1:22:03
We have the Habeas Corpus Act
and we respect it.
1:22:07
I began by saying that our history
will be what we makeit.
1:22:11
If we go on as we are...
1:22:12
...then history will take its revenge,
and retribution will not limp...
1:22:16
...in catching up with us.
1:22:19
Just once in a while, let us exalt the
importance of ideas and information.
1:22:24
Let us dream to the extent of saying
that on a given Sunday night...
1:22:27
...the time normally
occupied by Ed Sullivan...
1:22:30
...is given over to a clinical survey
on the state of American education.
1:22:33
And a week or two later, the time
normally used by Steve Allen...
1:22:37
...is devoted to a thorough-going study
of American policy in the Middle East.
1:22:42
Would the corporate image of their
respective sponsors be damaged?
1:22:45
Would the shareholders rise up
in their wrath and complain?
1:22:49
Would anything happen...
1:22:50
...other than a few million people would
have received a little illumination...
1:22:54
...on subjects that may well determine
the future of this country...
1:22:57
...and therefore the future
of the corporations?
1:23:00
To those who say, "People wouldn't
look, they wouldn't be interested..."
1:23:04
"...they're tooc omplacent,
indifferent and insulated"...
1:23:07
...I can only reply: There is,
in one reporter's opinion...
1:23:11
...considerable evidence
against that contention.
1:23:14
But even if they are right,
what have they got to lose?
1:23:18
Because if they are right...
1:23:19
...and this instrument
is good for nothing...
1:23:21
...but to entertain,
amuse and insulate...
1:23:24
...then the tube is flickering now...
1:23:26
...and we will soon see
that the whole struggle is lost.
1:23:30
This instrument can teach.
1:23:32
It can illuminate
and it can even inspire.
1:23:35
But it can do so only to the extent
that humans are determined to use it...
1:23:39
...towards those ends.
1:23:42
Otherwise,
it is merely wiresand lights...
1:23:45
...in a box.
1:23:49
Good night, and good luck.