Glimpses of An Election
Clay knew he would be asked that question; it was a risk inherent in coming along here in person. It was the question -the last question- and he wanted to do it right. He also knew, as did 'most everybody else, that the man who asked it was a sometimes violent member of the Klan who probably wanted to burn him right here in front of this crowd.
So he called him by name.
"Mr. Thompson, I believe in the law, as I'm sure you do, too. So if you believe in the law, what we have here is the rights of citizens instead of a race question....
Marsh closed his eyes.
-- Beautiful. I'd never been quick enough to see that ice pick to hand, let alone the guts to use it. Reminds me of goin' to see the Judge back then. Jesus, though, I feel for Clay.
Thorpe pretended to count the pegs in the floor boards, even pointing a finger. He was actually almost mindlessly wondering what he wanted to happen. Then he smiled at the floor.
-- Whatever it is, this covers my ass about the Mexican project. Gillmor watched Thorpe for a moment, then peered up through his thumb and forefinger, ostensibly to measure the pitch of the roof.
-- This might get me a raise; or, better yet, a regular Wednesday afternoon off for this or that -mostly that.
Thompson stamped his foot. And then again.
Mitch and Mr. Hank, and Lette and Run-Run, and most of the others breathed almost not at all as Clay continued.
"...The laws on the books, Mr. Thompson, are the rules of the game. Those rules go back to The Constitution, and they state very clearly that all people born here or naturalized are full citizens entitled to vote and the full protection of the laws regardless of race or color or....
Thompson started to wave his fist, thought better of it (at least in this crowd), and sat down.
"...The trouble is, Mr. Thompson, that some folks have had a hard time realizing that The Constitution means just what it says. So The Congress passed laws after the Civil War spelling it out. They are important, Mr. Thompson, and they are the law of this country and so the law even here in Texas....
Thompson was on his feet, this time waving his fist.
"...Oh, I know, Mr. Thompson. It is true that the Supreme Court weakened one of those laws in a ruling in 1883, but it strengthened the other one in 1884 and again in 1944. It is firmly against the law, Mr. Thompson, for any state or any individuals or groups of individuals to interfere with any citizen exercising the right to vote.
"Finally, Mr. Thompson, I think the rights of all citizens involving education and jobs and just ordinary living need some more support. But the law in its wisdom lays down the rules for changing the rules of the game, and making sure that everyone can vote free and secret. I don't see any race question in any of that-that answer your question, Mr. Thompson?" This time Thompson shook both fists as he stood up.
"You're a Nigger-lovin' Communist and I'll see you in Hell!"
He thumped a heel on each terrace as he walked up to where he banged each door against its stop as he left.
Gillmor had stopped roof gazing long ago. He came to his feet, nodding to Griff and Rogers.
"Well, folks, I 'spect most of us'll see each other there some time or other, but right now this meeting is adjourned. I thank you for coming and turn the gavel back to its owner."
As the visitors left, lost in their own thought or conversations, Maggie, the Scotts and Hugh Lee distributed copies of the first public edition of The Freedom News. People took them without protest - also without comment.
Back in the well the parliamentarian banged his gavel on the lectern.
"You'll get your copies, and extras for friends, after we finish our business. Last week Mr. Irving raised the question about what this membership wants to do about coming down in favor of one of the candidates. Then Mr. Case offered the idea we acted on tonight. The chair is open for a motion."
The energy that Thorpe and Clay and Thompson had generated finally found a release in a flurry of hands.
"I hold that Mr. Irving has the right to the floor."
"I got what I asked for; let's see what our pleasure is."
"I recognize Abbey Mae."
"I say we back Clay and lose shoe leather walkin' for him."
The "I second" came from everyone standing.
It was done.
Table of Contents
- Maggie and Mr. Hank
- The Reverend
- Squalls Along the Flight Line
- Flying Home to Church
- A Visit with The Judge
- Communion
- Afterthoughts
- Monday Morning With The Admiral
- Into the Dining Room
- On Toward Walking the Streets
- Glimpses of An Election
- The Dream and The Reality of Violence
- The Admiral Loses More Than a Few Good Men
- Down That Lonesome Road