Transcript: Patsy T. Mink Notes

Patsy T. Mink, undated handwritten notes for speech given in support of civil rights plank at the Democratic National Convention, Los Angeles, California, July 12, 1960, Container 5, folder 2, Patsy T. Mink Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress.

Transcription of front of envelope

What greater weapon for peace do we have than our victory over bigotry and race hatred which for many centuries past have torn the world apart.

How can America stand as the land of golden opportunity if indeed there is only that opportunity for some and not all.

I too have the capacity in every ounce of my body and intellect to be tolerant of differing views and opinions. But when these views contradict and destroy everything that I believe is so fundamental to democracy that capacity to be tolerant is obliterated.

Transcription of back of envelope

We need these to speak at least from a position of strength.

What we do need to save democracy are the weapons which will win for us the respect and admiration of the world.

Justice and Equality are a mockery if we do not support these words which express our determination to bring to all our peoples, equal rights [→] privileges. (The last word appears on front of envelope)