CONGRESSIONAL RECORD - APPENDIX TEXT OF PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS TO THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP75-00149R000100060005-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: November 17, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 17, 2000
• Sequence Number: 5
• Publication Date: April 21, 1964
• Content Type: OPEN

APR 2.1 1964
.Approved For Release 2000/08/03 : CIA-RDP75-001
1964- CONcRhave ESSIONAL RECORD- APPhave Test Ban ENDIX FOIAhave b3b A1979 COMPENSATION FOR JOBLESS: NO GIVEAWAY made their and
which decrease danger
entrances eland Great stage. corned agreements we _
PROGRAM
In reading your editorial concerning Presi- And America has slowly, often reluctantly, without decreasing security. In that
ding
dent Johnson's programs in attacking the grown to be a great power and a leading suit, for 20 years we hays been the leading
member of world 'soviety power in support of the United' Nations. In
er
' we
f the
unemployment and poverty problems o Nation, I would like to concur witl} your
conclusions that it should not be a giveaway
program but one based on sound planning
for the future and not for just the present
election year.
I also feel that Dade County could offer
some guideposts that would probably be very
helpful to any program designed to assist
the unemployed, and your statements on the
subject sum up the problems that exist.
But perhaps you were misled when you
quoted a statement concerning unemploy-
ment compensation made by an anonymous
official who said "We cannot get them off
unemployment compensation long enough
to take the course even when the Government
pays for it."
I feel that statements such as this, regard-
less of who makes them, should be checked
for their accuracy. It has been our experi-
ence that those persons collecting unem-
ployment compensation are not the ones
who need the training. In order to collect
unemployment compensation a person must
have some previous work experience and con-
sequently he would have an occupation of
some kind. Also, experience indicates that
these people mostly are between jobs and
they do not remain on the unemployment
rolls for a long duration. Another fact is
that most of the past and present trainees
have never drawn unemployment compensa-
tion and if they had it has long since run
out. He is not the person we are aiming
at specificially, but the one who needs the
training is the person with no skills and
little education.
HARRY L. TYSON,
Metropolitan Area Manager,
Florida State Employment Service.
Text of President's Address to the
Associated Press
,
We seek today, as we did in Washington's that pursuit, this year as in every y
time, to protect the life of our Nation, pre- will work to reach agreement on measures to
serve the liberty of our citizens, and pursue reduce armament and lessen the chance of
the happiness of our people. This is the war.
touchstone of oui world policy. Today we apply these same principles to a
Thus we seek to add no territory to our world much changed since 1945. Europe
dominion, no satellites to our orbit, no seeks a new role for strength rather than pro-
slavish followers to our policies. The most tection for weakness. The unity of commu-
impressive witness to this restraint is that nism is being eroded by the insistent forces
for a century our own frontiers have stood of nationalism and diverging interest, A
quiet and unarmed. whole new group of societies is painfully
But we have also learned in this century, struggling toward the. modern world.
at painful and bloody cost, that our own PRINCIPLES ADEQUATE
freedom depends on the freedom of others- Our basic principles are adequate to this
that our own protection requires that we shifting world. But foreign policy is more
help protect others-that we draw increased than a set of general principles. It is the
strength from the strength of others: changing application of those principles to
Thus to allies we are the most dependable specific dangers and opportunities. It in-
and enduring of friends, for our own safety volves knowledge of strengths and awareness
depends upon the strength of that friend- of limitations in each new situation. The
ship. To enemies we are the most steadfast presence of offensive missiles in Cuba was a
and determined of foes, for we know that fact. The presence of fallout in the atmos-
surrender anywhere threatens defeat every- phere has been a fact. The presence of guer-
where. rillas in Vietnam is a fact. Such facts can-
GENERATION OF UNITY not be dealt with simply by historical judg-
For a, generation-without regard to party ments or general precepts. They require
or region or class-our country has been concrete acts of courage, wisdom, and re-
united in a basic foreign policy that grows straint.
from this inescapable teaching. These qualities of endurance and innova-
The principles of this foreign policy have tion, continuity and change are at work in at
been shaped in battle, tested in danger, sus- least six major areas of continuing concern.
tamed in achievement. They have endured First,' is our relationship with the Soviet
because they reflect the realities of our world
and the aims of our country.
