R. Duane Graham, in a recent Globe column (11/29/09) titled “Senate is a peculiar place,” used the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to demean conservatives. He writes about “conservative opposition to the Civil Rights Act . . .” Mr. Graham, apparently, does not let facts get in the way of his opinions or writings.
History shows Republicans standing for freedom. Every vote “against” the amendment to free the slaves was cast by a Democrat. Every vote against anti-lynching legislation was cast by a Democrat. The truth is 69 percent of Democrats in the Senate and 61 percent of Democrats in the House voted for the Civil Rights Act, while 82 percent of Republicans in the Senate and 80 percent of Republicans in the House voted for the act.
The filibuster against the act was led by a Democrat, Robert C. Byrd (still there today), one of the most liberal senators. The Senate was able to break the filibuster and pass the bill only because of the overwhelming support of the Republicans. (It took 67 votes back then to cut off debate). The conservatives are still standing for freedom and “against” the present health care reform bill because it would take away freedom (among other things)!
Bob Turner
Joplin
