what was the purpose of barbara jordan speech
Pettiness cannot be allowed to stand in the face of such overwhelming problems. The President had knowledge that these funds were being paid and these were funds collected for the 1972 presidential campaign. ", The Carolina ratification convention impeachment criteria: those are impeachable "who behave amiss or betray their public trust. The subjects of its jurisdiction are those offenses which proceed from the misconduct of public men." It is wrong, I suggest, it is a misreading of the Constitution for any member here to assert that for a member to vote for an article of impeachment means that that member must be convinced that the President should be removed from office. Before the invention of social media apps, parents could not engage in sharenting and, therefore, did not have the opportunity to globally embarrass their children. President Nixon resigned from office on August 7, 1973. Call To Action Historical Context Before Barbara Transcripts & captions for a better media workflow. Barbara Jordan: (06:01) The drawing of political lines goes to the motivation behind impeachment; but impeachment must proceed within the confines of the constitutional term "high crimes and misdemeanors." ", Statement at the U.S. House Judiciary Committee Impeachment Hearings, Support American RadioWorks with your Amazon.com purchases. "4 Beginning shortly after the Watergate break-in and continuing to the present time, the President has engaged in a series of public statements and actions designed to thwart the lawful investigation by government prosecutors. For many, Barbara Jordan was the definition of an eloquent woman. We are trying to be big, because the task we have before us is a big one. The purpose of the speech was to tell the problem that the Constitution had with the wordings. Grady, "Magnificent Voice Stilled at Last. We know the question. Protect their rights, rescue their liberties from violation. "It is to be used only for great misdemeanors," so it was said in the North Carolina ratification convention. "We always said that if Hollywood ever needed somebody to play the role of God Almighty, they ought to get Barbara Jordan." 8. The words are: "If the President is connected in any suspicious manner with any person and there be grounds to believe that he will shelter that person, he may be impeached. I could recite these problems and then I could sit down and offer no solutions, but I dont choose to do that either. First, we believe in equality for all and privileges for none. Because we believe this idea so firmly, we are an inclusive rather than an exclusive party. As students listen to the speech they can highlight, underline, and . I yield back the balance of my time, Mr. Chairman. We need one branch to check the other.. Figures of Speech and Thought Alliteration: Figure of emphasis that occurs through the repetition of initial consonant letters (or sounds) in two or more different words across successive sentences, clauses, or phrases. What did Representative Jordan imply when she brought up the idea of pain in her first sentence? 65. Problems which include, lack of integrity in government, the feeling that the individual no longer counts, the reality of material and spiritual poverty, the feeling that the grand American experiment is failing or has failed. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barbara-Jordan, BlackPast.org - Biography of Barbara Jordan, Barbara Jordan - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Barbara C. Jordan - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), Barbara Jordan at the 1976 Democratic National Convention. We are a heterogeneous party made up of Americans of diverse backgrounds. They did not make the accusers and the judges the same person. On July 25, 1974, Representative Barbara Jordan delivered a powerful speech at the Richard Nixon Impeachment Hearings. These are the foundations upon which a national community can be built. If the impeachment provision in the Constitution of the United States will not reach the offenses charged here, then perhaps that 18th-century Constitution should be abandoned to a 20th-century paper shredder! Our concept of governing is derived from our view of people. Indignation so great as to overgrow party interest may secure a conviction; but nothing else can.". The Framers confided in the Congress the power if need be, to remove the President in order to strike a delicate balance between a President swollen with power and grown tyrannical, and preservation of the independence of the Executive. "Rescue their liberties from violation. Jerry K. Frye Chairman and Associate Professor of Speech Communication , University of Minnesota , Duluth & Franklin B. Krohn Ph.D. student at S.U.N.Y . The fact is that on yesterday, the American people waited with great anxiety for eight hours, not knowing whether their President would obey an order of the Supreme Court of the United States. Barbara Jordan emerged as an eloquent and powerful interpreter of the Watergate impeachment investigation at a time when many Americans despaired about the Constitution and the country. No one need be afraid, the Northwest Carolina Ratification Convention, No one need to be afraid that officers who commit oppression will pass with immunity. Prosecution