Particular actions must change as events
change conditions. We must be alert to
shifting realities, to emerging opportunities
and fresh dangers. But we must not mistake
day-to-day changes for fundamental move-
ments in the course of history. It often re-
quires greater courage and resolution to
maintain a policy which time has tested than
to change it in the face of the moment's
pressures.
Our foreign policy rests On tested prin-
ciples.
First, since Korea we have labored to build
a military strength of unmatched might. We
EXTENSION OF REMARKS
OF
HON. CARL ALBERT
OF OKLAHOMA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Tuesday, April 21, 1964
Mr. ALBERT. Mr," Speaker, under
leave to extend my remarks, I include in
the RECORD the text of President Lyn-
don B. Johnson's address to newspaper
executives and their guests on April 20,
1964, to open the annual celebration of
Publishers' Week in New York City. The
President, speaking at a luncheon meet-
ing of the Associated Press in the Wal-
dorf Astoria Hotel, took the occasion to
announce that the United States and
the Soviet Union would both make sub-
stal}tial reductions in the production of
uranium and plutonium for nuclear
weapons. By any standards this was strength among our allies: initially, to op- the interests of our allies or our own ability
one of the President's finest speeches pose Communist encroachment on war-weak- to defend the alliance against attack.
and certainly was one of the greatest ened nations; in the long run, because our i am taking two actions which reflect both
speeches of this year. The text in its own future rests on the vitality and unity our de ire to reduce tensions, and our un-
entirety.follows: of the Western society to which we belong. willingness to risk weakness.
Fourth, we have encouraged the independ- I have ordered a further substantial re-
From the Washington (D.C.) Post, Apr. 21, ence and of developing countries- progress duction in our production of enriched ura-
19841 both old friends and new nations. We are nium, to be carried out over a 4-year period.
TEXT OF PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS TO THE safer and more comfortable in a world where When added to previous reductions, this will
ASSOCIATED PRESS all people can govern themselves in their own mean an overall decrease in the production
The world has changed many times since way, and all nations have the inner strength of plutonium by 20 percent and of enriched
General Washington counseled his new and. to resist external domination, uranium by 40 percent. By bringing produc-
weak country to "observe good faith and Fifth, we have pursued every hope of a tion in line with need, we reduce tension
justice toward all nations." Great empires lasting peace. From the Baruch plan to the while maintaining all necessary power. In
have succeeded. If the th;eat of war has
lessened, it is largely because our opponents
realize attack would bring destruction. 'This
effort has been costly. But the costs of weak-
ness are far greater than the costs of
strength, and the payment far more painful.
That is why, in the last 3 years, your Govern-
ment has strengthened the whole range of
America's defenses-increasing defense
spending by $17 billion.
Second, we have resisted Communist efforts
to extend their dominion and expand their
We have taken the risks and used
ower
p
. the power which this principle demanded, and the gradual growth of common interests,
We have avoided purposeless provocation and by increased awareness of shifting dangers
needless adventure. and alinements, by the development of trust
PROVE DETERMINATION in a good faith securely based on a reasoned
The Berlin airlift, the Korean war, the de- view of the world,
fense of Formosa, the Cuba crisis, the POSITION IS CLEAR
struggle in Vietnam, prove our determination Our own position is clear. We will discuss
to resist aggression and our ability to adapt any problem, listen to any proposal, pursue
particular response to particular challenge. any agreement, take any action which might
seek to bring about a Communist-dominated
world. Our convictions, our interests, our
life as a nation, demand that we resolutely
oppose that effort. This activity and this
alone, is the cause of the cold war between us.
For the United States has nothing to fear
from peaceful competition. We welcome it
and we will win it. It is our system which
flourishes and grows stronger in a world free
from the threat of war. And in such a com-
petition all people, everywhere, will gain.
Today there are new pressures, new re-
alities, which make it permissible to hope
that the pursuit of peace is in the interests
of the Soviet Union as it is in ours.
And our own restraint may be convincing
the Soviet leaders of the reality that we seek
neither war, nor the destruction of the Soviet
Union.
Thus; I am hopeful that we can take im-
portant steps toward the day when in the
words of the Book of Micah, "nation shall
not lift up sword against nation, neither shall
they learn war anymore."
We must remember that peace will not
come suddenly. It will not emerge dra-
matically from a' single agreement or a sin-
gle meeting. It will be advanced by concrete
Approved For Release 2000/08/03 : CIA-RDP75-00149R000100060005-3
 Approved For Release 2000/08/03 CIA-RDP75-00149R000100060005-3
A1980 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD`- APPENDIX
reaching these decisions I have been in close
consultation with Prime Minister Douglas-
Home.
