In a message dated 08/11/2000 10:05:21 AM Central Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: << According to this language, the State of Virginia, whether acting through Walter Plecker or otherwise, does not have the right to prevent a person from owning property or voting on account of race. Since these Amendments were adopted after the War Between the States, and since that Conflict was fought, in part, to insure that Blacks were no longer considered "property", I really can't see the Federal government allowing a State to blatantly ignore this provision by passing laws which prevent a person from owning land or voting. >> Sorry, but I feel the need to respond to this particular issue. What was law and what was enforced were two different issues. A good example of this is a clipping from the Hamilton Journal News from 25 June 1956. A person had a home up for sale and the following ad in the paper stated "will sell to blacks" This policy of ignoring the law prevailed in many areas. It was well known by everyone. thanks, "Donny" Donald Lee Perry 1667 Sylvan Ave. Dallas, TX 75208-2544 214.941.5454 [email protected]