But we are also acting on an overdue agenda. rectifying ancient grievances whose presence has for a hundred years blemished our conscience and our politics. This is not to say. of course. that virile and relentless voting rights legislation is a trivial achievement. In one measure. we may eliminate the poll tax. the use of literacy tests. the atmosphere of successful coercion and threat in the name of false laws and proceduresin short. the major instruments which have undermined the exercise of the most fundamental democratic rightthe right to vote. In that same step. we may fulfill ageold Federal obligations. by authorizing the appointment of voting registrars and examiners to assure that practice and administration satisfy the undisputed authority of law. And what law directs. custom will eventually follow.
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literacy tests