I am happy to say that Chairman Khru-
shchev has now indicated to me that he in-
tends to make a move in this same direction.
At the same time, I have reaffirmed all the
safeguards against weakening our nuclear
strength which we adopted at the time of the
test ban treaty.
The second area of continuing effort is the
development of Atlantic partnership with a
stronger and more unified Europe.
Having begun this policy when peril was
great we will -not abandon it as success
moves closer. ~
We worked for a stronger and more pros-
perous Europe, and Europe is strong and
prosperous beyond expectation.
We have supported a close partnership
with a more unified Europe. In. the past 15
.years more peaceful steps have been taken
in this direction than at any time in history.
The pursuit of this goal, like the pursuit
of any large and worthy cause, will not be
easy or untroubled. But the realities of the
modern world teach that increased greatness
and prosperity demand increasing unity and
partnership. -
OLD BARRIERS ERODE
The underlying forces of European life are
eroding old barriers and dissolving old sus-
picions. Common institutions are expand-
ing common interest National boundaries
continue to fade under the impact of travel
and commerce and communication. A new
generation is coming of age, unscarred by old
hostilities or old ambitions, thinking of
themselves as Europeans, their values shaped
by a common Western culture.
These forces and the steadfast effort of all
whq share common goals, will shape the fu-
ture. And unity based on hope will ulti-
mately prove stronger than unity based on
fear.
We realize that sharing the burden of lead-
ership requires-us to share the responsibil-
ities of ppwer. As a step in this direction
we support the establishment of a multi-
lateral nuclear force composed of those na-
tions which wish to participate. We also
welcome agreed new mechanisms for political
consultation on mutual interests through-
out the world-with whatever changes in
organization are necessary to make such con-
sultation rapid and effective.
The experiences of two World Wars have
taught us that the fundamental security
interests of the United States and the in-
terests of Europe are the same. What we
learned in time of war, we will not forget in
time of peace.
For more than a decade we have sought
to enlarge the independence and ease the
rigors of the people of Eastern Europe. We
have used the tools of peaceful exchange-
in goods; in persons and in ideas-to open
up communication with these restless na-
tions. We have used limited direct as-
sistance where the needs of our security have
allowed us to follow the demands of our com-
passion. In that spirit within the last month
I have exercised the power granted me by
the Congress, and reaffirmed the right of
open trade with Poland and Yugoslavia.
In the third area of continuing concern-
Latin America-we have renewed our com-
mitment to the Alliance for Progress, sought
peaceful settlement of disputes among the
American nations, and supported the OAS ef-
fort to isolate Communist-controlled Cuba.
IS CENTRAL TASK
The Alliance for Progress is the central task
of this hemisphere. That task is going
ahead. But that Alliance means more than
economic assistance or investment. It re-
quires us to encourage and support those
democratic political forces which seek es-
sential change with the framework of con-
stitutional government. It means preference
for rapid evolution as the only real alterna-
tive to violent revolution. To struggle to
stand still in Latin America is to "throw
the sand against the wind."
We must, of course, be on guard against
Communist subversion. But anticom-
munism alone will not suffice to insure our
liberty or fulfill our dreams. That will take
leadership dedicated to economic progress
without uneconomic privilege-to social
change which enhances social justice-to
political reform which widens human free-'
dom.
The resumption of relations with Panama
proves once again the unmatched ability of
our inter-American system to resolve dis-
putes among good neighbors. At the outset
of that dispute we stated our willingness to
seek a solution to all problems without con- -
ditions to any kind. We never departed from
that willingness. On that basis the dispute
was settled.
We now move toward solution with the
generosity of friends who realize, as Wood-
row Wilson said, "You cannot be friends on
any other terms than upon the terms of
equality."
The use of Cuba as a base for subversion
and terror is an obstacle to our hopes for
the hemisphere. Our first task must be, as
it has been, to isolate Cuba from the inter-
American system, frustrate its efforts to de-
stroy free governments, and expose for all
to see the ugliness of communism. That
policy is working. The problems of this
hemisphere would be far more serious if
Castro fought the councils of the OAS;dis-
rupting debate and blocking decision-if. he
had open channels of trade and communica-
tion along which subversion and terror could
flow-if his economy had been a successful
model rather than a dismal warning. The
effectiveness of our policy is more than a
matter of trade statistics. It has increased
awareness of difference and danger, revealed
the brutal nature of the Cuban regime,
lessened opportunities for subversion, re-
duced the number of Castro's followers, and
drained the resources of our adversaries.
