Description: Mel King (candidate for mayor of Boston) attends a meeting of the Tent City Corporation, chaired by Joan Tighe (chairwoman, Tent City Corporation), regarding the development of the Tent City site. Tighe says that the group will work to maintain affordable housing units at the site and to scale down a proposed plan for a parking garage on the site. Crowd sings happy birthday to Tinghe. Christy George interviews King about his position on housing issues and those of his opponents Ray Flynn (candidate for mayor of Boston) and David Finnegan (candidate for mayor of Boston). King criticizes condominium conversions and talks about the need for a strong rent control program. King discusses the link between employment and housing, and says that the community needs more low- and moderate-income housing units. King notes that the federal government is not aware of the housing crisis across the nation; he adds that the federal government needs a better housing policy.
1:00:04: Visual: Mel King (candidate for mayor of Boston) enters a room where a meeting about the Tent City Development is being held. White and African American attendees sit on either side of a long table. King greets a few of the attendees, then sits down near a window at the side of the room. Joan Tighe (chairwoman, Tent City Corporation) reviews the goals of the Tent City Corporation. Tighe says that the Tent City Corporation aims to be the sole developer of the Tent City site; that they will work with the mayor to maintain affordable housing units at the site; that they will work to scale down a proposed plan for a parking garage. The meeting is adjourned. Meeting members tidy up the room. King greets the attendees. Meeting members and King sing "Happy Birthday" to Tighe. King continues to greet attendees. 1:05:22: V: Christy George interviews King. She asks him about his position on housing and about the positions of his opponents Ray Flynn (candidate for mayor of Boston) and David Finnegan (candidate for mayor of Boston). King talks about the need for a strong rent control program and criticizes condominium conversions. King says that new public housing must be built. King says that there is a link between jobs and housing; that people need employment in order to afford housing. King says that the city and the voters must lobby the federal government for a better housing policy. George asks about the differences between King's position and the positions of Flynn and Finnegan. King says that housing must be community-based; that the community needs low- and moderate-income housing. King says that there are other housing issues besides rent control and condominium conversion; that public housing must be protected and improved; that the city must work to provide more housing. King says that he would like to investigate the possibility of a city-wide housing and finance program. King adds that the federal government needs to be aware of the housing crisis across the nation; that the nation needs a good federal housing program. George comments that there are differences between King's position and Finnegan's position. She asks about the differences between King's position and Flynn's position. King says that he has been involved with groups like the Tent City Corporation, who have worked to provide housing. King notes that Flynn has not advocated for a federal approach to the housing crisis. King talks about the need for a tenant equity program in Boston. George thanks King and closes the interview. The crew takes cutaway shots of George and King. George and King speak informally.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/19/1983
Description: Marcus Jones reports on Congressional debate over a bill that would impose sanctions on the apartheid regime in South Africa. Jones notes that Ronald Reagan is opposed to sanctions, but did impose a limited one-year trade embargo on South Africa last September. Jones' report includes footage of Reagan giving a speech. Jones reports that Reagan and his supporters believe that sanctions would hurt black South Africans more than they would help them. Jones adds that supporters of sanctions call Reagan's position hypocritical and illogical. Jones' report is accompanied by footage of the members of US Congress addressing the legislature about the sanctions issue. The congressmen include Stephen Solarz, Silvio Conte, Dan Burton, Edward Kennedy, and Bob Dole. George Bush is shown presiding over the US Senate. Jones reports that anti-apartheid leaders believe that the US must set an example for other nations by imposing sanctions on the South African government. Jones' report is accompanied by footage of laborers in South Africa and by footage of black South Africans. This tape contains additional footage of Prince Andrew of Great Britain and Sarah Ferguson (Andrew's fiance). This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: David Boeri reports on drug activity in the Grove Hall area of Roxbury
