Earlier today, we heard the beginning of the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States, "We, the people." Barbara Jordan: (03:02) Jordan's eleven-minute statement in the committee's public hearings was broadcast on prime-time television. 1. We are a generous people, so why cant we be generous with each other? The remarks are often cited as one of the great examples of American political oratory. We have made mistakes. On July 12, 1976, Texas Congresswoman Barbara Jordan delivered the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. Figures of Speech and Thought Alliteration: Figure of emphasis that occurs through the repetition of initial consonant letters (or sounds) in two or more different words across successive sentences, clauses, or phrases. And I ask you that as you listen to these words of Abraham Lincoln relate them to the concept of a national community in which every last one of us participates. Her statement appears below: "A President is impeachable if he attempts to subvert the Constitution.". Discover why Rev is the #1 speech-to-text service in the world. Become a freelancer and work on your own terms. Chairman: (00:04) '"5 The next evening, when the camera focused on her, Jordan opened with an African American perspective on the Constitution, then quickly moved her rhetorical position to that of all "the people" covered by that document of protections and promises. Congress has a lot to do, appropriations, tax reform, health insurance, campaign finance reform, housing, environmental protection, energy sufficiency, mass transportation. The Constitution doesnt say that. If the impeachment provision in the Constitution of the United States will not reach the offenses charged here, then perhaps that 18th-century Constitution should be abandoned to a 20th-century paper shredder. It contains rules about what power is wielded, who wields it and over whom it is wielded in the governing of a country. The division between the two branches of the Legislature, the House and the Senate, assigning to the one the right to accuse and to the other the right to judge. Jerry K. Frye Chairman and Associate Professor of Speech Communication , University of Minnesota , Duluth & Franklin B. Krohn Ph.D. student at S.U.N.Y . Theyll recognize that. A RESTful API to access Revs workforce of fast, high quality transcriptionists and captioners. It limited impeachment to high crimes and misdemeanors and discounted and opposed the term "maladministration." We know that. It can be done if we restore the belief that we share a sense of national community, that we share a common national endeavor, it can be done. Of the impeachment process, it was Woodrow Wilson who said that "Nothing short of the grossest offenses against the plain law of the land will suffice to give them speed and effectiveness. "So I said: 'Well, I'll just start with that. We know the question. Indignation so great as to overgrow party interest may secure a conviction, but nothing else can. Common sense would be revolted, if we engaged upon this process for petty reasons. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. In 1992 she again gave the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. Ibid., 193. We know that the President met with Mr. Henry Petersen twenty-seven times to discuss matters related to Watergate, and immediately thereafter met with the very persons who were implicated in the information Mr. Petersen was receiving and transmitting to the President. We're told that that evidence is insufficient. "The subjects of its jurisdiction are those offenses which proceed from the misconduct of public men." Before the invention of social media apps, parents could not engage in sharenting and, therefore, did not have the opportunity to globally embarrass their children.C.A 14-year-old girl was surprised when she discovered that her mother had been posting photos of her on social media without her even knowing about it.D.Parents with an abundance of pride in their kids often post their children's photos on social media even though such postings can cause their children great embarrassment.l tmi, Article Sharetening Total TMIWhat is this Article mainly about?A.In the past, people took plenty of photographs using traditional film and typically k "4 Beginning shortly after the Watergate break-in and continuing to the present time, the President has engaged in a series of public statements and actions designed to thwart the lawful investigation by government prosecutors. Extend your content reach and maximize your engagement rates. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Source: Barbara Jordan Scrapbook, July - September, 1974. We have been talking about it awhile now. Pettiness cannot be allowed to stand in the face of such overwhelming problems. But through the process of amendment, interpretation and court decision I have finally been included in We, the people., The subject of its jurisdiction are those offenses which proceed from the misconduct of public men. 73-82. Barbara Jordan: (09:21) Barbara Jordan and Shelby Hearon, Barbara Jordan: A Self Portrait (Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1979), 184. e baby pictures, in photo albums that usually remained on a shelf. I have confidence that we can form this kind of national community. Throughout our history, when people have looked for new ways to solve their problems and to uphold the principles of this nation, many times they have turned to political parties. "It is to be used only for great misdemeanors," so it was said in the North Carolina ratification convention. We were further cautioned today that perhaps these proceedings ought to be delayed because certainly there would be new evidence forthcoming from the President of the United States. Purpose - As the keynote speaker for the DNC, Jordan's purpose was, to some degree, the same purpose of all convention keynote speakers -- to rally support behind the democratic candidate for presidency . Each seeking to satisfy private wants. The President did know that it was Republican money, that it was money from the Committee for the Re-Election of the President, which was found in the possession of one of the burglars arrested on June the 17th. Of the impeachment process, it