September 26

"When there is lack of honor in government, the morals of the whole people are poisoned."

Herbert Hoover, 31st President, 1929-1933. Most likely from an interview with the New York Times just before his 90th birthday on August 9, 1964. He died only two months later on October 20, 1964. Other parts of the articles contained his thoughts on America and freedom. "Freedom is the window from which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and of human dignity. With the preservation of these moral and spiritual qualities and with God's grace will come further greatness for our country." Around him in 1964 swirled headlines of the Presidential election pitting Lyndon Johnson against Barry Goldwater, the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement and its violence, Nelson Mandela being imprisoned in South Africa, and the growing popularity of the Beatles.