0:59:59: Visual: Footage of Stephen Solarz (US Representative from New York) speaking to legislators on June 18, 1986. Solarz says that sanctions are a form of "political shock therapy." Solarz says that it is better to deliver a stronger shock than a weaker one. Marcus Jones reports that Ronald Reagan (US President) gave a speech today; that Reagan's speech was supposed to quiet Congressional debate over sanctions against South Africa. Jones reports that Reagan's speech did little to quiet the debate. Jones notes that the Senate is debating a bill which would divest US business interests in South Africa; that the bill would ban US companies from trading with, investing in, or opening subsidiaries in South Africa. V: Shots of Reagan giving a speech; of the audience listening to Reagan. Shots of the Senate chambers; of Bob Dole (US Senator) speaking on the floor of the Senate chambers. Shot of George Bush (US Vice-President) presiding over the Senate. Bush confers with an official as he sits in his seat. Footage of Silvio Conte (US Representative from Massachusetts) addressing legislators. Conte says that the US should not be timid; that the US needs to provoke the South African government to act before civil war erupts. Footage of Dan Burton (US Representative from Indiana) addressing legislators. Burton says that legislators should give Reagan's measures time to work before enacting sanctions. Shot of Reagan speaking. Jones reports that Reagan tried in vain to cut off debate about sanctions last September; that Reagan issued a five-point executive order. Jones notes that Reagan's order included a limited one-year trade embargo on South Africa. Jones reports that critics believe that the executive order has failed to promote change in South Africa. Jones notes that US anti-apartheid leaders said that Reagan's position on South Africa is inadequate, hypocritical, and illogical. V: Shot of a US Congressman addressing legislators on June 18, 1986. Jones reports that Reagan's position states that US sanctions would hurt black South Africans more than they would help them. Jones reports that critics note that Reagan supported sanctions against the governments of Poland and Nicaragua. Jones reports that Reagan's policy states that the US would be put at a strategic disadvantage if the import of certain minerals from South Africa was outlawed. Jones notes that the current Congressional bill would allow exceptions for minerals imported for the military. V: Shots of an industrial plant in South Africa; of two black South African men walking in a commercial district in South Africa. Shots of Reagan giving a speech. Shot of Bush presiding over the Senate chambers. Shot of Edward Kennedy (US Senator) addressing members of the Senate. Jones reports that Reagan's critics acknowledge that strong sanctions will not remedy the situation in South Africa. Jones notes that there are only a few hundred US firms operating in South Africa; that US firms employ less than 1% of the South African work force. Jones reports that anti-apartheid leaders believe that change will come to South African only if other nations follow the example of the US in imposing sanctions. V: Shots of traders on the floor of a stock exchange; of a black South African miner. Shot of a sign on a building. The sign reads "Mine Labour Organisations" Shot of black South African women waiting at the Mine Labour Organisation building. Shot of black South African men carrying a coffin in a funeral procession. Shot of a black fist raised in the air.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 07/22/1986
Description: David Boeri reports that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) and the Boston City Council will work together to create a public housing policy that ensures equal access while providing some element of choice. Boeri notes that the city must comply with the policy of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) if they wish to continue receiving federal funds. Boeri's report includes footage of Flynn, Charles Yancey (Boston City Council), and Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) at a press conference about fair housing policy. Boeri's report also features footage from an interview with James Kelly (Boston City Council). Kelly says that free choice is more important than racial diversity. Boeri reviews the current housing policy and the policy requirements of HUD. Boeri's report also includes footage of white and African American tenants of public housing and by footage of Dapper O'Neil (Boston City Council). This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Sonia Sanchez
1:00:10: Visual: Footage of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) speaking to the press. Charles Yancey (Boston City Council) stands beside him. Flynn says that Boston's housing policy will guarantee equal access to housing for all. David Boeri reports that Flynn met with the Boston City Council about public housing issues; that Yancey said that the meeting was productive. Boeri reports that Flynn and the Council agreed that equal access to public housing must be guaranteed. V: Footage of Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) saying that no families will be displaced from public housing in order to achieve integration. Boeri reports that Flynn and the Council agreed to work together constructively on the issue. Boeri notes that Dapper O'Neil (Boston City Council) was not present at the meeting; that James Kelly (Boston City Council) did not join Flynn and the other councillors for the press conference after the meeting. V: Shot of O'Neil at a meeting in the City Council chambers. Footage of Kelly in his office. Kelly says that people should be able to choose where they want to live; that the new policy will create "forced housing" instead of "fair housing." Boeri notes that the current housing selection process allows each applicant to select choose three public housing projects where he or she would like to live. Boeri reports that South Boston residents usually list the three housing projects in South Boston; that the three housing projects are all white. V: Shots of Flynn and the councillors speaking to the press; of a white woman looking out of a window of an apartment in a project building; of a white woman and white children in front of a project