Teachers For Lyndon Johnson 48-07-16 Local Texas Program Endorsing Lyndon Johnson

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Summary: Teachers For Lyndon Johnson 48-07-16 Local Texas Program Endorsing Lyndon Johnson

Release Date: April 8, 2025

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Harold's Old Time Radio takes listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio with its collection of classic broadcasts. In the episode titled "Teachers For Lyndon Johnson 48-07-16 Local Texas Program Endorsing Lyndon Johnson," the focus is on a fervent political endorsement from Texas educators supporting Lyndon B. Johnson's campaign for the United States Senate. This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, endorsements, and insights that underscore Johnson's commitment to education.

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Introduction to Lyndon B. Johnson's Candidacy

The episode opens with a powerful speech by Lyndon B. Johnson himself, setting the tone for his Senate campaign:

Lyndon B. Johnson [00:08]: "The chime of the clock makes us remember that now is the time when good government is desperately needed... Lyndon Johnson is the man you want for your senator."

Johnson emphasizes his qualifications as a war veteran, his courage, and his alignment with the needs of the times, positioning himself as the ideal candidate for safeguarding the country's future.

Call to Action

Johnson continues to appeal directly to voters, stressing the importance of participation in the democratic process:

Lyndon B. Johnson [00:55]: "Let me urge you to be sure to go vote. It's your democratic privilege and duty."

He reinforces his vigor, ability, and experience, asserting that he has what it takes to effectively represent Texas in the Senate.

Focus on Education and Teacher Endorsements

The bulk of the broadcast centers around teachers endorsing Johnson, highlighting his longstanding commitment to education. The narrator sets the stage by reflecting on the role of educators in shaping future citizens:

Narrator [02:19]: "These teachers want you to know why they are supporting Lyndon Johnson for the Job of junior senator."

W.J. Moyes – Principal of Mirabeau B. Lamar High School

W.J. Moyes [04:08] shares his firsthand experience working with Johnson:

"I found him honest and straightforward, deeply interested in the education of American youth."

Moyes praises Johnson's advocacy for federal aid to education without restrictive conditions, assuring teachers that Johnson would be a steadfast ally in promoting educational causes.

Ms. Emma Mae Brotzi – President of the Texas State Teachers Association

Ms. Brotzi underscores the association's support for Johnson, referencing their official stance on federal aid:

Ms. Emma Mae Brotzi [05:11]: "We affirm our belief in federal aid to education without federal control."

Her endorsement reflects the collective support of over 40,000 members of the Texas State Teachers Association, emphasizing the alignment between Johnson's policies and the educators' vision for Texas schools.

Charles M. Rogers – Superintendent of Amarillo Public Schools

Charles M. Rogers [06:15] offers a robust endorsement, focusing on Johnson's legislative experience and commitment to education:

"Lyndon Johnson has proved that he can get things done... He is progressive in his thinking. He is aggressive in his efforts to get things done."

Rogers highlights Johnson's eleven years in Washington and his dedication to enhancing public education, portraying him as the transformative leader Texas needs in the Senate.

A.B. Comstock – Assistant Superintendent, Dallas Public Schools

A.B. Comstock [07:52] speaks to Johnson's high ideals and longstanding personal connection:

"I personally would like very much to see him Junior senator for the State of Texas."

Comstock's endorsement is rooted in Johnson's reputation among schoolmen and his embodiment of the qualities desired in public office.

Mary Wildenthal – Principal of a Cotulla Elementary School

Mary Wildenthal [08:39] recounts her experiences working alongside Johnson, highlighting his dedication to students and innovative initiatives:

"He organized a lunchroom for needy children... his enthusiasm and untiring energy soon made him a favorite with the Latin American children."

Wildenthal emphasizes Johnson's lasting impact on the community and his ongoing commitment to educational welfare.

Bob Shelton – Dean of Man, Stephen F. Austin College

Bob Shelton [10:00] shares a personal testimonial of Johnson's character and influence:

"Lyndon Johnson and I are graduates of the same school... He's a friend of the common man."

Shelton positions Johnson as a relatable and effective leader, further solidifying the trust and admiration he commands among educators.