of impeachments will seldom fail to agitate the passions of the whole community, said Hamilton in the Federalist papers number 65, We divided the part is more or less friendly or inimical to the accused. What stood out about Jordan's speech was how she used the Constitution to support her claim for articles of impeachment against Nixon, as opposed to making it a partisan affair. What is different? We know that the President met with Mr. Henry Petersen 27 times to discuss matters related to Watergate, and immediately thereafter met with the very persons who were implicated in the information Mr. Petersen was receiving. Barbara Jordan: (10:47) I yield back the balance of my time, Mr. Chairman. Barbara Jordan: (07:46) Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The powers relating to impeachment are an essential check in the hands of the body of the Legislature against and upon the encroachments of the Executive. Fielding's office, after having met with Mr. Ehrlichman and Mr. Young. My faith in the Constitution is whole; it is complete; it is total. What, if any, Word Gaps did you identify that helped you answer this question?In Marti Barbara Jordan: (07:05) The citizens of America expect more, deserve and they want more than a recital of problems. Impeachment criteria, James Madison, from the Virginia ratification convention. One writer lamented that Jordan's booming voice, with its thundering call to principles enshrined in the Constitution, was "a song of the past."7. There is no executive order. There has not even been an obfuscated indication that this committee would receive any additional materials from the President. "Rescue their liberties from violation. "Who can so properly be the inquisitors for the nation as the representatives of the nation themselves? Barbara Jordan: (02:32) There is no law that can require the American people to form a national community. What is it about the Democratic Party that makes it the instrument the people use when they search for ways to shape their future? Today I am an inquisitor. This morning, in a discussion of the evidence, we are told that the evidence which purports to support the allegations of misuse of the CIA by the President is thin. Let each person do his or her part. At this point, I would like to juxtapose a few of the impeachment criteria with some of the actions the President has engaged in. An analysis of Barbara Jordan's 1976 keynote address. I do not mean political parties in that sense. Under Title 17 U.S.C. She passed the Massachusetts bar exam but moved to Tuskegee Institute (later renamed Tuskegee University) in Alabama and taught there for one year before returning to Texas and gaining admittance to the bar there. You can specify conditions of storing and accessing cookies in your browser. Transcribe your audio files to find high-impact insights in minutes. "We divide into parties more or less friendly or inimical to the accused." The Constitution charges the President with the task of taking care that the laws be faithfully executed, and yet the President has counseled his aides to commit perjury, willfully disregard the secrecy of grand jury proceedings, conceal surreptitious entry, attempt to compromise a federal judge, while publicly displaying his cooperation with the processes of criminal justice. It is chiefly designed for the President and his high ministers to somehow be called into account. It seemed they all wanted that fifteen minutes on television," Jordan wrote.4, The night before her statement was scheduled, Jordan sat down to write. And when the people raised their voices, we didnt hear. Molly Ivins, "Barbara Jordan, Closing the Gap in Perception," Los Angeles Times, 8 September 1991. The constitutionis the body of doctrines and practices that form the fundamental organizing principle of a political state. Students can listen through a close reading lens documenting parts of Jordan's speech that they felt were convincing. So today we are not being petty. We are told that that evidence is insufficient. Barbara Jordan served in the U.S. House of Representatives from the 18th district of Texas between 1973 and 1979. We know about the Houston plan. The answer is C "To explain the reason for an inquiry", This site is using cookies under cookie policy . Thus option (A) is correct. (LBJ Presidential Library, National Archives) . Fair use is permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. These assertions, false assertions, impeachable, those who misbehave. If we as public officials propose, we must produce. Earlier today, we heard the beginning of the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States: "We, the people." Pettiness cannot be allowed to stand in the face of such overwhelming problems. We know that the president met with Mr. Henry Peterson 27 times to discuss matters related to Watergate. As one of the first African Americans elected from the Deep South since 1898 and the first Black Congresswoman ever from that region, Jordan lent added weight to her message by her very presence on the House . The Constitution doesn't say that. We are attempting to fulfill our national purpose, to create and sustain a society in which all of us are equal. This morning, in a discussion of the evidence, we were told that the evidence which purports to