Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1921-12-12
PSYCHOLOGICAL INTIMIDATION

Any woman who is serious student
OF conditions will hardly gainsay the statement
that New Mexico has suffered for years from psy-
Geological intimidation which has resulted in the
failure of this state to develop free independent
and public spirited leadership in political affairs
This condition is reflected in large degree in all
community enterprises of statewide Importance.
1t is not of such vital importance what a man
thinks. Where free and fearless minds clash the
public reach its own conclusions and do the
right thing. But 1t is important that there be
leaders who free, and fearless and devoted to
the public good.
Out of discussion agitation of the
public mind; people stimulated to interest and
piqued to think. A crystallized public opinion is
the result That opinion may refuse to follow the
program of the who stimulated It. His useful
may be decreased by defective thinking, but
his value to the community is great as agitator
of the public mind. Americas danger is not that
her people may think wrongly so much IT is
that they will not think at all and allow public
evils to go uncorrected.
New Mexico years ago developed selfish po-
litical leadership of overriding and ruthless
type. The personal advancement of political fig
two and the special business privileges of
big campaign contributors became the dominant.
political influence. If any disagreed his po-
litical and financial props kicked promptly
from under him. Men inundated. They
afraid to take public position public
question unless that position had the approval of
the big boss and his financial satellites.
As result of all this, repression Of all dis
cussion of governmental evils resulted. No candl-
date for office ever announced his ambitiouns be-
fore the time for convention and trusted his for
tunes to pre-convention campaign on platform
of public policies. He waited for the Darkroom
conferences of the powers which to determine
his fate. Unless he was subservient he was with
out prospect of success.
This accounts for the lack of dominant pro-
gressive leadership in the state. The fate of the
few who attempted It discouraging to others.
Hagerman had and still has, such temperament
and attitude but. in conflict with this group he
promptly eliminated. His fate has deferred
others from attempting similar freedom of ac-
ton. Yet today, Gov Hagerman enjoys great in
fluence and the respect of the people.
New Mexico has waited for political expediency
to decide the candidates and the issues. To pre-
vent the discussion of policies. personal attacks
purposely have been given the uppermost place In
campaigns. The people have not had clean
cut issue of choice of policies in twenty years.
Under such conditions state not be pro-
gressive 1t cannot develop that worthy and mill
tant leadership with constructive programs. which
alone make state go forward.
Fear is the great "parayzer" of mems minds.
Utter abandonment of fear and defiant policy, re-
gardless of the effect of that fight upon personal
Mexico.
The most discouraging phase Of the present sit
uation to the Journal is the fact that nearly two
years OF almost incessant agitation has not sue
ceeded completely in breaking the atmosphere Of
psychological intimidation which has prevailed. Am
bilious still feel that declaration Of indie
pendence would mean political suicide.
AS matter of fact the time has arrived when
the public mind is aroused sufficiently that the
people looking for enghted constructive leader
ship. Men with the capacity and the daring, who
have the ambition to do so, declare for pro-
gram of progress and by carrying the fight vigor-
ousy to the people, sweep the old order Of
things into the discard.
This is the legitimate way to political honors
and perferment. New Mexico needs militant men
who are unafraid and who will glory In defeat II
it comes the champion Of the people and who
will be ashamed of victory. at the price OF
subservency.