The Wilmington morning star., 1940-06-25
Editorial Comments
From Other AnqIes
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY AT STAKE
Charlotte Observer

The good Reverend Walter E. Isenhour offers
advice that is sound when he urges that our ma.
ton think quietly and seriously, mediate, reas-
on, consult ones better nature, and pray earn
esly unto God for guidance"
But that is not enough.
1t is our understanding from reading the min
ister's Open Forum letter that he thinks the
chief danger facing this country lies in the fact
that it lie excited, angry and wrathful," and that
if the American people and government will get
rid of anger and excitement there will be little
or no danger.
All Of US could wish devoutly that such were
the case.
But knowledge of the facts of recent history
compels the more realistic view, recognition of
the fact that the Berlin Bandit. who long ago
conceived the idea that he could conquer Europe
and the world and then embarked upon a pro.
gram of conquest to crafty his lustful ambitions,
is not going to be stopped by any nation that
confines its efforts to those prescribed by the
Rev. Mr.. Isenhour.
1t Is our understanding that such a course as
he was followed in large measure by
Czechoslovakia, Norway, Denmark, Holland and
Belgium. For too many years it was followed by
England and France. And where are they all
today?
When Hitler got ready to invade and conquer
Czechoslovakia, Poland, Denmark, Belgium, Hol-
land and France, he did not ask or care whether
they were "excied. angry and wrathful' or not,
nor whether they had been praying.
He was entirely satisfied to know that they
were not prepared to challenge or successfully
resist his powerful mechanical war machine.
And he was the happier that they had assum.
ed, apparently that all they needed to do to in.
sure thelr safety was to go slow, keep quiet,
think seriously, mediate. consult their better ma
ture, and perhaps also do some praying.
But England and France last year became con-
vlnced OF the truth which they should have
learned long before, that nothing but iron force
ever would stop Hitler in his ambitious march
OF murderous conquest of free and peaceful and
peace-loving nations. They, like Belgium and
Holland and others of those nations which he has
conquered, realized the truth too late.
And nothing Is going to make this country
safe from ultimate conquest by the ambitious
d%ictators of Europe but the increase of this ma
TONS ornaments to the point Of strength that
the mad conquerors will not dare attack us.
From the viewpoint of Mr.. Isenhour, we as
sumo, President Roosevelt and his cabinet and
the overwhelming majority of our senators and
representatives in Congress are unduly excited;
likewise all such as Walter Lippman, Frank R.
Kent, Dorothy Thompson, .Wythe Williams.
Westbrook Pegler, and most Of the nations edit
ors and publishers.
For our part we prefer the viewpoint of Rev.
DR.. Rufus Weaver, distinguished minister Of
Washing ton, who told the Southern Baptist con-
vention the other day that a victory for Germany
and Italy would mean "destruction'' Of religious
liberty.
Rather than take it for granted that all will
be well with this country If only We will pray
and cease to be excited we prefer to give earn
est heed to the wise ords Of DR.. Weaver that
"totaIitarianism is the most direct threat to true
-.ys-s.- klok A.. ,yInJn IfstOrry - rooOr6cs
| and that "the war now reaching it's crisis in Eu
rope is religious rather than political, because
the basic issue is continuance Of religious liberty
A totalitarian victory means its destruction"