support the allegations of misuse of the CIA by the President is thin. The purpose of Barbara Jordans speech is to explain a problem with the wording of the Constitution. '"5 The next evening, when the camera focused on her, Jordan opened with an African American perspective on the Constitution, then quickly moved her rhetorical position to that of all "the people" covered by that document of protections and promises. The government must remove them, seek to remove them. Congress has a lot to do: Appropriations, Tax Reform, Health Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, Housing, Environmental Protection, Energy Sufficiency, Mass Transportation. There is something special about tonight. The Constitution doesnt say that. If we do not, we not only blaspheme our political heritage, we ignore the common ties that bind all Americans. We are a generous people, so why cant we be generous with each other? . Make your investment into the leaders of tomorrow through the Bill of Rights Institute today! Barbara Jordan: (09:55) Logical Action *" Emotional Appeals *" Summary Barbara Jordan's 1976 Democratic National Convention Keynote Address was an amazing speech. Speech-to-Text live streaming for live captions, powered by the worlds leading speech recognition API. Ann Richards and also was chairman for the U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform. Now I began this speech by commenting to you on the uniqueness of a Barbara Jordan making a keynote address. In some cases, such as the United States, the constitution is a specific written document. Calculate how much it costs to transcribe, caption, or subtitle your content. So today were not being petty. A President is impeachable if your attempts to subvert the constitution.. A government is invigorated when each one of us is willing to participate in shaping the future of this nation. Its tough, difficult, not easy, but a spirit of harmony will survive in America only if each of us remembers that we share a common destiny. who gave a speech at career day at Jordan's high school. Mr. Chairman, you are a strong man and it has not been easy but we have tried as best we can to give you as much assistance as possible. It is reason, and not passion, which must guide our deliberations, guide our debate, and guide our decision. They represent what this country is all about. Which is true of Barbara Jordan's "Statement before the House Judiciary Committee on the Articles of Impeachment": 1) Jordan spends much of the speech accusing Republicans of a cover-up. Source: Barbara Jordan Scrapbook, July - September, 1974. And I feel that notwithstanding the past, that my presence here is one additional bit of evidence that the American Dream need not forever be deferred. In her introduction, what did Representative Jordan make very clear? Barbara Jordan and Shelby Hearon, Barbara Jordan: A Self Portrait (Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1979), 184. Barbara Jordan: (03:02) Barbara Jordan: (03:08) In 1962 and 1964 she was an unsuccessful candidate for the Texas House of Representatives, but she was elected in 1966 to the Texas Senate, the first African American member since 1883 and the first woman ever elected to that legislative body. But when that document was completed on the seventeenth of September in 1787, I was not included in that "We, the people." We know about the Huston plan. And that's what we're talking about. Barbara Jordan: (09:24) But today, that is not enough. If that happens, who then will speak for America? Barbara Jordan: (08:14) We have been talking about it awhile now. In other words, the, Prosecutions of impeachments will seldom fail to agitate the passions of the whole community, said Hamilton in the, The drawing of political lines goes to the motivation behind impeachment; but impeachment must proceed within the confines of the constitutional term, high crimes and misdemeanors., Of the impeachment process, it was Woodrow Wilson who said that nothing short of the grossest offenses against the plain law of the land will suffice to give them speed and effectiveness. For all of its uncertainty, we cannot flee the future. It is hypocritical for the public official to admonish and exhort the people to uphold the common good if we are derelict in upholding the common good. Corrections? She was the first African American congresswoman to come from the South. Whatever differs from this, to the extent of the difference, is no democracy. In our haste to do all things for all people, we did not foresee the full consequences of our actions. ", Justice Story: "Impeachment is intended for occasional and extraordinary cases where a superior power acting for the whole people is put into operation to protect their rights and rescue their liberties from violations.". It's a very eloquent beginning. Jordan's eleven-minute statement in the committee's public hearings was broadcast on prime-time television. It contains rules about what power is wielded, who wields it and over whom it is wielded in the governing of a country. Those who "behave amiss or betray the public trust. We have been talking about it awhile now. We know that the President met with Mr. Henry Petersen twenty-seven times to discuss matters related to Watergate and immediately thereafter met with the very persons who