Lyndon Johnson

I consider that, aside from our security, the two most important things to concern government are the health of its people and the education of its minds.

I hope and believe that, in the interest of all Americans, the Congress will want to act promptly.

A rail strike would bring industrial tragedy to America.

I believe that they are performing as you would have them perform.

We never think that Washington has a monopoly on wisdom.

General Westmoreland told me at Cam Ranh Bay, 'Mr. President, no armed forces anywhere, at any time, commanded by any commander in chief, were up to the group that we have in Vietnam today.'

I do deeply believe that there will be less misunderstanding if the facts are better understood.

Few men have served this Nation longer as Secretary of State and none have ever served it better.

The people of our land in this hour of emergency need to understand as thoroughly as possible our national policy and our country's position in the world and in Vietnam.

The public interest demands that every practical step be taken to avert a strike.

One reason that these brave young men are as good as they are is because they are led in the field by an exceptional and most remarkable American.

As long as the fighting continues in Vietnam, we have not achieved our goal--the goal of a just and honorable and workable peace.

This additional period will give the Congress time prudently to consider legislation which will protect the public interest in this case.

I need and I always welcome your opinions and your advice.

I am glad to come here today and to see the foundations that you in Maryland are building, the foundations that you have already laid, the predicates that you have planned for the preservation of freedom and of happiness.

It looks easy now, but we spent more than 20 years in the Congress battling for this breakthrough.

If we are to step into the future without stumbling, we must produce trained citizens in this country.

We must provide for the practical, the vocational.

Now we know that it is not enough.

We must smooth the transition from school to work.

Eduction is the only dictator that free men will ever recognize and the only ruler that free men will accept.

Once we considered education a public expense; we know now that it is a public investment.

We must not lose all we have gained by reckless effort, by rewriting our laws, or by playing for partisan political advantage.

Dissolving ancient feuds and settling controversies is integral to progress.

We just must not relax our efforts.