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.
Unless we begin now to restore the environment in and around our cities, where more than 3 out of 4 people are going to be living in the year 2000, we will be condemning a large part of our population to an ugly, drab, and mechanical fate.
A few months ago I stated that the clear water and the warm sandy beaches of our coastline are our Nation's real treasure, but I also observed that this kind of a treasure is not always secure.
This will be another important link in the great network of national parks that some of us have worked so long to establish.
Will it be strewn with broken glass and rusting cans and commercialized beyond recognition, or will we leave a part of it as God created it and as man found it?
I want to be judged--as we judge the great conservationists of yesterday--as benefactors of our people and as builders of a more beautiful America.
In planning this Bicentennial Celebration, we must remember that we are celebrating not only the birth of American ideals, but the birth of ideals that today encircle the globe.
The Bicentennial Commission will help us commemorate the American Revolution with all the dignity and spirit it deserves.
Nothing in our proud heritage surpasses the significance of that great struggle for freedom nearly two hundred years ago.
I propose that we establish an American Revolution Bicentennial Commission, composed of members of Congress and the Executive Branch and distinguished and outstanding Americans appointed by the President.
The safety and security of its citizens is the first duty of government.
The great abundance of America is the result of responsible cooperation between business and banking, between labor and Government.
Organized crime will stop at nothing to escape detection and prosecution.
Our banking system is sound and there is confidence in the American dollar.
On the happy occasion of the wedding of Princess Beatrix, Mrs. Johnson joins me in sending our very best wishes, and those of the American people.
Politicians like Lyndon Johnson
