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If I were attorney general in Kansas in 1953, I would not have defended a Kansas statute that put in place separate-but-equal facilities.
Eric Holder
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote expresses a stance against segregation and the doctrine of 'separate but equal'. It emphasizes the importance of equality under the law.

In this quote, Eric Holder reflects on the moral and legal implications of defending laws that enforced segregation in Kansas in 1953. He identifies a commitment to justice and equality, indicating that he would have opposed any legal framework that perpetuated discrimination, thus advocating for civil rights and the need to challenge unjust laws.

Themes

JusticeEqualityCivil RightsSegregationLaw

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech advocating for civil rights, one might use this quote to illustrate the importance of challenging unjust laws.

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While he was in the service, in the South and in Oklahoma, he was refused service at a couple of places where he was in uniform, and was told that African Americans, blacks, Negros, were not served. And in spite of that, I've never known a man who loved this country more than my father did.
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One of the things I learned is that you've got to deal with the underlying social problems if you want to have an impact on crime - that it's not a coincidence that you see the greatest amount of violent crime where you see the greatest amount of social dysfunction.
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Those who peacefully gather to express sympathy for the family of Michael Brown must have their rights respected at all times. And journalists must not be harassed or prevented from covering a story that needs to be told.
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