We will continue this policy with every
peaceful means at our command.
A fourth area of continuity and change
is the battle for freedom in the Far East.
WILL NOT WEAKEN
In the last 20 years, in 'two wars, millions
of Americans have fought to prevent the
armed conquest of free Asia. Having in-
vested so heavily in the past, we will not
weaken in the present.
The first American diplomatic mission to
the Far East was instructed to inform all
countries that we never make conquests, or
ask any nation to let us establish ourselves
in their countries.
That was our policy in 1832. That is our
policy today. Our conquering forces left
Asia after World War II with less territory
under our flag than before. But if we have
desired no conquest for ourselves, we have
steadfastly opposed it for others. The In-
dependence of Asian nations is a link in
our own freedom.
In Korea we proved 'the futility of direct
aggression. In Vietnam the Communists
now try the more insidious, but equally dan-
gerous, methods of subversion, terror, and
guerrilla warfare. They conduct a campaign
organized, directed, supplied, and supported
from Hanoi.
Armed Communist attack on Vietnam is a
reality. The fighting spirit of South Vietnam
is a reality. The request of a friend for our
help is a reality. The statement of the
SEATO allies that Communist defeat is "es-
sential" is a reality. To fall to respond to
these realities would reflect on our honor as a
Nation, undermine worldwide confidence in
our courage, and convince every nation in
south Asia that it must bow to Communist
terms to survive;
The situation in Vietnam is difficult. But
there is an old American saying that "when
the going gets tough, the tough get going."
Let no one doubt, that we are in this battle
April 21
as long as South Vietnam wants our support
and needs our assistance to protect its free-
dom.
I have already ordered measures to help
step up the fighting capacity of South Viet-
namese forces, td help improve the welfare
and morale of the civilian population, and
to keep our forces at whatever level continued
independence requires.
No negotiated settlement in Vietnam is
possible as long as the Communists hype to
achieve victory by force, Once war seems
hopeless,, then peace may be possible. The
door is always open to any settlement which
assures the independence of South Vietnam;
and its freedom to seek help for its protec-
tion.
In Laos we continue to support the Geneva
agreements which offer the best hope for
peace and independence for that strife-torn
land. At my instruction Assistant Secretary
William Bundy has already arrived in Laos
for a first-hand exgmination of the develop-
ments of the last 48 hours.
ACT ON REALITIES
As for China itself, so long as the Commu-
nist Chinese pursue conflict and preach vio-
lence, there can be no easing of relationships.
There are some who prophesy that these
policies will change. But we must base our
acts on present realities, not future hopes.
It is not we who must reexamine our view of
China, It is the Chinese Communists who
must reexamine their view of the world.
Nor can anyone doubt our unalterable com-
mitment to the defense and liberty of Free
China. Meanwhile, we say to our historic
friends, the talented and courageous Chinese
people on the mainland, that, just as we op-
posed aggression against them, we must op-
pose aggression by their rulers--and for the
same-reasons.
Fifth is our concern with the new na-
tions of Africa and Asia. We welcome their
emergence; for their goals flow from hopes
like our own. We began the revolt from
colonial rule which is now reshaping conti-
nents and creating new nations. - Our mas-
tery of technology has helped men to"learn
that poverty is not inevitable, that disease
and hunger are not laws of nature. Having
helped create hopes, we must help satisfy
them, or witness a rising discontent which
may ultimately menace our own welfare.
What we desire for the developing nations
is that we desire for ourselves-economic
progress which will permit them to shape
their own institutions, and the independence
which will allow them to take a dignified
place in the world community.
Let there be-no mistake about our inten-
tion to win the war against poverty at home,
and to help fight it around the world. This
battle will not be easy or swift. It takes
time to educate young minds, and shape the
structure of a modern economy. But the
world must not be divided into rich nations
and poor nations, white nations and colored
nations. In such division are the seeds of
terrible discord and danger in decades to
come.
A WALL OF GLASS
For the wall between rich and poor is a
wall of glass through which all can see.
