Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1940-08-22
Il Might Be
Wrong--BUT|
by P. G. Stromberg

AS l see it the future of the
limited States depends upon the
proper decision Of our Govern
ment regarding the following:
Universal Military Training
Adequate production of mill
tary equipment
Taxation
Help for England
While the last mentioned
might seem unrelated to the
other three it is actually very
essential to and bears a direct
relation to each. We don't get
accurate reports on the war be-
cause of many elements such as
rigid censorship, military secrets,
exaggerated statements and
claims, propaganda designed to
harass enemy morale, propa-
ganda for home consumption,
fake reports, etc. But while we
know that all reports are colored
the fact that England is strug-
Cling for her very existence is
known by all. Collapse for
England would be calamity for
US.
Compulsory military training
must be adopted as a continuous
policy if we are to live and pros
per as a free people. The surest
way to peace is to be prepared
for war so long as MIGHT
makes RIGHT and treaties are
honored only when convenient.
Coupled with the universal
military training goes the pro-
duction of all equipment neces-
Afry for the successful prosecu-
ton of any military undertaking.
We want more and better air.
planes, bigger and better tanks,
a bigger and better navy and
better equipped personnel than
any potential enemy.
All of this will cost huge sums
of money annually. It is heart
ening to have our political par
ties recognize this and tell the
public that there is no easy road
and sacrifice is necessary. To
devise means of raising the rev.
enue needed for such a program
is the job of our national legis-
lators. We cannot borrow all
the money. There has to be
some limit to the amount of
national debt we can carry.
Therefore much of the money
will be raised by direct taxes.
All the taxes can't be paid by a
small group even though that
group be the very rich. If the
United States confiscated the en-
TIE wealth of the wealthiest
Individuals in the country it
would fall far short of the coun-
try's needs. The money will
nave to come in larger assess
ments on all income whether
mat income be derived from
salary, wages or investments. 1t
might be that we will see a
national retail sales tax which
would raise a tremendous sum
ana which would be distributed
IN exact proportion to the ability
oi each citizen to buy. This will
oe IN addition, of course, to an
increase in income taxes, and a
lowering of exemptions so that
every wage Garner will pay d.
tectly a share in our democracy.
While it might seem a hard
snip to pay heavier and heavier
'axes it is automatic that the
Oniy worthwhile things of life
are those realized through sacri-
ace' Sacrifice for democratic
freedom and liberty will make
ior stronger and more resolute
s''lzenry. It will tend to bring
'ne present generation to an APP
preclation of what citizenship in
Tree country involves. The
sOmpulsOry military training will
1''lll into the hearts and minds
v all young men feeling of
.ss@pOnSloilty toward their Gov
ument. The time spent in
;S'ning can be we'll used to
in Oue them with the full mean
ids., Of Democracy as the most
do,s' l form of government yet