The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1939-06-15
CHOICE

COME live from moment to moment, getting what
satisfaction they can from whatever comes
their way. Others have definite idea or what they
want to be or do, and plan everything to that end
The first group live by chance and have little
choice in the shaping of their lives. The second
group considers and discards opportunities that DO
not lead to the desired objective. This group makes
deliberate choice at every step and may make
their lives count for the advancement of others.
The principle applies both to public and private
living. The father who determines to give his
children living, will shape the whole family life
to that end, choosing a residence in a locality
where standards of work and life are high, schools
are good and the environment is planned to pro-
vide for the needs of children. A nation that has
founded it's institutions democratic principles,
must shape it's institutions and customs in accord
with democratic ideals. A constitution and laws
to provide the opportunity for representation IN
the political agencies are necessary to demOc-
racy, but dO not automatically provide 1T. Democ-
racy is way of living, with representative agen-
ces and practices in every relationship OF life Rep
resentation is possible only through organization
and organization in turn requires planning and re-
sponsibty on the part of the membership. Since
democracy is way of living, representative prac-
tices must pervade social, economic as well po-
litical relationships Unless those who believe IN
democracy take part in deciding pollcles those
seeking special privilege may turn the direction of
developments to serve their own interests Main
tenance of democracy requires great care IN the
selection of representatives as well as continuing
responsibility on the part or thOSe represented 10
make sure they getting the results they want.
The way of freedom in living is straight and simple
but not easy. 1t may seem easier for time to
leave choice and responsibility to individuals or
organizations that promise to act for us, but that
easy way leads to dictatorship and loss of the right
to choose. The right of choice is the essence of
freedom Choice implies judgment with accom-
panying responsibility for decision and plan in
ordering ones life.
AS citizens we have responsibility for decisions
affecting our individual lives and as a group for
matters that determine the destiny of our nation.
In national affairs well rs in individual matters,
unless our decisions are squared with the ideals
we would have Nation approximate, orderly
development along such lines is impossible If we
would assure good life to all our citizens cam
not trust that ideal to chance but must determine
what people must have in order to enjoy that
privilege and how assure the opportunity.
Somewhere in our government there should be
a representative planning agency, responsible for
cvaluating existing activities and Judging their
value in terms Of national progress toward accept
ed ideals, and for promoting long time politics and
next steps in the interests of all the people.
Retaining the right to choice involves taking
advantage of opportunities to control immediate
and future developments SO that living may be in
accord with our ideals.