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Editorial
May 9, 1946
Atlanta Daily World
Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia
What is this article about?
Editorial criticizes former Governors Talmadge and Rivers for using radio speeches to appeal to racial and class prejudices during Georgia gubernatorial campaign, defending Negro voting rights and supporting the 'better element' against intolerance.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Appealing To Prejudices
Tuesday night, two former governors of the state made radio speeches here in connection with the current campaigns for the governorship.
Former Governor Talmadge's program, as usual, featured race prejudice and an appeal for his election with a promise to restore the white primary and thereby take from the Negro his recently earned right to vote effectively.
Of course we don't agree with his opinion that this can be legally done for a number of reasons we shall not mention at this time. Nevertheless, we understand clearly his intents and desires.
Over a different radio broadcast, former Governor E. D. Rivers also made a speech. In his address he referred to the supporters of candidate Carmichael as a "self-styled better element" and insisted that they were actually the "silk-stocking crowd." This is an appeal to class prejudice as we see it and is unworthy of a person seeking the high office of governor. In our American democracy there is no place for appeals to racial and class prejudices. especially on the part of those who would seek high public position and power.
However, since the race and class issues have been raised by Mr. Talmadge and the class issue by Mr. Rivers, we are frank to state that on the question of these issues there can be no doubt where we stand. We are willing to cast our lot with the majority of the white press (daily and weekly) of the state and we believe, the majority of the white religious, educational and professional leaders in the state. These are the forces we can best depend upon to uphold law and order. These are the forces that are most potent in the fight against the Klan and other forms of racial and class intolerance. These are the forces that believe in better education for all.
Yes, Mr. Talmadge and Mr. Rivers, on the issue of race and class we prefer to cast our lot with the "so-called better element" These are the people who are the backbone of every community. and we believe that the great majority of the so-called middle class of white citizens share this view.
Tuesday night, two former governors of the state made radio speeches here in connection with the current campaigns for the governorship.
Former Governor Talmadge's program, as usual, featured race prejudice and an appeal for his election with a promise to restore the white primary and thereby take from the Negro his recently earned right to vote effectively.
Of course we don't agree with his opinion that this can be legally done for a number of reasons we shall not mention at this time. Nevertheless, we understand clearly his intents and desires.
Over a different radio broadcast, former Governor E. D. Rivers also made a speech. In his address he referred to the supporters of candidate Carmichael as a "self-styled better element" and insisted that they were actually the "silk-stocking crowd." This is an appeal to class prejudice as we see it and is unworthy of a person seeking the high office of governor. In our American democracy there is no place for appeals to racial and class prejudices. especially on the part of those who would seek high public position and power.
However, since the race and class issues have been raised by Mr. Talmadge and the class issue by Mr. Rivers, we are frank to state that on the question of these issues there can be no doubt where we stand. We are willing to cast our lot with the majority of the white press (daily and weekly) of the state and we believe, the majority of the white religious, educational and professional leaders in the state. These are the forces we can best depend upon to uphold law and order. These are the forces that are most potent in the fight against the Klan and other forms of racial and class intolerance. These are the forces that believe in better education for all.
Yes, Mr. Talmadge and Mr. Rivers, on the issue of race and class we prefer to cast our lot with the "so-called better element" These are the people who are the backbone of every community. and we believe that the great majority of the so-called middle class of white citizens share this view.
What sub-type of article is it?
Partisan Politics
Suffrage
Social Reform
What keywords are associated?
Race Prejudice
Class Prejudice
White Primary
Gubernatorial Campaign
Talmadge
Rivers
Carmichael
Klan
Law And Order
What entities or persons were involved?
Former Governor Talmadge
Former Governor E. D. Rivers
Candidate Carmichael
White Press
White Religious Leaders
White Educational Leaders
White Professional Leaders
Klan
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Criticism Of Racial And Class Prejudice Appeals In Gubernatorial Campaign
Stance / Tone
Strongly Opposed To Racial And Class Prejudice, Supportive Of Voting Rights And The Better Element
Key Figures
Former Governor Talmadge
Former Governor E. D. Rivers
Candidate Carmichael
White Press
White Religious Leaders
White Educational Leaders
White Professional Leaders
Klan
Key Arguments
Talmadge's Speech Features Race Prejudice And Promise To Restore White Primary To Deny Negro Voting Rights
Rivers Appeals To Class Prejudice By Calling Carmichael Supporters 'Silk Stocking Crowd'
Appeals To Racial And Class Prejudices Have No Place In American Democracy
Editorial Aligns With Majority White Press And Leaders Who Uphold Law And Order
These Leaders Fight Against Klan And Racial/Class Intolerance
These Leaders Support Better Education For All
Prefer The 'So Called Better Element' As Backbone Of Communities