We recognize the need for more stable
prices for raw materials, and broader oppor-
tunity for trade. We are ready to help meet
these claims, as we have already done, for
example, with the negotiation of the inter-
national coffee agreement, and as we will do
in the Kennedy round. -
We will continue with the direct economic
assistance which has been a vital part of our
policy for 20 years.
Last year the Congress reduced foreign aid
from a requested $4.5 billion to a total of
$3.4 billion. This year I ordered that our re-
quest be out to the absolute minimum con-
sistent with our commitments and our se-
curity. That was done.
Every dollar cut from that request will
directly diminish the security of the United
Approved For Release 2000/08/03 : CIA-RDP75-00149R000100060005-3
 Approved For Release 2000/08/03 : CIA-RDP75-00149R000100060005-3
1961 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD -APPENDIX
States. If in spite of this clear need and
this clear warning, substantial cuts are made
again this year-in either military or eco-
nomic funds-it will be my solemn duty as
President to submit supplemental requests
for additional amounts until the necessary
funds are appropriated.
In these areas, and in other areas of con-
cern we remain faithful to tested principle
and deep conviction while shaping our ac-
tions to shifting danger and fresh oppor-
tunity.
This year is an election year in the United
States. In this year let neither friend nor
enemy abroad mistake growing discussion
for growing dissension, conflict over pro-
grams for conflict over principle, political
division for political paralysis.
Let those at home who share in the great
democratic struggle remember that the
world is their audience, that attack on old
policies requires responsible presentation of
new choices; that in the protection of our
security, partisan politics must yield to na-
tional need.
I recognize that those who seek to dis-
cuss great public issues must be informed on
those issues. Therefore, I have instructed
the Departments of State and Defense, and
the Central Intelligence Agency to be ready
to provide major candidates for the Office of
President with all possible information help-
fulto their discussion of Americans policy.
I hope candidates will accept this offer in
the spirit in which it is made-the encour-
agement of the responsible discussion which
is the touchstone of the democratic process,
FOREVER BOUND UP
In the past 20 years we have gradually be-
come aware that America is forever bound up
in the affairs of the world; that our own fu-
ture is linked to the future of all. In great
capitals and in tiny villages, in the councils
of great powers and in the rooms of unknown
planners, events are being set in motion
which will continually call upon our atten-
tion and our resources.
Prophecy is always unsure. But if any-
thing is certain it is that this Nation can
never again retreat from world responsibility.
We will be involved in the world for the rest
of our history. We must accustom ourselves
to working for liberty in the community of
nations as we have pursued it in our com-
munity of States.
The struggle is not merely long. It is un-
ending. For it is part of man's ancient effort
to master the passions of his mind, the de-
mands of his spirit, and the cruelties of
nature; We have entered a new arena. The
door has closed behind us. And the old stage
has passed into history.
Dangers will replace dangers; challenges
will take the place of challenges, new hopes
will come as old hopes fade. There is no
turliing from a course which will require wis-
dom and endurance so long as the name of
Harold Russell Appointed Chairman of
the President's Committee on Employ-
ment of the Handicapped
EXTENSION OF REMARKS
or
HON. JOHN W. McCORMACK
OF MASSACHUSETTS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Tuesday, April 21, 1964
Mr. McCORMACK. Mr. Speaker, the
appointment last Saturday by President
Johnson of Harold Russell to the impor-
tant position of Chairman of the Presi-
dent's Committee on Employment of the
Handicapped, succeeding our late col-
league, Maj. Gen. Melvin J. Maas, is an
excellent one.
I congratulate President Johnson in
appointing Harold Russell. The Presi-
dent could not have made a better ap-
pointment. Harold Russell will give out-
standing leadership in carrying out his
duties.
For his appointment will bring hope
and confidence to millions of handi-
capped persons in America.
In April, 1962, President Kennedy ap-
pointed Harold Russell, past national
commander of the AMVETS, former vice
president of the World Veterans Fund,
Inc., and Chairman of the Disabled Vet-
erans Committee of the President's Com-
mittee, to be a Vice Chairman of the
President's Committee.
Millions remember the 48-year-old
double arm amputee, who is a resident
of Weyland, Mass., for his Academy
Award winning performance in the mov-
ie "Best Years of Our Lives."
But to countless others the name of
Harold Russell has symbolized the un-
quenchable spirit of those handicapped
as the result of combat injuries, acci-
dents, or disease who have waged an up-
hill fight to rehabilitate themselves, en-
ter gainful employment and become use-
ful and tax-paying members of their
community.
