The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1940-06-20
PREPAREDNESS

A GHAST and shocked by the news from Europe
- flooding all our modern means of communica-
ton, we cannot escape the warnings which may
help up to direct American policies wisely on these
crucial issues:
Geography provides no security from the de-
struction that stalks Europe
Existing weaknesses and indiscretions provide
opportunities for the agents of destruction.
Preparedness to advance and defend American
ideals of life.
Whatever divisions there may be in our natl
onal thinking on other policies, there is room
for dissension upon the imperativeness OF pre-
paredness. Preparedness implies awareness and
ability to advance our ideals well ability to
ward off offensives against them.
In the present situation lies the most crucial
test which democracy has ever faced. In Europe
the two great relationships have challenged
democratic states by destroying free independent
governments. The democratic nations must, If
they win, demonstrate a greater capacity to mob
ize coordinate and direct their capacities and re-
sources than the corporates states have achieved.
AS democratic nation that has grown to maturity
with free opportunities for ALL we have con-
spicuous opportunity and responsibility to demon
strate that our faith in our institutions and IN
human nature was well-founded. Such proof can
come only from planned approach, effective and
systematic execution and dedication to the pur-
pose. In the last analysis our dependence lies IN
the free spirit of people,
Because we believe that every person has the
right to ife liberty and pursuit OF happiness, we
feel burning resentment against abrOgatlOn OF
these basic rights by the dictators of Europe. In
the European struggle, the organic states build
up their power by compelling individuals to give
up their right to live according to their best ideals
for their own advancement in order that national
advancement might be served. Because power
becomes the dominant element ethical standards
for fair relationships, any conception of justice
as a basis for dealings between people, pass out
of the picture. Those peoples and individuals who
cannot bring themselves to a level of life that dis
cards ethical standards, good faith and response
bty in relations with others are handicapped in
this struggle of forces, but any victory would be
in vain if we did not accept the handicap
The present war in Europe is not our war even
though we cannot escape it's consequences either
now or at such time when armed conflict shall end
We are seriously concerned because of the actvi-
ties of those within country which may pop
uarly be termed the ifth-column persons, hostile
to our national ideals and institutions in spirit and
in action, many of whom have vowed allegiances
to revolutionary philosophy of destruction.
In the immediate situation two lines of action
are mperative First, constructive planning to-
maintain and carry forward democratic dan
gers from without. The first line of defense de-
pends upon the enlightened intelligence and de-
voton Of individual citizens acting separately and
collectively through their organization. The sec
ond is conditioned by the planning of persons re-
sponsible for the defense agencies of the natlOn
and upon adequate appropriations by Congress.
Recent military experiences in Europe have dem
onstrated the advantages of air superiority and
mechanized forces, and necessity for an adequate
navy. In the light of this experience we should
move rapidly and eXpeditiOusly.