building; of a sign for the Old Colony Housing Project in South Boston. Shot of a housing project in South Boston. Shots from a moving vehicle of a housing project in Mission Hill. Shot of an African American boy near a dumpster outside of a public housing project. Boeri notes that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has called Boston's housing policy discriminatory; that the three-choice system has been rejected in other cities. Boeri reports that HUD has recommended a city-wide list, where applicants take the first available apartment. V: Shots of white residents outside of a public housing project in South Boston. Footage of Kelly saying that there is nothing wrong with giving tenants a choice about where they want to live. Kelly says that free choice may result in housing developments which are not racially diverse; that free choice is more important than racial diversity. Shot of Bolling. Boeri reports that Bolling would also like to protect the three-choice system. Boeri notes that HUD provides 70% of Boston's public housing funds; that Boston stands to lose $75 million if they do not comply with HUD policy. V: Shot from a moving vehicle of a manicured lawn in front of a public housing development; of a public housing project on Fidelis Way. Footage of Bolling saying that the city will try to negotiate with HUD to develop an application process with some degree of choice for tenants. Boeri notes that the HUD policy will make tenants choose between living in public housing and living in the neighborhood of choice. Boeri notes that there are 14,500 families on the waiting list for public housing in Boston. V: Shots of public housing projects in Boston; of a racially diverse group of children playing outside of a project building.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/14/1988
Description: David Boeri reports that Senator Edward Kennedy took a cruise on a Coast Guard boat to Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor. Little Brewster Island is the site of a lighthouse that was repaired with funds procured by Kennedy from the federal government. Funding for the Coast Guard has been cut by the federal government, resulting in closed facilities and fewer patrols. Interview with Robert Johanson, Rear Admiral of the US Coast Guard, about the budget cuts. Kennedy and Jesse Jackson have called for a restoration of funds to the Coast Guard. Coast Guard patrols can stem the flow of drugs into the US. Jackson talks about the Coast Guard. Kennedy on Little Brewster Island.
1:00:10: Visual: Footage of Edward Kennedy (US Senator) shaking hands with a Coast Guard officer on board a boat. Shot of a Coast Guard boat cruising in Boston Harbor. Shot of Kennedy with a cigar, walking toward the lighthouse on Little Brewster Island. Shots of the lighthouse. Shots of the Boston skyline from Little Brewster Island. David Boeri reports that Kennedy took a boat cruise with a crew of Coast Guard officers and reporters; that Kennedy was trying to draw attention to his legislative record on Boston Harbor; that the boat brought Kennedy to visit the lighthouse on Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor. Boeri notes that the lighthouse was repaired with funds from an amendment that Kennedy tacked on to an appropriations bill two years ago. Boeri notes that the the lighthouse marks the entrance to Boston harbor; that the lighthouse is still operational. Boeri adds that other lighthouses have been closed recently. V: Footage of Kennedy on Little Brewster Island. Kennedy says that light stations have been closed for budgetary reasons; that reduced services are the result of budget-tightening measures. Boeri reports from Little Brewster Island. The lighthouse is visible behind him. Boeri reports that Ronald Reagan (US President) and the Congress made cuts in the Coast Guard budget in 1988; that the Coast Guard has closed facilities. Boeri adds that the Coast Guard is running fewer patrols as a result of cuts in the budget for fuels, parts, and maintenance. Boeri reports that search and rescue patrols and fisheries enforcement patrols have been eliminated. V: Shot of a Coast Guard boat in Boston Harbor. Footage of Robert Johanson (Rear Admiral, US Coast Guard) saying that the Coast Guard has cut back on law enforcement patrols; that an increase in drug trafficking could be the result. Shot of a Coast Guard officer driving a boat. Boeri reports that the cuts in law enforcement patrols have provoked some to call for a restoration of money to the Coast Guard budget. V: Footage of Jesse Jackson from October 5, 1987. Jackson says that the Coast Guard needs to be stronger; that the Coast Guard can prevent the flow of drugs to the US. Footage of Kennedy on Little Brewster Island. Kennedy calls for a restoration of money to the Coast Guard budget. Boeri reports that Kennedy has called for Congress to transfer an additional $60 million to the Coast Guard budget. Shot of the Boston skyline from Little Brewster Island.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/04/1988
Description: Christy George reports that George Bush has nominated attorney Wayne Budd for the post of Massachusetts US Attorney. George reviews Budd's career as an attorney and state official. Budd at a press conference talking about his credentials and that the color of his skin is irrelevant to his nomination. Scenes of Budd in his office at the Budd, Wiley and Richlin law firm, including architect Paul Parks visiting him in his office. Former Massachusetts US Attorney Frank McNamara left the post after a controversy. There are some pending cases being handled by the present Massachusetts US Attorney.
