Nixon White House Tapes — Conversation 323-027
Date: Thursday, March 16, 1972 at 9:17 PM
Participants: Nixon, Richard M. (President)
Recording device: Old Executive Office Building
Source: https://www.easynixon.org/tapes/323-027

This transcript was generated automatically by AI (WhisperX) and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite it as authoritative.

[2:15:31] I submit these proposals to the Congress, and I commend them to all of you who are listening tonight, mindful of the profound importance and the special complexity of the issues they address.
[2:15:35] The key is action, and action now.
[2:15:38] The Congress holds that key.
[2:15:41] If you agree with the goals I have described, to stop more busing now, and to provide equality of education for all of our children,
[2:15:50] I urge you to let your congressmen and senators know your views, so that Congress will act promptly to deal with this problem.
[2:16:00] Let me close with a personal note.
[2:16:02] This is a deeply emotional and divisive issue.
[2:16:05] I have done my very best to undertake the way to respect the conflicting ends, to strike a balance which is thoughtful and just, to search for answers that will best serve all of our nation's children.
[2:16:19] I realize the program I recommended will not satisfy the extremists on the one side, who oppose busing for the wrong reasons.
[2:16:27] And I realize that my program will not satisfy the extreme social planners on the other side, who insist on more busing, even at the cost of better education.
[2:16:37] But while what I have said tonight will not appeal to either extremists, I believe I have expressed the view of the majority of America.
[2:16:46] I believe that the majority of Americans of all races want more busing stopped and better education started.
[2:16:55] Let us recognize that the issue of busing divides many Americans.
[2:17:00] Let us also recognize that the commitment to equal opportunity and education unites all Americans.
[2:17:08] The proposals I have submitted to Congress will allow us to turn away from what divides us and to turn toward what unites us.
[2:17:17] The way we handle this difficult issue is a separating test of the character, the responsibility, and the decency of the American people.
[2:17:25] Let us handle it in a way we should be proud by uniting behind a program which will make it possible for all the children of this great and good land of ours to receive a better education and thereby
[2:18:04] Stop for us now.
[2:18:07] Stop for them.
[2:18:12] Stop for us now.