Identify the different parts of Johnson's speech
A Problem and a Solution
Johnson ends his speech on a positive note. He reminds listeners that this problem has a solution. What's more, that solution must be peaceful and democratic.
Claim #1
The right to vote is afforded to all American citizens and is guaranteed, regardless of race.
The Call to Action
Johnson reinforces the need for action on the part of the people and on the part of the government.
Wednesday I will send to Congress a law designed to eliminate illegal barriers to the right to vote.
Argument
Johnson states his main argument early in his speech: all Americans are created equal and have equal rights. The government and the American people are responsible to ensure that those rights are protected.
Match with the Correct description
1. The issue of equal rights for American Negroes is such an issue. And should we defeat every enemy, should we double our wealth and conquer the stars, and still be unequal to this issue, then we will have failed as a people and as a nation.
2. The most basic right of all was the right to choose your own leaders. The history of this country, in large measure, is the history of the expansion of that right to all of our people.
3. Wednesday I will send to Congress a law designed to eliminate illegal barriers to the right to vote.
4. Their cause must be our cause too. Because it is not just Negroes, but really it is all of us, who must overcome the crippling legacy of bigotry and injustice.
5. For at the real heart of battle for equality is a deep-seated belief in the democratic process. Equality depends not on the force of arms or tear gas but upon the force of moral right; not on recourse to violence but on respect for law and order.