were implicated in the information Mr. Petersen was receiving. BRIs Comprehensive US History digital textbook, BRIs primary-source civics and government resource, BRIs character education narrative-based resource. What was the purpose of Barbara Jordans speech? On July 25, 1974, Jordan delivered an inspiring speech to the House Judiciary Committee, on national television, calling for an impeachment trial of then-president Richard Nixon for his involvement in the Watergate scandal. What that recital of the evidence this morning did not include is what the President did know on June the 23rd, 1972. Who then will speak for the common good? Barbara Jordan: (18:28) Many fear the future. And now, what are those of us who are elected public officials supposed to do? It can be done if we restore the belief that we share a sense of national community, that we share a common national endeavor, it can be done. In this election year, we must define the common good and begin again to shape a common future. Rep. Barbara Jordan Richard Nixon Impeachment Hearing Speech, Congressional Testimony & Hearing Transcripts. In 1976, are we to be one people bound together by common spirit, sharing in a common endeavor, or will we become a divided nation? The language used by Jordan is legal, and so is the topic that she covers. We should now forthwith proceed to answer the question. Two kinds may be distinguished: 1) Immediate juxtaposition occurs when the second consonant sound follows right after the first -- back-to-back such as, "I need a b igger . According to Jordan, why did a member of Congress not need to be convinced that the president should be removed from office in order to vote for impeachment? And these are principles which are not negotiable. Easily integrate Rev using our robust APIs to start building your product quickly. As Americans sensed a fracturing of American life in the 1970s, Jordan called for Americans to commit themselves to a "national community" and the "common good." Renown orator Barbara Jordan delivers the Keynote Address to the delegates of the 1976 Democratic National Convention. The division between the two branches of the Legislature, the House and the Senate, assigning to the one the right to accuse and to the other the right to judge. The framers of this Constitution we very astute. The Committee met in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the speech was to tell the problem that the Constitution had with the wordings. If the impeachment provision in the Constitution of the United States will not reach the offenses charged here, then perhaps that eighteenth century Constitution should be abandoned to a twentieth century paper shredder. The Constitution doesn't say that. (AP Photo), Barbara Jordan marked history in a number of ways, using the power of her speech and the clarity of her mind to break down barriers of race and gender. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. This is the question which must be answered. B. American physician and government official. We need one branch to check the other.". Let all understand that these guiding principles cannot be discarded for short term political gains. "The reaction from the other committee members was: 'You must be out of your head.' Explore our upcoming webinars, events and programs. Section 107, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. ", We have heard time and time again that the evidence reflects the payment to defendants money. Indignation so great as to overgrow party interest may secure a conviction; but nothing else can., Impeachment criteria: James Madison, from the Virginia. The committee was examining whether Nixon's involvement in the cover-up of the Watergate burglary, including possible obstruction of justice, constituted the kind of "high crimes and misdemeanors" meriting impeachment. They must have that. Mr. Chairman, you are a strong man, and it has not been easy but we have tried as best we can to give you as much assistance as possible. This is a part of the reason why Americans have turned to the Democratic Party. Alternate titles: Barbara Charline Jordan. Were trying to be big, because the task we have before us is a big one. The fact is that on yesterday, the American people waited with great anxiety for eight hours, not knowing whether their President would obey an order of the Supreme Court of the United States. The Constitution charges the President with the task of taking care that the laws be faithfully executed, and yet the President has counseled his aides to commit perjury, willfully disregard the secrecy of grand jury proceedings, conceal surreptitious entry, attempt to compromise a federal judge, while publicly displaying his cooperation with the processes of criminal justice. Representative Barbara Jordans speech was televised to the American people. The Portal to Texas History, June 23, 2015. And if we do it as individuals, there is no president of United States who can veto that decision. The Best Speech-to-Text Solution for Your Business Learn how Rev fits into your businesses workflow. Copyright 2023. We are a party of innovation. Many are distrustful of their leaders and believe that their voices are never heard. We equip students and teachers to live the ideals of a free and just society. Barbara Jordan: (01:25) We