From: Al and Masha Sten-Clanton 
Subject: Re: ACB Washington Connection (fwd)
On Wed, 1 Oct 1997, Jim Gashel wrote:
 Although I have never thought
> about our not including his 1978 banquet speech among our literature, I
> rather imagine that Ralph himself would not insist upon having it
> otherwise.  I say this because Ralph decided to disassociate himself from
> the rest of us as though we didn't count for much.  
> 
> With all due respect to Ralph and to who he was at one point in our
> movement, I really think we should leave it at that.  As far as I know, he
> is not presently active in any organization and not much would be gained
> by gosseping about events that ended twelve years ago.  
> 
> thanks,
> 
> J. G.
If the banquet speeches on our Web site go back to 1975, then they should
include all of the banquet speeches in that time.  To omit Ralph's was to
invite attention to him, as well as cynical speculation about the omission
itself.
I am told (and will take the time to check) that Ralph also is not
mentioned in "Walking Alone and Marching Together."  Whatever else may be
said, he worked hard in our movement for a time, being at or near the top
of our leadership.  Given this, I suggest that the omission is wrong
because it makes the record historically inaccurate.
Al
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