton Burpo, am running for governor of Georgia!
Segregation and states' rights forever!
Johann Dvoracek announces his intention to run for governor of Florida for the Patriotic League.
Daniel Z. Thompson announces that he will run for Senator of Kentucky as a Republican candidate.
Doctor Elam announced quietly announced he would be running for another term as the representative for Louisiana Fourth.
Alexander Campbell speaks to a large group of ALP and Socialist supporters.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I must come out today in vehement opposition to Mr. Braxton Burpo's comments earlier. An integrated school system would bring only benefits to the youth of America, but Mr. Burpo obviously opposes such, and speaks of Negroes as if they were inferior to people like him. I know these are quite strong words, but Braxton Burpo is little more than a racist, ultrareactionary, dare I say, bumpkin, who has taken up the mantle of that of politician or "southern gentleman". As I said before, I know these words are harsh and could even be deemed offensive, but I exercise my right to freedom of speech, as does Mr. Burpo, however wrong he may be. With that, I hereby proclaim that desegregation and the restoration of legitimate human rights to Negroes in the deep south should be made a top priority for liberals in government immediately. The system is, and never was, equal, no matter what Burpo and his clique may say. Negroes are harassed, discriminated, humiliated, subjected to lesser conditions, and in the name of what, tradition? Mr. Burpo states that people of color have never complained of their predicament, perhaps it is because they are oppressed by crooked conservatives such as Burpo. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if ole Braxton himself dresses in white on the weekends and makes sure the Negroes don't get uppity! So in short, the close-mindedness of Burpo and his "clan" in government must go, and the rights of Negroes as human beings must be restored. Forward America, Forward desegregation!"
Campbell was met with thunderous applause, this would certainly gain some attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I must come out today in vehement opposition to Mr. Braxton Burpo's comments earlier. An integrated school system would bring only benefits to the youth of America, but Mr. Burpo obviously opposes such, and speaks of Negroes as if they were inferior to people like him. I know these are quite strong words, but Braxton Burpo is little more than a racist, ultrareactionary, dare I say, bumpkin, who has taken up the mantle of that of politician or "southern gentleman". As I said before, I know these words are harsh and could even be deemed offensive, but I exercise my right to freedom of speech, as does Mr. Burpo, however wrong he may be. With that, I hereby proclaim that desegregation and the restoration of legitimate human rights to Negroes in the deep south should be made a top priority for liberals in government immediately. The system is, and never was, equal, no matter what Burpo and his clique may say. Negroes are harassed, discriminated, humiliated, subjected to lesser conditions, and in the name of what, tradition? Mr. Burpo states that people of color have never complained of their predicament, perhaps it is because they are oppressed by crooked conservatives such as Burpo. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if ole Braxton himself dresses in white on the weekends and makes sure the Negroes don't get uppity! So in short, the close-mindedness of Burpo and his "clan" in government must go, and the rights of Negroes as human beings must be restored. Forward America, Forward desegregation!"
Campbell was met with thunderous applause, this would certainly gain some attention.