1:00:19: Visual: Shot of Wayne Budd (Nominee for Massachusetts US Attorney) entering a room. Footage of Budd speaking at a press conference. Budd says that he is very proud of his black heritage; that the color of his skin is irrelevant to his nomination for US Attorney. Budd says that his credentials are the important issue. Shots of Budd walking past desks and cubicles in an office environment; of Budd sitting down at his desk. Christy George reports that Budd served as the first African American president of the Massachusetts Bar Association. George notes that Budd has been in private practice since he stepped down from his post in the Civil Rights Division of the Attorney General's office in the 1970s. George adds that Budd has strong ties to Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts); that Dukakis picked Budd to head the Civil Service Commission in 1983; that one of Budd's law partners was an advisor to Dukakis' presidential campaign. V: Footage of Budd sitting with two African American women in his office. Shots of Budd and the women conversing. George reports that George Bush (US President) has nominated Budd for the Massachusetts US Attorney post. V: Footage of Paul Parks (architect) and another man entering Budd's office. Budd greets the two men. Shot of Parks. Footage of Budd at the press conference. Budd says that he is an advocate of social and civil rights. Budd says that he ranges from moderate to conservative on fiscal matters. Budd says that he bears no grudges against anyone; that he is not beholden to anyone. Budd says that he will not "go after" the Democratic Party on Bush' s behalf. Shots of members of the media at the press conference. Shots of Budd greeting colleagues. George reports that Budd was on the short list for US Attorney in 1986; that Ed Meese (US Attorney General for Ronald Reagan) chose Frank McNamara for the post; that McNamara left the office after a controversy. V: Shot of McNamara leaving a press conference. George reports that Budd says that there are morale problems in the US Attorney's office. V: Footage of Budd at the press conference. Budd says that public servants are given a "public trust"; that violations of the "public trust" should be investigated. Budd says that violators of the "public trust" should be prosecuted. Budd says that "the drug war" is another priority. George stands outside of the offices of Budd, Wiley & Richlin. George reports that there are some pending cases in the US Attorney's office; that the 75 State Street case is one of the pending cases. V: Footage of Budd at the press conference. Budd says that Jeremiah O'Sullivan (Massachusetts US Attorney) will probably finish the 75 State Street case before he leaves office.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/30/1989
Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports that the Federal Reserve Bank has released a study finding that banks in Boston are guilty of redlining. Vaillancourt notes that three times as many mortgages are approved in Boston's white neighborhoods as in African American neighborhoods. Vaillancourt reviews the findings of the study. Vaillancourt interviews African Americans on the street. They talk about their experiences in applying for mortgages. Vaillancourt reports that African Americans earn less than whites on average. She adds that these economic factors do not explain the gap in mortgage lending practices. Vaillancourt interviews Joseph Kennedy (US Congressman). Kennedy condemns redlining practices. He adds that banks should not practice discrimination, noting that many banks receive federal funds. Vaillancourt reports that Boston banks have agreed to change their lending practices. She adds that meetings between community activists and banks are scheduled for next month. Vaillancourt's report is accompanied by footage of employees and customers in banks and shots of residential homes.
