Jackie Robinson's letter to President Eisenhower

My dear Mr. President:

I was sitting in the audience at the Summit Meeting of Negro Leaders yesterday when you said we must have patience. On hearing you say this, I felt like standing up and saying, "Oh no! Not again."

I respectfully remind you sir, that we have been the most patient of all people. When you said we must have self-respect, I wondered how we could have self-respect and remain patient considering the treatment accorded us through the years.

17 million Negroes cannot do as you suggest and wait for the hearts of men to change. We want to enjoy now the rights that we feel we are entitled to as Americans. This we cannot do unless we pursue aggressively goals which all other Americans achieved over 150 years ago.

This is an excerpt from Jackie Robinson's letter to President Eisenhower. What is Robinson's meaning in the following line, "I respectfully remind you sir, that we have been the most patient of all people"? In two to three paragraphs of eight sentences each, analyze how syntax and diction help him express his meaning. Use proper spelling and grammar.