The Public Record
Lyndon Baines Johnson was the 36th President of the United States, serving from 1963 to 1969. A member of the Democratic Party, he was born in Texas and began his political career as a U.S. Representative in 1937, later becoming a U.S. Senator in 1949. Johnson ascended to the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and his administration is noted for significant domestic policies, including the Great Society programs aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice. His legislative achievements included the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid.
You don't know how much satisfaction I get out of seeing this lovely lady who has been by your side--this wonderful, typically American family here in the first house of the land to see you receive the award and the recognition that only a…
The acts of extraordinary courage to which we pay tribute were not performed with any hope of reward.
We have come here this morning to honor a very brave American soldier.
Lt. Williams and a very small band of Americans and Vietnamese fought for 14 long hours against an enemy that outnumbered them more than five to one.
They fought, at great personal risk, for a world of peace--a world that might become, however slowly, worthy of the human spirit.
Our Nation stands today at the threshold of a new era in our system of criminal justice.
A man, regardless of his financial status--shall not needlessly be detained . . . when detention serves neither the ends of justice nor the public interest.
This measure does not restrict the power of the courts to detain dangerous persons in capital cases or after conviction.
We can begin to insure that defendants are considered as individuals--and not as dollar signs.
The principal purpose of bail is to insure that an accused person will return for trial, if he is released after arrest.
If a judge is given adequate information, he, the judge, can determine that many defendants can be released without any need for money bail.
Because of the bail system, the scales of justice have been weighted for almost two centuries not with fact, nor law, nor mercy.
In the words of the act, 'A man, regardless of his financial status--shall not needlessly be detained . . . when detention serves neither the ends of justice nor the public interest.'
He stays in jail for one reason only--he stays in jail because he is poor.
I am proud now, as a major step forward, to sign the Bail Reform Act of 1966 into the law of the land.
This system has endured--archaic, unjust, and virtually unexamined--ever since the Judiciary Act of 1789.
Your presence here this evening is an occasion we have long anticipated.
To make this promise a reality, your country is planning a desalting installation larger than any that now exists anywhere.
It is a very welcome and a very vivid reminder of the bonds of friendship which exist between our two countries.
Once again, I extend to you on behalf of all the American people a hearty welcome to our land.
Politicians like Lyndon Johnson
