In this excerpt from Kennedy's 1963 Civil Rights Address what idea is being most clearly defined? It ought to be possible therefore for American students of any color to attend any public institution they select, without having to be backed up by troops. It ought to be possible for American consumers of any color to receive equal service in places of public accommodation, such as hotels and restaurants and theaters and retail stores without being forced to resort to demonstrations in the street. And it ought to be possible for American citizens of any color to register and to vote in a free election, without interference or fear of reprisal. It ought to be possible in short for every American to enjoy the privileges of being American, without regard to his race or his color. In short every American ought to have the right to be treated, as he or she would wish to be treated.