was Woodrow Wilson who said that, Nothing short of the grossest offenses against the plain law of the land will suffice to give them speed and effectiveness. Barbara Jordan, in full Barbara Charline Jordan, (born February 21, 1936, Houston, Texas, U.S.died January 17, 1996, Austin, Texas), American lawyer, educator, and politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives (197379), representing Texas. But when that document was completed on the seventeenth of September in 1787, I was not included in that "We, the people." Thus option (A) is correct. That's the question. And immediately thereafter met with the very persons who were implicated in the information Mr. Peterson was receiving. In other times, I could stand here and give this kind of exposition on the beliefs of the Democratic Party and that would be enough. Molly Ivins, "Barbara Jordan, Closing the Gap in Perception," Los Angeles Times, 8 September 1991. In her autobiography, Jordan said she thought the committee should stick to fact-finding instead of speechmaking. Easily integrate Rev using our robust APIs to start building your product quickly. It is reason, and not passion, which must guide our deliberations, guide our debate, and guide our decision. Thus option (A) is correct. It limited impeachment to high crimes and misdemeanors and discounted and opposed the term maladministration. . We equip students and teachers to live the ideals of a free and just society. When Barbara Jordan was born in Houston . Being a part of the civil rights movement she strived for change and cared about her constitution she gave a great speech and it really showed that she would not stand or tolerate even the president to disobey to constitution. In that year also she published Barbara Jordan, a Self-Portrait. The division between the two branches of the legislature, the House and the Senate, assigning to the one the right to accuse and to the other the right to judge, the framers of this Constitution were very astute. "A President is impeachable if he attempts to subvert the Constitution.". How did that demonstrate its significance? Become a freelancer and work on your own terms. It is hypocritical for the public official to admonish and exhort the people to uphold the common good if we are derelict in upholding the common good. Get a weekly digest of the weeks most important transcripts in your inbox. Barbara Jordan: Speech on Impeachment Jul 25, 1974 A President Is Impeachable If He Attempts To Subvert The Constitution This is the speech given by Representative Barbara Jordan (Democrat-Texas) reminding her colleagues on the House Judiciary Committee of the Constitutional basis for impeachment. D.Parents with an abundance of pride in their kids often post their children's photos on social media even though such postings can cause their children great embarrassment. We know that the president met with Mr. Henry Peterson 27 times to discuss matters related to Watergate. Learn more about the different ways you can partner with the Bill of Rights Institute. We admit our mistakes. And when the people raised their voices, we didnt hear. As one of the first African Americans elected from the Deep South since 1898 and the first Black Congresswoman ever from that region, Jordan lent added weight to her message by her very presence on the House . Fielding's office, after having met with Mr. Ehrlichman and Mr. Young. We need to take to heart the words spoken by Thomas Jefferson, Let us restore to social intercourse that harmony and that affection without which liberty, and even life, are but dreary things.. At this point, I would like to juxtapose a few of the impeachment criteria with some of the actions the President has engaged in. 7. We are a party of innovation. Which structure does the author use to organize information in the text Improving Old MacDonald's Farm? Grady, "Magnificent Voice Stilled at Last. , ditional film and typically kept more personal shots, like baby pictures, in photo albums that usually remained on a shelf.B. BRIs Comprehensive US History digital textbook, BRIs primary-source civics and government resource, BRIs character education narrative-based resource. July 25, 1974. What is a Constitution? Now, we must look to the future. Those who "behave amiss or betray the public trust. And if the President wants to supply that material, the committee sits here. We must not become the new puritans and reject our society. Barbara Jordan Career Center, formerly Barbara Jordan High School for Careers, is a public vocational school center at 5800 Eastex Freeway (U.S. Highway 59) in Houston, Texas, United States.It is a part of the Houston Independent School District.Prior to July 1, 2018, the school served as its own self-contained secondary school. Barbara Jordan, 10/18/1976. What was the purpose of Barbara Jordan's speech? I have that confidence. Explain the importance of Representative Jordan using the Constitution as the means to bring the impeachment charges against President Nixon. Common sense would be revolted if we engaged upon this process for petty reasons. We must provide the people with a vision of the future. The President did know that it was Republican money, that it was money from the Committee for the Reelection of the President, which was found in the possession of one of the burglars arrested on June the 17th. We realize that. Mr. Chairman, I join my colleague Mr. Rangel in thanking you for giving the junior members of this committee the glorious opportunity of sharing the pain of this inquiry. Let everybody come. We know that the President met with Mr. Henry Petersen 27 times to discuss matters related to Watergate, and immediately thereafter met with the very persons who were implicated in the information Mr. Petersen was receiving. Excerpt taken from Great Speeches Volume 4 from Educational Video Group,. What we have to do is strike a balance between the idea that government should do everything and the idea, the belief, that government ought to do nothing. Congress has a lot to do: The Constitution charges the President with the task of taking care that the laws be faithfully executed, and yet the President has counseled his aides to commit, Nixon Tapes: The Smoking Gun Tape, 