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Ramsey Clark
72quotes
Ramsey Clark
Full Name and Common Aliases
Ramsey Clark is commonly known by his full name, William Ramsey Clark.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on May 8, 1927, in Dallas, Texas. Passed away on September 9, 2021, at the age of 94.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Clark was an American lawyer, politician, and human rights advocate. He served as the Attorney General of the United States from 1967 to 1970 under President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Early Life
Ramsey Clark was born in Dallas, Texas, to Thomas Clark, a lawyer and judge, and Ida Mae (née Garland) Clark. His family moved to Washington D.C. when he was young. Clark's early life was marked by his exposure to the law through his father. He attended the Choate Rosemary Hall prep school in Connecticut before enrolling at Amherst College.
Education
Clark graduated from Amherst College in 1949 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then went on to study law at New York University School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 1950.
Major Accomplishments
As the Attorney General under Lyndon B. Johnson, Clark played a significant role in shaping U.S. civil rights policy and enforcing federal laws related to desegregation. He also initiated investigations into government misconduct, including the FBI's surveillance of Martin Luther King Jr. Clark served as a member of President Jimmy Carter's Commission on the Human Rights of Women.
Notable Works or Actions
During his tenure as Attorney General, Clark made significant strides in promoting civil rights through the desegregation of public facilities and enforcing voting rights laws. In 1969, he directed that government agencies be required to provide translations for non-English-speaking clients, marking a breakthrough in language access.
Impact and Legacy
Clark's commitment to human rights led him to serve as the head of the organization Human Rights First (formerly known as the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights) from 1983 until 1997. He also worked on various human rights cases worldwide, including advocating for the release of prisoners of conscience in South Africa.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Ramsey Clark is widely remembered and quoted for his unwavering commitment to justice and human rights. His leadership in shaping U.S. civil rights policy has had a lasting impact on American society. As a strong advocate for social and economic equality, he continues to inspire generations through his work.
Quotes by Ramsey Clark
Ramsey Clark's insights on:
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We’re not a democracy. It’s a terrible misunderstandin g and a slander to the idea of democracy to call us that. In reality, we’re a plutocracy: a government by the wealthy.
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People who don’t cherish their elderly have forgotten whence they came and whither they go.
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Turbulence is life force. It is opportunity. Let’s love turbulence and use it for change.
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Our emotions may cry for vengeance in the wake of a horrible crime, but we know that killing the criminal will not undo the crime, will not prevent similar crimes by others, does not benefit the victim, destroys human life and brutalizes society. If we are to still violence, we must cherish life. Executions cheapen life.
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People who don't cherish their elderly have forgotten whence they came and whither they go.
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Impeachment is the direct constitutional means for removing a President, Vice President or other civil officers of the United States who has acted or threatened acts that are serious offenses against the Constitution, its system of government, or the rule of law, or that are conventional crimes of such a serious nature that they would injure the Presidency if there was no removal.
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