Moreover, the Vice Chairman has
traveled throughout the world, working
with the World Veterans Federation, and
inspiring men and nations to greater ef-
forts for world peace and for rehabilita-
tion of victims of war and persecution.
In addition, he has worked with the
Treasury Department to spur the sale
of savings bonds, the American Red
Cross, the National Conference of Chris-
tians and Jews, the Anti-Defamation
League of B'nai B'rith, and with the Na-
tional Society for Crippled Children and
Adults. Currently he is a member of the
Board of Directors of CARE and on its
Executive Committee and a member of
the International Committee for Eco-
nomic Growth.
In 1920, Russell moved to Boston with
his family at the age of 6, following the
death of his father. He attended pub-
lic schools in Boston and Cambridge,
er instructor-attaining the rank of ser-
geant-and specialized in demolition and
explosives. He made more than 50
jumps until an explosion cost him his
hands.
This altered his career but Harold
Russell was determined not to let the
accident get him down. He has received
many awards, including the honor of
being chosen by the junior chamber of
commerce as 1 of the 10 Outstanding
Young Men of the Year in 1950.
In my remarks, I include an address
delivered by Mr. Russell at a . regional
meeting held at Rochester, Minn., on
April 13-14, 1964:
A1981
REMARKS OF HAROLD RUSSELL, VICE CHAIRMAN,
THE PRESIDENT'S COMMITTEE ON EMPLOY-
MENT OF THE HANDICAPPED
Today I am going to tell you three stories,
make two points, ask one question, and sit
down.
The stories are true, although I am not
revealing any names, They are not particu-
larly unusual stories; I am sure you know
of similar ones right here in this city.
They are stories of courage-"Profiles of
Courage," you might call them.
The first is of an epileptic, a brilliant law-
yer. Yes, he has occasional seizures. But
they are not as bad as they were before his
doctors found the right combination of
drugs; and they usually occur before noon;
and he has learned to detect the warning
signs and lie down beforehand.
After graduating from law school with
high honors, he got a job with a law firm.
He pulled no punches; he told his boss he
was an epileptic. The boss hesitated at first,
but high honors students don't come along
every day-so the young epileptic was hired.
A year passed. Everything was going along
just fine, but then it happened--a seizure on
the job. The next day the boss called him
in, and looked down at the ground while
talking to him. "Look, you know how it
is * " ?" and a jumble of more words, all
adding up to the fact that the law firm no
longer could use the services of this bright
young man. He was fired.
Well, you don't .keep a good man down.
And so he started his own law practice, at
first using the living room of his house as an
office. From the beginning, every one of his
clients knew he was an epileptic, but they
also knew he was a brilliant lawyer, and re-
tained him anyway. He built his practice
around his disability-no morning appoint-
ments, an associate to handle court cases
whenever there's even a remote chance of a
seizure, an occasional time out for a rest.
The young lawyer isn't getting rich, but
he is making a living, and he's doing it en-
tirely on his own-no favors asked.
And so ends story number one. Now for
story number two.
This one has to do with an attractive
woman now in her middle thirties, who spent
the best years of her life-from age 20 tO
age 30-in a mental hospital-10 whole years
out of touch with the world. But modern
therapies and modern drugs worked wonders
on her and-the miracle of miracles-came
the day of her discharge.
The hospital's rehabilitation worker found
her a job as a typist, and everything seemed
just fine. She was fast, she was accurate,
she caught on quickly, she got along well
with the other girls in the office. But there
was a cloud in the sky. Her supervisor did
not like her. Her supervisor, it turned out
later, did not like anyone who had ever been
in a mental institution.
Life grew more and more miserable for
this young lady just out of the mental hos-
pital, but she wouldn't quit her job. Finally,
due to some fancy footwork by the super-
visor, she was let out.
How did the young lady react to her long,
bitter ordeal? Like a, princess. No glimmer
of a relapse, of a step backward.
She did what any girl of courage would
do. She went out and found another job.
That was 3 years ago. She is still there;
she has had three raises in salary, with a
fourth coming soon. And to top it all, she
got married, and in a few more months will
go on what they call a maternity leave of
absence.
With that, we go on to story No. 3.