1972, http://watergate.info/1974/07/25/barbara-jordan-speech-on-impeachment.html, Barbara Jordan, Speech on Impeachment, July 25, 1974, Earlier today, we heard the beginning of the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States, We, the people. It is a very eloquent beginning. Updates? She went on to become the first black person elected to Congress from Texas since Reconstruction. In 1976, are we to be one people bound together by common spirit, sharing in a common endeavor, or will we become a divided nation? It is designed to "bridle" the executive if he engages in excesses. Barbara Jordan: (06:01) We are trying to be big, because the task we have before us is a big one. Jordan remained in the Texas Senate until 1972, when she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Texass 18th district. Barbara Jordan: ( 09:55) Impeachment is intended for occasional and extraordinary cases, where a superior power acting for the whole people it's put into operation to protect their rights and rescue their liberties from violations. My faith in the Constitution is whole, it is complete, it is total, and I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the diminution, the subversion, the destruction of the Constitution. Now, what are these beliefs? Barbara Jordan: (08:14) I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the. A Purpose for Historically Based Picture Books in Learning. Barbara Jordan: (11:17) It takes a lot of energy, dedication and bullet-proofing yourself to be: B. It is to be used only for great misdemeanors, so it was said in the North Carolina Ratification Convention, and in the Virginia Ratification Convention, We do not trust our Liberty to a particular branch. Barbara Jordan: (10:11) "It is designed as a method of national inquest into the conduct of public men." No one need be afraid, the Northwest Carolina Ratification Convention, No one need to be afraid that officers who commit oppression will pass with immunity. Prosecution of impeachments will seldom fail to agitate the passions of the whole community, said Hamilton in the Federalist papers number 65, We divided the part is more or less friendly or inimical to the accused. Mr. Chairman, you are a strong man, and it has not been easy but we have tried as best we can to give you as much assistance as possible. The citizens of America expect more, deserve and they want more than a recital of problems. There is no law that can require the American people to form a national community. Earlier today, we heard the beginning of the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States: "We, the people." Not only was Jordan one of the younger members of the Judiciary Committee, she was also one of the few women. Indignation so great as to overgrow party interest may secure a conviction; but nothing else can., Impeachment criteria: James Madison, from the Virginia. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barbara-Jordan, BlackPast.org - Biography of Barbara Jordan, Barbara Jordan - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Barbara C. Jordan - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), Barbara Jordan at the 1976 Democratic National Convention. Problems which include, lack of integrity in government, the feeling that the individual no longer counts, the reality of material and spiritual poverty, the feeling that the grand American experiment is failing or has failed. It is chiefly designed for the President and his high ministers to somehow be called into account. Full text and audio of Barbara Jordan - 1974 House Judiciary Statement on the Nixon Impeachment Proceedings Speech-to-Text API for pre-recorded audio, powered by the worlds leading speech recognition engine. We've been talking about it awhile now. We know that the President met with Mr. Henry Petersen twenty-seven times to discuss matters related to Watergate and immediately thereafter met with the very persons who were implicated in the information Mr. Petersen was receiving. These assertions, false assertions, Impeachable, those who misbehave, those who behave amiss, or betray the public trust., Barbara Jordan: (11:40) I felt somehow for many years that George Washington and Alexander Hamilton just left me out by mistake. This is a part of the reason why Americans have turned to the Democratic Party. In 1976, she was the first black woman to deliver the keynote address at a Democratic National Convention. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. James Madison, again, at the Constitutional Convention, A President is impeachable if he attempts to subvert the Constitution. The constitution charges the President with the task of taking care that the laws be faithfully executed. Well, I am going to close my speech by quoting a Republican president. What was the purpose of Barbara Jordan's speech? Barbara Jordan marked history in a number of ways, using the power of her speech and the clarity of her mind to break down barriers of race and gender. The powers relating to impeachment are an essential check in the hands of the body of the legislature against and upon the encroachments of the executive. Barbara Jordan: ( 14:23) A nation is formed by the willingness of each of us to share in the responsibility for upholding the common good. More is required. Industry-leading accurate legal transcription to ensure you dont miss a statement. We know about the break-in of the psychiatrist's office. Texas columnist Molly Ivins said that Jordan would be the obvious choice in a casting call for the voice of God.2, The youngest of three daughters of a Baptist minister in a poor Houston neighborhood, Jordan attended segregated schools, graduated from the all-black Texas Southern University, and earned a law degree from Boston University in 1959, where she was deeply affected by Howard Thurman, dean of Marsh Chapel. I could list the problems which cause people to feel cynical, angry, frustrated. We know the nature of impeachment. Common sense would be revolted if we engaged upon this process for petty reasons. The audience benefits best from this medium of communication because it is better to hear precisely how a person felt about a topic, rather than read their thoughts and interpret their feelings. 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