Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1940-06-07
AMERICANS TO
PAY BACK DUES
TO DEMOCRACY


are being called upon to pay their
back dues to democracy. The time
has come when the first thought of
every American must be not of the
rights which he receives from his
country but of the duties which he
owes to his country. The time has
come when there must be such de-
gree of national unity, national dis
cipline self-sacrifice that the United
States can command whatever
strength it needs to guarantee its
safety.
The response is already evident. 1t
is evident in the capital. 1t is evil
dent in the country. 1t is thrilling
" apparent that the American people,
quickly sensing the crisis, quickly
perceiving the demands of the crisis,
are ready to perform the tasks which
are necessary in order that free peo-
pie may be united and united people
may be strong.
Democracy is functioning.
Adolph A. Berle, Jr., Assistant Sec
rotary of State, one of the finest
thinkers in the Government, said last
week:
Gwen in the tragedy of these times,
welcome the test to which this coun-
try is being put. Too many people
have said that free people cannot
succeed in swift and unified action.
It is time to give the lie to that sort
of talk"
Representative Hatton w. Summers,
chairman of the House Judiciary
Committee, one of the deeper students
of affairs in Congress, said last week:
"This is a day of preparation in
America-not only preparation to de-
fend ourselves against attack, but
preparation to live. This is one of
Z the times when nations and civiliza-
lions stand at the bar Of judgment
and must answer for their right to
live"
Mr.. Berle and Judge Summers see
beneath the surface and what they
see is true. While spending much
time in Washington, I have during
the sequence of what President Roose-
welt describes as the "almost incred-
ible events" of recent weeks, also
travelled through many states and
conversed with many people. It is a
heartening and humbling experience
to feel the reserve Of selfless discip-
line and devotion and poise which is
available to wise national leadership
at this hour. It can be fairly stated
that those qualities in the American
people are ready to respond to those
qualities wherever they are manifest
in their Government.
Democracy is functioning.
The most exciting and significant
fact in public affairs today is that
American opinion, responding with a
readiness and determination which
bellies the detractors of democracy,
is waiting for political leadership to
catch up with it, not forcing national
leadership to wait for public opinion
to rally behind it.
After the deep and dire meaning of
the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands
and Belgium began to be apparent,
the American people were ready for
the Presidents second defense mes
sage to Congress by the time he had
delivered his first. When Mr.. Roose-
welt sought an emergency appropria-
ton of 100000, the Nation
wondered why he did not ask more.
Two weeks later he did.
And now that the Administration
is preparing to spend $4,400,0O0,0 900
for defense and to raise, only $685.
100000 in taxes to start paying for
that defense, there is every evidence
that it will find American opinion
more DESTROYS of shouldering more of
its burdens now than passing them on
to their children.
When the Government asks labor
and management to adjourn their con-
flicts and make a common contribu-
ton to the national welfare, it has
only to indicate the opportunity. Co.
ercion is not needed. Cooperation is
to be had for the asking. The ap-
pointment of such distinguished in
dustrialists as William S. Knudsen,
Edward r. Steeinius, Jr., and others
to gear the Nations enormous peace
time productive forces to the needs of
its new defense machinery is either a
welcome response to public pressure
or a timely decision by the Govern
ment in the direction of public de-
sire.
Democracy is functioning.
It is being increasingly realized to-
L. Ii l. u