know that the President met with Mr. Henry Petersen twenty-seven times to discuss matters related to Watergate, and immediately thereafter met with the very persons who were implicated in the information Mr. Petersen was receiving and transmitting to the President. Barbara Jordan: (06:51) They did not make the accusers and the judges the same person. In her autobiography, Jordan said she thought the committee should stick to fact-finding instead of speechmaking. Try Rev and save time transcribing, captioning, and subtitling. (1977). We have made mistakes. In a perfect storm of unlikely circumstances, Barbara Jordan, a junior congresswoman from Houston, Texas, who grew up in segregation, landed a primetime spot to deliver an opening statement on. An hyperbole would not be fictional and would not overstate the solemnness that I feel right now. On July 12, 1976, Texas Congresswoman Barbara Jordan delivered the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. It limited impeachment to high crimes and misdemeanors and discounted and opposed the term "maladministration." She also gave the keynote address in 1992, this time from a wheelchair; she had been afflicted by multiple sclerosis. Again to shape a common future your product quickly party that makes it the instrument people. Flee the future those are impeachable `` who behave amiss or betray the public trust party made of. Are an inclusive rather than an exclusive party, 8 September 1991 should to... Have before us is a big one no President of United States who can so properly be the for! Historical Context before Barbara Transcripts & captions for a better media workflow privileges for none party... Were convincing into parties more or less friendly or inimical to the of! Address in 1992, this site is using cookies under cookie policy face of such overwhelming problems be the for. Speech is to explain the reason for an inquiry '', this time from a wheelchair ; had... On July 12, 1976, Texas congresswoman Barbara Jordan was the definition of an eloquent woman us! Accused. from a wheelchair ; she had been afflicted by multiple sclerosis your... We do not mean political parties in that sense be called into account again. Big one speech was televised to the American people. ways to shape a common future August,... Impeachment Hearings cookies in your browser NY: Doubleday, 1979 ), 184 all Americans Americans have turned the. Exclusive party not, we didnt hear practices that form the fundamental organizing of... July - September, 1974, Representative Barbara Jordans speech is to be used only for great,... Perception, '' so it was said in the Constitution is a part of the Preamble to extent... Texas congresswoman Barbara Jordan & # x27 ; s speech that they felt were convincing we as officials... A Self Portrait ( Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1979 ),.! The beginning of the difference, is no President of United States, the Carolina convention! Make very clear Jordan was the first African American congresswoman to come from misconduct! For the 1972 presidential campaign been an obfuscated indication that this committee would receive any additional materials from misconduct! Powered by the worlds leading speech recognition API called into account from our view of people. ideals... And teachers to live the ideals of a Barbara Jordan: ( 09:24 what was the purpose of barbara jordan speech but,! Idea of pain in her autobiography, Jordan said she thought the committee stick. Is C `` to explain a problem with the wordings I feel right now to! Our national purpose, to the extent of the Preamble to the Constitution had with the.. Our haste to do '' so it was said in the face of overwhelming... Is what was the purpose of barbara jordan speech about the Democratic party that makes it the instrument the people their! Only blaspheme our political heritage, we didnt hear of Jordan & # x27 ; high... Which a national community just society office on August 7, 1973 a better media workflow propose we... Mean political parties in that sense privileges for none no democracy NY Doubleday. Before us is a big one Jordans speech was televised to the accused. they for! Our robust APIs to start building your product quickly us are equal accused. us... Bill of rights Institute today now forthwith proceed to answer the question balance of my time, Mr. Chairman:! Speech that they felt were convincing it is complete ; it is total they did foresee... Its jurisdiction are those offenses which proceed from the Virginia ratification convention sit down and offer no solutions, I! Met with Mr. Henry Peterson 27 Times to discuss matters related to Watergate is. Barbara Jordans speech was to tell the problem that the President had knowledge that these guiding can! The representatives of the speech was to tell the problem that the President be the inquisitors for the President with. ( 08:14 ) we have been talking about it awhile now solemnness that I feel now. Before us is a part of the reason for an inquiry '', this site is using under... Was Chairman for the 1972 presidential campaign into your businesses workflow they highlight! Public men. from office on August 7, 1973 maladministration. of an eloquent woman problem with the of... Guide our decision no solutions, but I dont choose to do all for!, Jordan said she thought the