Mr. Sinatra's Civil Rights
(Editor's note: We seldom pass on to our readers any article from the secular press, but we thought the following from a recent issue of the Chicago Tribune worth sharing with you. Mr. Sinatra, one of the most notorious characters in the entire Hollywood cess-pool, is a close friend of the Kennedy's, and has been often in their company. He has been an honored guest at the White House. Since this article first appeared, we believe Sinatra has announced his "retirement" from the gambling enterprises in Nevada, and will henceforth devote his talents to other pursuits. This article ought to give some slight indication of the kind of moral leadership Americans can expect from their President.)
Frank Sinatra, the well-heeled singer, a dear friend of President Kennedy, faces proceedings before the Nevada state gaming commission which could result in the revocation of all licenses at his Cal-Neva lodge. The commission, on the basis of charges lodged against him, could strip him of his gambling license and his license to operate hotels, restaurants, and bars, and to sell cigarettes.
The principle rap against Sinatra is that he was host in July to Sam (Mooney) Giancana, Chicago hoodlum, regarded as a leading light in Cosa Nostra, the nationwide crime syndicate. Under Nevada law, such characters are not welcome in the casinos, and their presence is cause to revoke a license for gambling, which is legal in the state.
Sinatra is said to have acknowledged a long standing acquaintance with the gangster, and to have said that he intends to continue the association. He is charged with having threatened the chairman and members of the gaming control board.
'Rat Pack's' Fan
Mr. Sinatra's Nevada guests have not always been such a low social order as Mr. Giancana. He and John K Kennedy were drawn together by Kennedy's brother-in-law, Peter Lawford, the actor, a member of the Hollywood "Rat Pack," which acknowledges Sinatra as The Leader. In his new book, "J. F. K., the Man and the Myth," Victor Lasky recounts:
"Before John F. Kennedy discovered the promotional values of Culture (Pablo Casals and all that jazz), he was the Rat Pack's most eminent fan. There was one memorable — and well-photographed — evening Las Vegas will never forget, when Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford and Sammy Davis Jr. put on a special performance for John F. Kennedy. The time was March, 1960.
"The Senator had taken a day off from his campaigning to be with his show-business friends....From all accounts — and judging from the photographs — the future President of the United States enjoyed the evening immensely."
Sinatra and the Pack turned up after Mr. Kennedy's election to preside over the inauguration festivities in Washington, and the new President paid Sinatra the gracious tribute. 'The happy relationship between the arts and politics which has characterized our long history I think reached culmination tonight. I know we're all indebted to a great friend, Frank Sinatra. Long before he could sing, he used to pool a Democratic precinct back in New Jersey."
If Mr. Sinatra had kept his social life on this elevated plane, he might not now be in a jam. But, unfortunately, his social range encompasses both J. F. K. and Giancana.
The 'Civil Rights' Bill Oddly enough, the theory on which Nevada is proceeding is that Mr. Sinatra, as the holder of a state license, become an agent of the state and thus must live up to its commands. This is the same theory on which Mr. Kennedy has advanced the "public accommodations" section of his civil rights bill.
The theory is that a shopkeeper, a lodging house operator, an innkeeper, etc., has to get a license from the state to do business, so that, in theory, he thus is in effect an agent of the state. And as the state may not use its powers to authont activity which denies equality as guaranteed under the 14th amendment, the "agent" therefore must do business with all comers.
Perhaps Mr. Sinatra's defense is to invoke the theory of his good friend, Mr. Kennedy, contending that he is not only privileged but required to do business with all comers, even Mr. Giancana. What is "equality" under the law if Mr. Sinatra is to be denied the right of association with both Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Giancana? After all, the Rat Pack and Cosa Nostra are, we suppose, entitled to some civil rights.