The scene is an occupational training cen-
ter for the mentally retarded. The time is
a Monday night. The cast of characters in-
cludes retarded men and women who left
the center for jobs in the community and
who have been. coming back every Monday
night for informal get-togethers-to talk
Approved For Release 2000/08/03 : CIA-RDP75-00149R000100060005-3
 Approved For Release 2000/08/03 : CIA-RDP75-00149R000160060005-3
A1982 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD -APPENDIX
about their work, their little victories, their types that Infest our minds, stereotypes that
disappointments, anything on their minds, fuzz our thinking, stereotypes that conven.
This one Monday night, a girl in her early iently toss labels upon our fellow men be-
twenties has the floor. She has a problem, cause it's the easy thing to do.
she tells the group; one she doesn't know It is the task of directing the spotlight of
how to handle. Can they help her? Can truth so that we can look beneath the epi-
they advise her? It seems that she works lepsy to the man himself; beneath the men-
in a soft drink bottling plant, operating a tal illness to the woman herself; beneath the
simple machine that puts caps on ginger ale retardation to the young girl herself.
bottles. This is the first job of her life. This It is the task of convincing ourselves and
is more than a job; this Is her life, our fellow creatures not that all men are
But the young men who work with her created equal, but all men are created differ-
have been teasing her, and throwing bottle ent * * * and wive la difference.
caps at her. What should she do? How It is the task of seeing the man for what
should she cope with this? he is, rather than seeing him for what he
The suggestions . come thick and fast: is not; of concentrating on his strengths,
"Throw bottle caps back at them." "Tell his individual strengths, rather than on cer-
your boss." "No, don't tell your boss." tain weaknesses we so conveniently attribute
"Quit your job." "Don't pay any attention." to entire disability groupings.
She takes it all In, and then there is silence It is the task of recognizing that indeed,
while she mulls It.over in her mind. Finally every man is an Island, an Island of in-
she speaks, slowly: dividuality. It is respect for that individ-
"I know why they throw bottle caps at uality.
me. They don't like me. They want me to Now let's pause to see what ground we
quit." She raises her voice. "But I'll show have covered. I promised you three stories,
them. I'm not going to quit. I'm not going two points and one question. I have de-
to quit." livered the three stories; and I have
just
Do you want the postscript to this story completed the two points-one being that
of courage? She did not quit. She's still our society could stand a bit of rehabilitation
there, this girl with retarded intellect but in its consideration of the handicapped, and
not retarded courage. the other being that this consideration will
So there you have three profiles of courage come about when we finally reach the stage
of the handicapped. Before we sit back com- of respecting the individuality of man.' What
placently and tell one another, "Isn't it won- remains is the one question-and what a
derful what the handicapped can do?" I question.
think we had better take a close look at that The question I ask is this: Well, what
key word, "courage." What is courage? are we going to do about It? Yes, you and
Our dictionary tells us that courage Is I. What are we going to do about it?
"that quality of mind which enables one to There Is much we can do, very much. But
meet difficulties with firmness," or "that hu- in order to do anything, we need facts; we
man quality which keeps one going In the need organization; and we need time. Let
face of opposition," me explain.
Courage, you see, implies jutting out your The facts, first. The only way to combat
chin and standing up against something society's slanderous stereotypes about the
fearlessly, regardless of the odds stacked handicapped is with facts, facts, facts. It's
against you. Let me underline that word not enough to sing "It ain't necessarily so."
"against." We must explain why. "The truth shall set
And what, my friends, have these three ye free," they say: and the truth can free
handicapped people, and all the other brave our minds of misconceptions about the
handicapped we know, been standing up handicapped.
against, In their respective profiles of There is plenty of truth around; it is up
courage? to us to spread it far and wide. There is
This may come as a shock to you, but when the truth of a vast Department of Labor
you think about it, they have been standing study showing that the physically handi-
up against you. And against me- And capped have better safety records and bet-
against our society which, In this enlight- ter production records than the able-bodied.
ened age of science and education still bangs And there is the truth of a Veterans' Admin-
the door shut against full acceptance of the istratlon 'study showing that the mentally
physically and mentally handicapped. restored actually have more stable job rec-
That epileptic lawyer, what brand of cour- ords than others, and can adapt to almost
age was his? It was the courage not to lose every type of job on the face of this land,
heart when he heard the burning words of And there are other nuggets of truth, if
his boss, "You're fired." Isn't It tough only we search for them and tell the world
April 21
A committee that galvanizes into action
once a year to put on a frenetic observance
of National Employ the Physically Handi-
capped Week can hardly be said to be flex-
ible and strong.