Dr. C.E. Evans – President of the Teachers College of San Marcos

Dr. C.E. Evans [10:46] provides a comprehensive endorsement, detailing his extensive experience and interactions with Johnson:

"Lyndon hitchhiked San Marcos in 1927 to enroll in college and work his way through... Lyndon Johnson has always exerted his influence for the improvement of our educational system in Texas."

Evans underscores Johnson's grassroots beginnings, academic involvement, and unwavering support for educational advancements.

Superintendent Brian Dixon – San Angelo Schools

Superintendent Brian Dixon [12:18] reaffirms Johnson's positive track record in supporting educational initiatives:

"Lyndon Johnson is highly regarded as a congressman and as a friend of the public schools by the leaders of educational thought of America."

Dixon's endorsement highlights Johnson's reputation among national educational leaders and his role as a powerful advocate for Texas schools.

Conclusion and Final Endorsements

The episode wraps up by reiterating the collective support from various educators across Texas, emphasizing their unified call to action for voters to support Johnson:

Narrator [12:56]: "These teachers believe in Lyndon Johnson, who are working for Lyndon Johnson and who urge you to enlist with them to put a true friend of education in the Senate."

This powerful closing message reinforces the critical role of education in Johnson's platform and his dedication to preserving the values of liberty and justice through robust educational policies.

Notable Quotes

• Lyndon B. Johnson [00:08]: "Lyndon Johnson is the man you want for your senator."
• W.J. Moyes [04:08]: "He was a friend who will not fail them and one who will ever strive to promote the cause of education."
• Charles M. Rogers [06:15]: "He is the kind of man that Texas needs in the United States Senate."
• Mary Wildenthal [08:39]: "He was a friend to all teachers with whom he worked, and his popularity with the youth of the community was overwhelming."
• Dr. C.E. Evans [10:46]: "As an ex-teacher and as a Congressman, Lyndon Johnson has always exerted his influence for the improvement of our educational system in Texas."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio serves as a historical snapshot of political advocacy, showcasing Lyndon B. Johnson's strong ties with the education community in Texas. Through heartfelt endorsements and personal anecdotes, listeners gain insight into Johnson's commitment to education and his influence as a leader dedicated to the betterment of society through robust educational policies.

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Note: Advertisements, intros, and outros present in the original broadcast have been omitted to maintain focus on the substantive content of the endorsement program.

Transcript

[Lyndon B. Johnson]

The chime of the clock makes us remember that now is the time when good government is desperately needed. Now is the time to remember that Lyndon B. Johnson is the man you want for your senator. Lyndon Johnson, a name to remember at the time you vote. Yes. Lyndon Johnson is the name to remember at the time for your senator, a war veteran, aggressive, courageous, the man of the times, whom you'll need at the time when the future of our country must be guaranteed. Don't forget at the right time. Lyndon Johnson.

This is Lyndon Johnson of Johnson City, your candidate for the United States Senate. I've asked you to promote me to the United States Senate tomorrow when you go to the polls. But whether you see fit to promote me or not, let me urge you to be sure to go vote. It's your democratic privilege and duty. This is Lyndon Johnson of Johnson City, your candidate for the United States Senate, the candidate with the vigor, ability and experience to get your job done.

[Announcer]

Time for the following transcribed political broadcast has been paid for at regular commercial rates by friends of Lyndon Johnson.

[Pledge of Allegiance Speaker]

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[Narrator]

