The “Freedom of Choice” movement – an organization devoted to combatting anti-discrimination legislation to restore “freedom of choice” to American citizens – has selected Arizona as “the test site for a nation-wide campaign to spread a program described by opponents as ‘hate-mongering and race bigotry,’ ” according to an expose published in the Arizona Republic and the Phoenix Ganette.
The movement, also known as “America Plus, ” is run by Aidrich Blake, of Laguna Beach, California. It has made four unsuccessful attempts to secure legislation in California which would permit racial and religious discrimination.
Blake was quoted by the newspapers as declaring that he was setting up the movement in this state because Arizona has no state civil rights code and he thought prospects would be better here. His movement, he said, would guarantee to businessmen, landlords and employers the right to choose patrons, tenants and employees. Eleven prominent citizens of Phoenix have already taken steps to organize an active opposition to Blake’s activities here.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
