The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-11-02
Liberal Viewpoint
by DIR. HARRY ELMER BARNES

THE necessity imposed upon New York teach
Il ers Of signing an oath Of loyalty and alleg1-
ence to the Constitution has provoked much
animated discussion on the part of both those
who favor and those who oppose this new regu-
lation.
The whole mandate is certainly silly and
probably mischevous. 1t will not save the
Constitution and it makes hypocrites, If not
perjurers, out of many OF the best elements
among our teachers. Those teachers who ma
turany feel like supporting the Constitution Will
do so without any oath. Those who feel other
wise only sign in a perfunctory fashion with
| their tongues in their cheek and probably nave
less affection for the Constitution than before
An oath should be a fairly serious thing in
civic matters, and it does not pay to make joke
or a travesty out of it. Moreover, it should not
| be forgotten that the very elements who agltated
for the Ives bill and the loyalty oath represent
these influences and forces which have literally
done the most to undermine the Constitution
as it was intended by its makers.
DERHAPS the chief good which can come out
i OF this measure is the discussion Of rational
teachers creeds which it has provoked. All this
may serve to clarity the ideals and duties OF
| teachers, viewed as agents for the advancement
Of civic well-being and rational social change.
One of the best of these teachers creeds is that
submitted by Walter E. Myer, editor OF the
American Observer, a leading publication for the
use of teachers OF social sciences ana current
events.
Il pledge my unfaltering devotion to the
common good and I promise to support all
those measures which, in my opinion, will best
serve to bring security and happiness to the
people of my country and the world.
The primary obligation that rests upon me
is so to conduct myself that 1 may contribute
to the happiness and welfare of my associates,
but I realize that my duty does not end there.
accept the larger responsibility of helping to
improve the social and economic environment
upon which all of our opportunities depend To
the end that my social contribution may be eff
fectiVe, I promise to study the arts of politics
and to practice them in the effort to build a
better community, better state and better
nation.
Il pledge allegiance to my flag not an
idol TO be bndly worshipped but as the symbol
of a widespread cooperation, which may be so
guided that it will improve the quality OF human
life. pledge allegiance to the Constitution and
the laws of the land, holding them to be means
| for the realization Of the great goal of human
betterment.
"XX THEN, in my opinion changes would rem
| w der them more effective instruments, 1
will support efforts to change them, but will
obey them so long as they are law.
Il believe in maintaining all property rights
which can be exercised in harmony with the
best interests of the greatest number of men,
women and children but I hold that no right
to property or power or obedience is morally
valid unless it is based upon that broad interest.
Il promise, SO far as possible, to harmonic
my life and conduct with the lives of my
neighbors, and I promise further to use my in
fluence to the end that my country shall find
a similar harmony in its relations with neigh
boring states
81 hold the highest patriotism to be
that which prompts one to work for the estab-
lishment of conditions under which happiness
may be hopefully pursued by every citizen"
This broad-minded manifesto of civic and
pedagogical enlightment may be earnestly
recommended to our educational bureaucrats
for their prayerful perusal 1t is not only
progressive enough to satisfy anybody short of a
confirmed revolutonist, but reasonable enough
to appeal to any one fit to have even the Slight
est position of responsibility in educational adj
ministration.