Circle 004: Julian Bond, New Politics, March 9, 1975

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Georgia State Senator Julian Bond was the discussion leader at the New England Circle on March 9. Bond, who was nominated for the Vice Presidency of the United States during the 1972 Democratic Convention, spoke at length about the new politics of America. The Senator skillfully wove a recapitulation of the Civil Rights struggle of the 60's and the increased political empowerment of minorities. Bond indicated he did not feel there had been enough progress made by the present Washington Administration in the areas of housing, full employment and economics.

When questioned about his own political aspirations, the former Civil Rights worker admitted he was interested in running for the presidency. Bond stated flatly that the office of vice-president held no allure for him. He said if he were able to get the needed financial support he would definitely seek the President's office. He added his would be a serious campaign, and although he realized winning might not be possible in 76, he felt that by running he would be able to raise the issues affecting the poor and dispossessed.

Bond criticized the educational situation in Boston, explaining that southern cities had accepted and implemented desegregation orders with much less violence and confusion than has Boston, the Cradle of Liberty. When asked by participants why he thought desegregation orders had been carried out more successfully in the south, Bond replied that elected officials and law enforcement personnel had not tolerated any foolishness from any group. The latter part of the evening was almost dominated by exchanges between participants who held differing points of view about busing as a tool to achieve desegregation.

by Sarah-Ann Shaw (WBZ-TV, Boston)

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