1:00:14: Visual: Shots of residential homes in suburban areas. Meg Vaillancourt reports that home prices are on the rise. Vaillancourt notes that race can also be obstacle to home ownership. V: Footage of an African American man being interviewed at Downtown Crossing in Boston. The man says that he is turned down every time he applies for a mortgage. Footage of an African American woman being interviewed at Downtown Crossing. The woman says that she has had to submit a great deal of paperwork when applying for a mortgage; that she has been examined more carefully than her income would merit. Footage of Joseph Kennedy (US Congressman) saying that redlining is practiced across the nation; that many officials try to deny it. Vaillancourt reports that the Federal Reserve Bank has released a study which finds that three times as many mortgages are approved in Boston's white neighborhoods as in Boston's African American neighborhoods. V: Shot of an African American woman looking out of the window of an apartment building. On-screen visuals and text detail the findings of the study. Footage of an African American man being interviewed at Downtown Crossing. The man says that banks seem to believe that African Americans do not have money. Footage of another man being interviewed. The man says that there should be no discrimination in lending practices. Shots of homes in a residential neighborhood; of two white women and a child standing in front of one of the homes. Vaillancourt reports that some blamed economic factors instead of race for redlining practices. Vaillancourt quotes statistics which show that African Americans earn less than whites on average; that homes in African American neighborhoods cost less; that there is less development in African American neighborhoods. V: Shots of residential homes in a variety of neighborhoods. Vaillancourt notes that economic factors do not explain the gap in mortgage lending practices. Vaillancourt quotes the study as finding that a 24% difference in mortgages between white and African American neighborhoods is found even when economic factors are taken into account. Vaillancourt reports that the study found that economic factors do not explain the gap in lending practices. V: On-screen text and visuals detail the study findings. Footage of Kennedy saying that poor people are receiving credit; that people of color are being denied access to credit. Vaillancourt reports that the banking industry is in crisis after the savings and loan scandal; that many banks have been forced to close. Vaillancourt notes that taxpayers are bailing out some banks; that banks are having a hard time collecting on bad loans. V: Shots of employees and customers in the lobby of a bank; of a client filling out a loan application; of bank employees sitting at their desks while helping customers. Shot of an African American bank employee helping a white customer with a loan application. Footage of Kennedy saying that banks have access to federal funds; that banks receiving federal funds should not practice discrimination. Shot of two triple-decker houses in a residential neighborhood. One of the houses is dilapidated. Vaillancourt reports that Boston banks have agreed to change their lending practices; that meetings between community activists and banks are scheduled for next month. V: Footage of the first African American man at Downtown Crossing. The man says that he has been forced to look elsewhere for loans; that the banks' lending practices will not stop him.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/31/1989
Description: David Boeri reports that the state of Massachusetts has lost a seat in the US House of Representatives because of a decline in the population according to the 1990 census. Mayor Ray Flynn and others are calling for a recount because they believe that the census undercounts urban residents. Footage of census workers going from door to door. Boeri reports on speculation that Congressman Joe Early may retire and on speculation that a redistricting plan would force Congressmen Chester Atkins and Barney Frank to run against one another. Governor William Weld has proposed a redistricting plan under which the city of Boston is represented by one congressman. Interview with State Rep. Peter Forman, who says that suburban areas are unfairly represented and that the city of Boston would represent a "minority seat." Interview with State Rep. Jim Brett, who discusses options for possible redistricting plans. Boeri reports that the proposal to limit Boston to one Congressional seat will probably fail.