A boy stands in front of his class reciting the pledge of Allegiance to the flag as it begins another day in a Texas school room. He's a barefoot boy with dangling shirt tails, just one of a million and a half boys and girls who will go back to school this fall. These are the future citizens of America, the men and women of tomorrow. What kind of a heritage are we going to give them? What will be the future inheritance of the generations of Texas boys and girls to come? What can I do? What can you do to ensure their best possible education and training? The persons best qualified to answer those Questions are the 47,000 Texas school teachers. Into their keeping, we trust the task of guiding, inspiring and shaping the characters of our children. The teachers of Texas plant the seeds of citizenship which will bear fruit in tomorrow's children. There's been lots of talk about teachers during these recent years. It all adds up to this. Since 1940, 1/3 of the teachers in Texas public schools have turned to other jobs. That's why the people say, we want these problems solved. We want our teachers kept in their profession. Through the magic of radio, we're going to hear how some representative Texas teachers feel about one problem, that of electing the best man Texas can have to fight for teachers and schools. These teachers want you to know why they are supporting Lyndon Johnson for the Job of junior senator. Down on the coastal plain lies the metropolis of Houston. Here, back in the early 30s, Lyndon Johnson was a schoolteacher. There are thousands of schoolteachers in Houston who remember Johnson. One of them is W.J. moyes, the principal of Mirabeau B. Lamar High School, one of the largest. This is what W.J. moyes of Houston, principal of Lamar High School, thinks about Lyndon Johnson.

[W.J. Moyes]

Lyndon Johnson served as a teacher in Houston schools prior to his election to Congress. As a teacher, he was loyal, devoted and highly efficient. Since he served under me, I had an excellent opportunity to know this man. I found him honest and straightforward, deeply interested in the education of American youth. He believes in federal aid to education with no strings attached to it. If he is elected to the Senate, I feel that the teachers of America can rest assured that they will have in Lyndon Johnson a friend who will not fail them and one who will ever strive to promote the cause of education. Youth of America can look to him with confidence, secure in the thought that he will do all in his power to provide for them the educational opportunities which a great and powerful nation must make available if it is to retain its leadership among the nations of the earth.

[Narrator]

Mr. Moyes has pointed out that Lyndon Johnson is for federal aid to education with no strings attached. The teachers of Texas believe in that. Their official organization is the Texas State Teachers Association. The president of that association is Ms. Emma Mae Brotzi, who is principal of the Marshall Junior High School. We asked Ms. Brazzi to tell us the attitude of more than 40,000 members of the organization, and this was her reply. In response to your inquiry concerning the position of the Texas State Teachers association relative to federal aid for education, I quote Resolution 5 of resolutions adopted by the association in San Antonio, November 29, 1947. We affirm our belief in federal aid to education without federal control. One of the outstanding public school educators in Texas lives up on the plains of the panhandle. Superintendent Charles M. Rogers of the amarillo Public Schools. Mr. Rogers is a past president of the Texas State Teachers association, and here are his words.

[Charles M. Rogers]

As a man who has had some experience in working for educational legislation, I heartily endorse Lyndon Johnson for the United States Senate and commend him to all those in Texas who are interested in the improvement of public education. We need in public office men who are interested in education and who have a constructive and progressive program for improvement. Lyndon Johnson has proved that he can get things done. We need a man with a program and with the ability to accomplish things. Lyndon Johnson is such a man his experience in Washington for 11 years is sufficient evidence of this fact. He believes in the fundamental importance of education for the training of citizenship in a democracy. He not only believes in this, but will use his influence and energies in support of measures for the evidence for the advancement of public education. He is progressive in his thinking. He is aggressive in his efforts to get things done. His judgment is sound. His experience in Washington will place him immediately in a position of power and influence. He is the kind of man that Texas needs in the United States Senate. I heartily commend him.

[Narrator]

One of the best known educators in North Texas lives in the metropolis of Dallas. His name is A.B. comstock. He's been in the Dallas Public School since 1914, and he is now assistant superintendent in charge of high schools. Mr. Comstock says, I've known Lyndon Johnson for 12 years.

[A.B. Comstock]

I appreciate his high ideals and standards, his youth and ability. I know the high regard schoolmen have for him that he is the kind of man we want in high public office. I personally would like very much to see him Junior senator for the State of Texas.

[Narrator]

Folks from Petula down in the spinach and tomato land will tell you that the Wildenthal family has long been among that section's leaders. Ms. Mary Wildendall went back to Cotulla after student days at San Marcos and is today principal of the elementary school. Here's what Ms. Wildenhall remembers about one who formerly was a colleague.

