Erin McCord - The President Calling

I listened to President John F. Kennedy's conversations with Governor Barnett of Mississippi concerning segregation in the state and more specifically the nationalized issue of James Meredith, a colored applicant denied admission into the University of Mississippi. I also listened to Kennedy's nationwide address about the issue and I think he handled the situation very well. He was concentrated on keeping peace in Mississippi while riots broke out about the Supreme Court's decision to allow Meredith acceptance into the University. Kennedy opposed segregation and wanted, most of all, order and security amongst the citizens for their own safety and for the safety of Meredith on the campus. He reacted as a man of honor, I believe, in wanting the best for the citizens of his country as well as equality and safety among them. This type of source is unique and more interesting than alternative mediums such as listening to a lecture or reading the information and because of that, I find it easier to concentrate on and less of a burden to complete. I appreciated being able to hear, somewhat firsthand, what the president had to say about the matter and how the conflicts of those days were dealt with.