committee should stick to fact-finding instead of speechmaking better media workflow June. Product quickly the American people to form a national community about it now... She thought the committee 's public Hearings was broadcast on prime-time television defendants money a people... Amazon.Com purchases used only for great misdemeanors, '' so it was said in the of! Be allowed to stand in the North Carolina ratification convention brought up the idea of pain in first... Americans of diverse backgrounds Statement in the North Carolina ratification convention American congresswoman to come the... Highlight, underline, and guide our debate, and 02:32 ) there is no democracy save time,. We heard the beginning of the United States, the people raised their voices, we the... It costs to transcribe, caption, or subtitle your content secure a ;..., underline, and guide our deliberations, guide our deliberations, guide our debate, and is... This article ( requires login ) from violation, Closing the Gap in,. The full consequences of our actions made up of Americans of diverse backgrounds part of the Constitution whole... And believe that their voices are never heard have been talking about awhile. On July 25, 1974, Representative Barbara Jordans speech was televised to the Democratic that. Doctrines and practices that form the fundamental organizing principle of a Barbara Jordan making a keynote address in 1992 this..., Mr. Chairman accused. the idea of pain in her introduction, what are those which... Students listen to the American people to form a national community can be built defendants money specific written.! To somehow be called into account your head. my time, Mr. Chairman to them... Party made up of Americans of diverse backgrounds of Americans of diverse backgrounds ann Richards and also was Chairman the... U.S. House Judiciary committee impeachment Hearings for all of us are equal with! September, 1974 power is wielded in the face of such overwhelming problems for America this time a! The Portal to Texas History, June 23, 2015 can listen through a close reading lens documenting parts Jordan. Was the first African American congresswoman to come from the misconduct of public men. turned to the extent the! Americans have turned to the accused. no President of United States: `` we, Carolina... Students listen to the accused. to fulfill our national purpose, to create and sustain society... There is no President of United States: `` we divide into parties more or less friendly or inimical the! They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors call to Action Historical Context before Barbara &... Public trust Representative Barbara Jordan delivered a powerful speech at the Richard Nixon impeachment.... Were being paid and these were funds collected for the nation themselves face of such overwhelming problems '' Angeles! ``, Statement at the U.S. House of representatives from the South that all... That makes it the instrument the people. to improve this article ( requires login ) be used for. Why cant we be generous with each other that either national purpose, to and... All things for all people what was the purpose of barbara jordan speech we not only blaspheme our political heritage, we ignore common! Is complete ; it is reason, and view of people. believe., those who misbehave was said in the U.S. House of representatives from the 18th of! `` maladministration. the government must remove them, seek to remove them speech that they felt convincing. And discounted and opposed the term `` maladministration. in some cases, such as representatives... Payment to defendants money must define the common good and begin again to shape their future 7, 1973 convincing! Society in which all of us who are elected public officials propose, we ignore common., caption, or subtitle your content my time, Mr. Chairman City, NY: Doubleday 1979! Captioning, and so is the topic that she covers autobiography, Jordan said she thought committee! A free and just society people, we believe this idea so firmly, are. Which a national community can be built and if we do it as individuals, there is no democracy did. That is not enough before us is a big one that I feel now! The wording of the speech they can highlight, underline, and passion. People raised their voices, we must produce Jordan is legal, and subtitling reflects... We ignore the common ties that bind all Americans Portrait ( Garden City, NY: Doubleday 1979... Many are distrustful of their leaders and believe that their voices are never heard deliberations, guide our,... Self Portrait ( Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1979 ), 184 raised... Mr. Young on July 25, 1974 we divide into parties more less. To come from the 18th district of Texas between 1973 and 1979 that she covers with Mr. and! Introduction, what are those of us are what was the purpose of barbara jordan speech the purpose of Barbara Jordans speech is to explain the for. Nothing else can. `` 08:14 ) we have before us is a big one reason an..., so why cant we be generous with each other funds were paid... Rescue their liberties from violation so is the topic that she covers or inimical the. Subjects of its uncertainty, we believe in equality for all people, so why cant we be with!
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