And neither can a committee with ar-
teries so hard it cannot adapt to current
needs * * * needs, for example, of the men-
tally restored and mentally retarded; or of
action for more effective second injury leg-
islation; or of encouraging business to use
physical exams as tools for proper place-
ment rather than as screening devices
against the handicapped; or of mobilizing
the willing resources' of local women's groups
in the cause of the handicapped; or of pro-
moting the establishment of sheltered work-
shops where needed; or of stepping up lag-
ging awards programs; or of pushing for
more dynamic use of the mass media of com-
munications; or of a host of other emerg-
ing needs.
I am not a statistician and I never hope
to be one, but I do get a thrill out of going
over the reports sent In by Governors' com-
mittees, and sensing the surge that is taking
place toward better organization, toward
flexiblility and strength. And so time is
running in our favor; and each passing
month brings a step upward.
All of which takes us to our third press-
ing need, which is time itself, old father
time with his hourglass.
We are engaged In one of the most complex
enterprises on the face of the earth-the
enterprise of reaching human minds, of erad-
icating stereotypes, of changing people's atti-
tudes toward the handicapped. Deep-seated
attitudes do not change overnight, or over-
year, for that matter. The change takes
place slowly, almost Imperceptibly. - Only we
must keep hammering away, hammering
away with all our hearts and all our minds-
even If at. times we get the hollow feeling
we are talking to a brick wall.
The change is occurring, and if you have
your doubts, think back to the days just
after World War II, when the physically
handicapped-war veterans Included, mind
you-were turned down for job after job
after job; and when no one even gave a sec-
ond thought to the mentally ill and mentally
retarded. "Keep 'em out of sight" was the
common attitude, if anybody even bothered
to think about them at all:
So we have come a long way and we are
going a long way, you and I. Tramp, tramp,
tramp, we are marching steadily down the
road toward equality for all, the handicapped
included.
Tramp, tramp, tramp, we look to the right
and left, and the scenery hardly changes.
But it is changing, my friends, and the sun
is climbing higher in the sky
.
happen to be afflicted? are few and far between, it is our respon- And if we keep our spirits high, and our
And what about the mentally restored of- sibility to stand up and say so. Why, for organizations flexible, and our arsenel of
flce workea? Wherein lies her courage? It, example, Is there no conclusive study of the facts fresh and meaningful, we shall continue
. to too, was the therein not her flinch when work records of the mentally retarded? Why to head toward the city of hope, and the
toted with massive rAnd the men- have not more individual companies gone sum shall grow brighter and more trium-
face reith m girl rebuff.
the bottling Amen- through personnel records to compare the phant.
The courage not girl nvt in to the jibeslant? of
capabilities of their handicapped and non- And the day will come-as sure as I am
heartless coworkers. handicapped employees? I could add a standing here, the day will come, even
host of "for examples," but you get the idea. though you or I may not be around to see _
I contend that the handicapped show Where there are facts, we must spread it-when our handicapped brothers and sis-
courage enough in surmounting the difficul- them; where there aren't facts, we must get ters will not have to stand up against so-
ties of their disabilities. Let's not force them them.
through additional ordeals of courage to Another of our needs is for be order t attain rights that t suof
stand up against a society which won't let I refer to the organization of . courage theirs by birth; when their profiles of
them through the front door. Governors' cowill not have to be against the bull-
bull-
committees as well as mayors' committees on headness of unthinking people; when they
We need not only to rehabilitate the handi- employment of the handicapped-the Na- will be looked upon as men and women
capped; we need to rehabilitate society. tion's sturdy instruments for spreading facts, rather than as handicapped faceless crea-
This may sound like a task for supermen- for developing proper public attitudes to- tares; when each human being on earth will
the moving of mountains, the deflecting of ward our handicapped citizens. be recognized and respected for what it really
the flow of rivers. But when you examine it Organization of these committees, i sub- is, some loving mother's son or daughter and
closely, it is a task of man-sized proportions. mit, must be flexible enough and strong a child of God.
It is no larger than man himself, enough to keep up with the dizzy pace of May the day come soon, for so many have
It is the task of eradicating the stereo- change of these years of the sixties. waited for so long.
-Approved For Release 2000/08/03 : CIA-RDP75-00149R000100060005-3