These are the top news stories for August 23, 1968.
Citizens in Czechoslovakia staged a one-hour strike to protest invading Soviet forces. Bells and sirens announced the start of the strike, which was promptly followed by mass arrests of journalists and cultural leaders. Protesters noted the car license plate numbers of those conducting arrests. Radio Free Prague broadcasted this information and asked listeners to block the cars from moving. At least one car was destroyed.
The Texas delegation at the Democratic Convention informed the Rules Committee that they are considering re-nominating Lyndon Johnson. Frank Erwin, Texas Democratic Chairman appearing on behalf of Texas Governor John Connally, told the committee that if the unit rule was abolished, it would free the delegation to vote as individuals and many of them still support President Johnson. Currently, the unit rule states that a state delegation must vote according to its majority. This rule is being challenged by the McCarthy campaign.Pierre Salinger, a George McGovern supporter, told reporters that peace forces within the Democratic Party have reached an agreement as to the wording of an official Vietnam position. But he doesn’t think they have enough votes to get it included in the Democratic platform.
The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee has expelled Stokely Carmichael from its ranks. Stating that the organization and the Black Power leader were “moving in different directions,” the group apparently voted him out during a national meeting last month. Carmichael says that he won’t appeal the decision.
