Letter to President Dwight D. Eisenhower from Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Armstrong Against School Integration

5 cm- integration 9/26 718 Nashville Road Rocky Mount, North Carolina September 24, 1957 The President The White House Washington, D. C. Sir: Why are Negroes supposed to be allowed in White schools when they have their own? Why? Is it a crime now for White people to live as they wish as a separate race? So, Mr. President, I ask again, why is this being forced? Would you sit idle and let an intruder enter your home, especially if you knew you and yours whole lives would forever be changed. THINK ! There is no point or reason why 9 men should try to make a law at the request or pressure of a few, to tell 40 million people what to do. I fail to see how you or any American can have a feeling for the Hungarian people, and on the other hand try to force this mixing of the races on us. I am a veteran of 33 months overseas in World War II and always considered it a duty and privilege, but never having a real personal reason as close as this. Now I am the father of 2 children and have a big stake in this is- sue. I feel more free to lay down my life, if necessary, over this than any wartime feeling with an overseas enemy. I am 38 years old, have never been arrested or connected with any police in any way whatsoever. Why not put it up to the whole United States to vote on! Yours very truly Me Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Armstrong