A resolution to make an official "John Wayne Day" in California has imploded as the state assembly defeated the movement on Thursday, citing the movie star's history of racist remarks and his support for the anti-communist House of Un-American Activities Committee, The Associated Press reports. Republican State Assemblyman Matthew Harper had sought to make May 26 John Wayne Day, saying later in a statement that, "Opposing the John Wayne Day resolution is like opposing apple pie, fireworks, baseball, the Free Enterprise system, and the Fourth of July!"
Others don't agree, citing comments such as those Wayne made to Playboy in 1971 when he said, "I believe in white supremacy until the blacks are educated to a point of responsibility." The Searchers and Green Berets actor also once asserted that American Indians were "selfishly trying to keep [America] for themselves."
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