During the crisis at Old Miss, Ted Sorensen, Special Council to the President, was hospitalized for a week with an ulcer, which is why, in the first paragraph of his memo; he alludes to being immobilized.

1. Why does Mr. Sorensen recommend that President Kennedy "stay out of (the crisis in Mississippi) personally"?
2. What does Mr. Sorensen suggest the President's overall policy should be?
3. List two actions that Mr. Sorensen suggests to "change the climate" in Mississippi. Why might these actions make white Mississippians more open to having Mr. Meredith enroll at the University?
4. What does Mr. Sorensen suggest the President do if he has to call out troops?

For Further Research and Discussion

1. What does the word "annals" mean? Why would the President's speech possibly be "an historic document in the annals of the American Presidency"?
2. When you read Mr. Sorensen's memo, what would you say is his primary concern?