1:00:16: Visual: Footage from a campaign debate between Barney Frank (US Representative) and Margaret Heckler (US Representative) sponsored by the League of Women Voters in October of 1982. Shots of the panel at the debate. David Boeri reports that Massachusetts lost a Congressional seat in 1980; that the Democratic Party forced Heckler, the Republican incumbent) to run against Frank. Boeri reports that the state must reduce its eleven congressmen to ten as a result of the 1990 census. V: Shot of shoppers at Downtown Crossing. Boeri reports that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) is calling for a recount; that Flynn and others say that the census undercounts the cities. V: Shot of Flynn; of the front of the Massachusetts State House. Boeri reports that Massachusetts lost its seat by only a narrow margin. V: Footage of James Brett (state representative) being interviewed. Brett says that he doubts if the numbers will change significantly in a census recount. Shot of an African American female census worker knocking on the door of a building. Boeri reports that the US Census Bureau says that the census counts are subject to possible correction until January 15. V: Shot of another African American female census worker knocking on the door of an apartment. Boeri reports that there has never been a successful appeal of a lost congressional seat. V: Shot of a third African American female census worker knocking on the door of an a building. Boeri says that some people are speculating that Joe Early (US Representative) may retire. Boeri notes that Early could keep up to $142,000 worth of campaign funds if he quits before 1992. Boeri adds that Early says that he is planning to run for reelection. V: Shot of representatives in the Congressional chambers. Shot of a black and white photo of Early. Boeri reports that there are rumors of a redistricting plan which would force Frank to run against Chester Atkins (US Representative). V: Shot of Atkins at a campaign event for John Kerry (US Senate); of Frank speaking to the media as he walks through a corridor of a building. Boeri reports that Atkins and Frank are supposed to be the two most unpopular congressmen on Beacon Hill. Boeri reports that Frank, Atkins and Joe Kennedy (US Representative) represent the western suburbs of Boston. V: Footage of Brett being interviewed by Boeri. Brett says that there is a cluster of US Representatives in the suburbs west of Boston. Boeri reports that Brett chairs the legislative redistricting committee. Boeri reports that Brett says that the US congressional districts will be redrawn. V: Footage of Peter Forman (State Representative and prospective House Minority Leader) being interviewed. Forman says that suburban areas are not fairly represented in the current districts; that the current districts are unfair to the Republican Party. Boeri reports that William Weld (governor of Massachusetts) has proposed a plan under which the city of Boston is represented by one congressman. V: Shot of Weld greeting two older men at an event. Footage of Forman being interviewed. Forman says that the state of Massachusetts should probably have a "minority seat." Footage of Brett being interviewed by Boeri. Brett says that Weld's plan sets up the Republican Party to gain seats in the suburbs by limiting the number of seats in Boston. Footage of Forman being interviewed. Forman says that the Democratic Party would like to limit gains by Republicans. Boeri reports that the Republican Party has more say on the issues than in 1980. Boeri notes that Weld is a Republican governor; that there are enough Republican senators to sustain a veto by Weld. V: Shot of Weld speaking at a campaign event in 1990. Boeri reports that Brett wants the redistricting plan to be fair. V: Footage of Brett being interviewed. Brett says that the redistricting plan could end up in federal court. Brett says that the legislative redistricting committee wants to avoid any special deals or the appearance of any improprieties. Boeri stands in front of the Massachusetts State House. Boeri reports that the proposal to limit Boston to one congressional seat will most likely fail. Boeri reports that no money has yet been appropriated for the redistricting process; that the battle has already begun.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/27/1990
Description: In State of the Union President Bush refers to new world order, encourages volunteer solutions to domestic problems, hints at cease-fire if Iraq promises to withdraw from Kuwait, and frets about Baltic sovereignty. Edward Kennedy and Dick Cheney seen in audience. Brigadeer General Pat Stevens of the U.S. Army speaks on the military situation in the Middle East.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/29/1991
Description: Meg Vaillancourt opens report with person on the street interviews on quotas, affirmative action, and civil rights. Vaillancourt interviews Avi Nelson (radio talk show host) and Dianne Wilkerson (attorney) about the debate concerning minority hiring quotas as a part of civil rights policy. Vaillancourt notes that George Bush vetoed a Civil Rights Bill last year because he said the bill would encourage the use of quotas by employers. Nelson opposes affirmative action programs and quotas. Nelson says that the Civil Rights Bill compromises the rights of some in order to benefit others. Wilkerson says that quotas were never a part of the Civil Rights Bill as it was written. Wilkerson says that the Civil Rights Bill would allow women and people of color to file lawsuits in cases of discrimination. Wilkerson accuses the Republican Party of bringing up quotas in order to undermine the passage of the Civil Rights Bill. Vaillancourt reports that the future of the bill remains uncertain. Vaillancourt's report includes footage of George Bush speaking in October of 1990 and footage of construction workers at a construction site. Vaillancourt's report also features footage from interviews with people on the street about minority hiring quotas. This tape includes additional footage from From Montgomery to Memphis. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following items: Controversy surrounds David Duke's visit to Boston and Carmen Fields reports on the history and present activities of the Ku Klux Klan