[Mary Wildenthal]

Lyndon Johnson taught with me in the Wellhausen School for Latin Americans in Coultura during 1931. His enthusiasm and untiring energy soon made him a favorite with the Latin American children. On his own initiative, long before federal lunchroom aid, he organized a lunchroom for needy children in the Wellhousing school. He was a friend to all teachers with whom he worked, and his popularity with the youth of the community was overwhelming. In recent years he has maintained his interest in well housing. He always inquires of its welfare and expresses a great delight to learn that it has reached the standards on a par with the best elementary schools in South Texas.

[Narrator]

One of the beautiful old cities is Nacogdoches, and the center of life in Nacogdoches is Stephen F. Austin College. Back in the days when a man could pick up a fumble in a football game and run with it, RH Bob Shelton was a great quarterback for the San Marcos Bobcats. Then he became a great coach for the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks. And today Bob Shelton is still coaching and guiding boys as Dean of Man at Stephen F. Austin. Here is what Bob Shelton says. Lyndon Johnson and I are graduates of the same school. It's been my privilege to know Lyndon intimately for the past 20 years. He's a friend of the common man.

[Charles M. Rogers]

And truly the people's candidate.

[Narrator]

The 10th Congressional District has been fortunate to have him as their congressman. The state will be equally fortunate to have him as their senator. Any man who asks Lyndon Johnson for help will get his attention. It matters not his station in life. I'm glad to wholeheartedly endorse Lyndon for the position of United States Senator from Texas. For thousands upon thousands of Texans, the memory of their college days is a bright memory of Dr. C.E. evans. For 31 years, Dr. Evans was president of the Teachers College of San Marcos. Dr. Evans is for Lyndon Johnson. Here are his reasons.

[A.B. Comstock]

For 13 years I served in the public schools of Mahea, Anson, Merkel and Abilene. For three years in close cooperation with the state Department of Education, I did campaign work for building better schools in Texas. For 31 years as president and three years as a teacher, I served the Southwest State Teachers College at San Marcos. Today I am on the firing line for Texas schools. These 50 years brought me in contact with more than 200,000 teachers, one of whom was Lyndon Johnson, who taught in the public schools of Cotulla, Pearsall and Houston. Lyndon hitchhiked San Marcos in 1927 to enroll in college and work his way through. His first job was cutting grass and wheat. During his sophomore, junior and senior years in college he served as editor of the college paper and executive secretary to the president of the college. Intensely interested in all school endeavors, Lyndon wrote editorials in the college paper championing the cause of better school. As an ex teacher and as a Congressman, Lyndon Johnson has always exerted his influence for the improvement of our educational system in Texas.

[Narrator]

Capital city of the Edwards Plateau region is the beautiful and modern city of San Angelo. We asked the Superintendent of schools at San Angelo about the Senate race. Here are the words of Superintendent Brian Dixon of San I have known Lyndon.

[Announcer]

Johnson since before he was elected to Congress and have followed his career with critical interest. I'm gratified that his record reflects a sound interest in the educational welfare of the children of this state nation. I was in Washington last week with a group of educators studying the problems of the public schools and learned at firsthand that Lyndon Johnson is highly regarded as a congressman and as a friend of the public schools by the leaders of educational thought of America. I am sure that teachers of Texas will have in Lyndon Johnson a powerful advocate in the United States Senate.

[Narrator]

Those teachers whose words you have heard are only a few of the thousands to whom you, the parents, entrust your most precious possession to children. Those are only a few of the thousands who believe in Lyndon Johnson, who are working for Lyndon Johnson and who urge you to enlist with them to put a true friend of education in the Senate. Like you, these teachers want every Texas boy and girl to have the chance to live in a peaceful world, to enjoy the blessings of liberty and justice for all. Like you, these teachers want the traditional freedom and opportunity of America preserved. Like you, these teachers want this creed to live in the heart of every school child.

[Pledge of Allegiance Speaker]

I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people. The just powers are derived from the consent of the governed. A democracy in a republic.

[Narrator]

From the mountain to the prairie to the ocean.

[Pledge of Allegiance Speaker]

America I always.

[Announcer]

Time for the preceding transcribed political broadcast has been paid for at regular commercial rates by friends of Lyndon Johnson.