Some quotes from former Georgia Gov. Lester Maddox
The Associated Press
6/25/03 9:27 AM
Some quotations from former Georgia Gov. Lester Maddox, who died Wednesday:
"If anybody asks me about the Negro problem -- and it is a problem -- I restate my views on that matter. Those views are the same as those of Governor George Wallace, of Alabama, and his lovely wife, Lurleen." -- During Maddox's 1966 campaign, three years after Wallace made stand against desegregating the University of Alabama.
"I'm still a segregationist. I just told you I'm a segregationist. I've told you that 15 times. When are you going to start believing me?" -- In 1973, a year before he ran for governor again.
"Students should continue to go back to their old schools and not get on the first durn bus. They ought to flatten the tires. Somebody ought to let the air out of them." -- On school desegregation and busing in a south-central Georgia county.
"If you see any good I did as governor, give the credit for that to God and blame whatever else you find on Lester." -- On his gubernatorial career.
"When I was growing up, we looked for Santa Claus on Christmas. Now the people want him every day and they call him Uncle Sam. I think that's the whole difference. Our country has grown more immoral and amoral." -- On changes in America during his lifetime.
"I'm not surprised that it happened because Uncle Sam has turned into Uncle Sucker. What do we do when an enemy attacks us? Rebuild their countries, take care of their people." -- On the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
"Challenges strengthen you, build you. When you dig out of a ditch on your own, you know what it is when you get to the peak." -- On adversity.
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