1:00:06: Visual: Footage of a white man being interviewed on the street. The man says that African Americans claim to have been discriminated against for many years. The man says that now it is "every man for himself." Footage of a white woman being interviewed at Downtown Crossing. The woman says that businesses should not be required to hire a certain number of minorities; that equal rights are important. Footage of an African American woman being interviewed on the street. The woman says that there is a assumption that people of color and women cannot compete with white men; that this assumption gives quotas a bad name. Shots of people walking through Downtown Crossing. Meg Vaillancourt reports that the majority of people interviewed today at Downtown Crossing opposed job quotas. Vaillancourt asks if job quotas are the issue when it comes to civil rights. V: Footage of Avi Nelson (radio talk show host) being interviewed. Nelson says that quotas are not part of civil rights. Nelson says that people who get jobs because of quotas keep out other people who are more qualified to do the job. Footage of Dianne Wilkerson (attorney) being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Wilkerson says that she does not understand all of the controversy surrounding job quotas. Wilkerson that no one has publicly admitted being forced to hire people of color or women. Vaillancourt reports that Wilkerson believes that Republicans use the term quotas because they know that the word has a negative connotation. Vaillancourt reports that Wilkerson prefers the term "remedy." V: Footage of Wilkerson being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Wilkerson says that there is no "quota bill." Wilkerson says that there is a bill to restore the civil rights of women and people of color. Wilkerson says that Supreme Court decisions of the late 1980s had a devastating impact on the ability of women and people of colors to file lawsuits in cases of discrimination. Vaillancourt reports that Nelson is a republican; that Nelson opposes the ideas of affirmative action. V: Footage of Nelson being interviewed. Nelson says that the grievances of history can never be fully redressed; that it is impossible to achieve a state of equality for all people. Nelson says that the government should commit itself to granting equal opportunity for all in the structure of the laws from this day forward. Nelson says that the government cannot remedy the disadvantaged backgrounds of certain individuals. Footage of George Bush (US President) speaking on October 22, 1990. Bush says that he has long been committed to affirmative action. Vaillancourt reports that Bush vetoed a Civil Rights Bill last year. Vaillancourt notes that Bush said that the bill would encourage the use of quotas by employers. Vaillancourt reports that the word "quota" never appeared in the Civil Rights Bill vetoed by Bush. Vaillancourt notes that the bill shifted the burden of proof onto employers; that employers would need to show that they did not discriminate. Vaillancourt adds that an Congressional effort to override Bush's veto failed by a handful of votes. V: Footage of workers at a construction site. Shot of a worker moving dirt in a wheelbarrow. The worker dumps the dirt outside of a building. Shots of workers digging holes at a construction site. The workers are of diverse races. Footage of Wilkerson being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Wilkerson says that supporters of the Civil Rights Bill were not advocating quotas; that quotas were never mentioned in the legislation. Vaillancourt remarks that some people call job quotas the "Willie Horton" of civil rights. Wilkerson agrees with Vaillancourt's remark. Wilkerson says that Bush and David Duke (Louisiana state representative) are in agreement. Wilkerson says that the Republican Party is trying to distance itself from Duke; that the Republican Party and Duke are in agreement on this issue. Footage of Nelson being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Nelson says that the Republican Party has a problem with Duke; that the Democratic Party has a problem with Louis Farrakhan (leader, Nation of Islam). Nelson says that he occasionally agrees with Duke; that he does not embrace Duke as fellow traveler. Nelson says that opponents of the bill do not want to deny civil rights of US citizens. Nelson says that the bill would compromise the civil rights of some in order to give benefits to others. Vaillancourt reports that Democrats in the US House of Representatives have tried to rename the bill this year in order to change the tone of debate; that House Democrats are emphasizing its benefits for white women. Vaillancourt reports that Democrats fear that they will again be accused of promoting quotas. Vaillancourt reports that Senate Democrats have not yet proposed a new bill; that Senate Democrats fear a repeat of last year's debate and Republican victory.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/28/1991