Letter 1

The Honorable Ivan Allen

Jo Ann Clower   |   Page 128-130

In this letter, author Jo Ann Clower shares multiple attitudes that were common across many of the letters I read. On the first page, she writes that, "In my opinion, most of our political leaders here in the South are either completely lacking in foresight or are too concerned with their career and personal security to care what unfortunate results our racial problems will create if they are not solved." What Clower shows here, and highlighted by other authors, was Mayor Allen's unique thoughts and methods. It was clear that he was willing to go to extreme lengths to stand up for what was right. This deviation from the status quo in Southern politics is part of what sparked such a large response from the public.

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Later in her note, Clower talks of how many of her friends and family still believe white people are superior, leading to their dissaproval of Mayor Allen. "But to some of us you have given a sharp and beautiful reminder that our American ideals are not old-fashioned or corny. They are as meaningful as ever and well-worth defending", Clower writes on the third page. Evident here is the withering of American patriotism and pride among moderates in the South. Through his address, Mayor Allen helped them to remember what our country was truly built on, and restoring their faith and hope.