Great Society Diaries

Conservative Politician
Johnson is a madman. He thinks that he can just fix these problems in society without there being any repercussions whatsoever. This will take a huge toll out of the little amount of money we have left and most likely create a large uproar in society. There will be a group that will disagree with the social reforms he has in mind, even more with the economic reforms. However, I don't think I can do anything to stop him. Johnson has his mind set to this "Great Society" and there is no way one man can stand up to him. He has the support of Congress also, despite the obvious drawbacks in his plan. Johnson doesn't even consider what these changes will do to his reputation. He will lose many of his supporters, both in and out of the White House. I doubt he will be coming back for another term as President. I don't understand how Johnson can hold his own against the relentless attacks by me and my colleagues, I'm not even sure if our message is reaching him. Only time will tell I suppose. Perhaps he will come about his senses when he experiences the consequences from his actions. I know that the majority of the white population of America will not agree with the acts he plans to pass. I know that many business owners and the more wealthy part of American society will not agree with him, and knowing how influential these people are, I know that Johnson will lose what little standing and respect he has left in the eyes of American Society. But, if he won't heed my warnings, or listen to reason, then these acts will be his downfall. This I am entirely sure of. If he proceeds on the path he is currently taking he will not be the leader of this nation for much longer.

An African American Student
I cannot wait for President Johnson's "Great Society" to take effect. I will finally be able to receive the education I deserve. Not only that, but it will be much easier for me to get a job. I won't have to live in poverty for much longer. This is going to be a major turning point in Black History. Just thinking about the several opportunities that will be present to me makes me jump with joy. I will no longer have to depend on others for housing and food. I can finally be my own independent person. I can no longer be refused a job simply because of the color of my skin, and because of that I don't have to live in poverty anymore. I no longer have to go to a  school separate from the white people and receive a lesser education. The possibilities are endless now, I can be anything I set my mind to with these reforms. I know that these reforms won't be very popular with the white crowd, but they're just perfect for me. Maybe this will even teach the white man a lesson. It might just teach them that a black man can be just as good, if not better, of a worker as a white man. This is the first step towards true racial equality. Thank God for Lyndon B. Johnson, he has truly given the black population a chance for success. He has given us the greatest gift the President of the United States can give, and for that we are eternally grateful.

Upper Class White Citizen (racist)
This is an outrage. Johnson is trying to taint my business and the others in America. If he lets them into our business then we will surely fall. Does he not see that a black man will not work nearly as hard or as efficiently as a white one? Does he not see that the reason they are in poverty is because they have not worked hard enough to be in wealth? He doesn't see the reasons behind the way things are now. He only wishes to follow his delusion that blacks and whites will one day be equal. The truth is, they simply will not. The average white man has a larger brain and better work ethic than that of the average black man. If the white man is inherently better than the black man, then why should he not be treated so? Just look at the difference in education between me and a black man of the same age. I am of significantly more value than him because I am much smarter than him. We have already given them the rights of a regular United States Citizen. We've already given them every opportunity that is available to us, and yet they are not thankful. In fact, they've only complained about the gifts we've bestowed on them. They have no respect for us, and we shall have no respect for them in return. If Johnson can't see that the blacks are in the position they are in because of their own actions (and only their actions) then he truly is a fool chasing an impossible dream.