The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-12-03
WRITER CALLS MIR. COSSMAN'S ATTACK ON FIR. COUGHLIN
 MOST DESPICABLE
If Radio Priest Was Before Public Tribunal, Cossman's Voice Would be Heard Shouting
 Cruelty Him!"

Editor of The Democrat:
 Kindly allow me to comment on an article that appeared recently in Tall Tower Topics over the sig nature of A. T. Cossman. AS an American citizen and a loyal fol- lower of Father Coughlin, I can- not allow MT. Cossman's letter to go unchallenged.
 speak with no prejudice against MT. Cossman. I believe as he does in the right of free speech and in the right of the individual to ex- press himself in matters that belong to the domain of opinion. Questions of a political nature that have no moral implications belong to the realm of free discussion. I have no desire to interfere in such mat ters.
 do not agree with some of MT. Cossman's opinions, but he has as much right to hold his opinions as I have to hold mine, but when he dissiminates his opinions through the medium of the public press, with the thought in view of criti- cizing the opinions of others, to use a slang expression Ines asking for it."
 Father Coughlin has done more, perhaps, than any American in the United States to prove the freedom of opinion which MT. Cossman en- joys. No member of his church has ever presented 50 forcefully as Father Coughlin the explorations of the poor, the injustice done to the laboring classes, the evils of capitalism, the corruption of public officials, the dangers of commun- ism and destructive radicalism.
 On what grounds does MT. Coss- man base his criticism of Father Coughlin? Is 1t because the Rev erend has condemned the action of our government in recognizing Anti-G God Russia and in cuddling Mexico with its unspeakable anti God program? It is to be hoped that every Christian and every one who has the normal judgment of fair-minded men will express likewise his condemnation.
 Several groups in this country have not hesitated to proclaim de- mocracy,s failure. They point to the widespread and abject poverty in the midst of plenty which exists here in the United States as con- elusive evidence. In Europe de- mocracy has unquestionably lost considerable prestige in the last two decades. What is its future here III America?
 MT. Cossman, you state that ec- clesiastics should not meddle Ill politics. Your condemnation ol Father Coughlin and his theories do not prove them wrong.
 I looked in vain in your letter Tor any reference to the seven indict- ments" against modern capitalism which Father Coughlin challenged his critics to record.
 Must we conclude by your state ment that the church is not inter ested in the Communistic form oi government which holds sway III Russia. Spain, France, Portugal ana | Mexico?
 It is appreciated that this state ment was made inadvertently. Nev- ertheless 1t expresses the apathy and clumsy thinking which is id vogue in the minds of many Amer jeans today.
 There has been an evolution in politics throughout the ages. This science which has been more or less responsible for the growth of de' mocracy is now identified with the fact that the people themselves through their ballots, have assumed the responsibility of writing either moral or immoral laws which in the latter sense, are in conflict with the natural law and with Christian faith.
 Granting the existence oi democ. racy In the United States, 1t is no! difilcult to conclude that immoral laws and consequently immoral practices can be obviated only through the agency Of ChristiaEl