Montgomery County sentinel., 1940-08-15
L Might Be

by P. G.. StrOmberg

Natio S, like individuals,
. frequently "muff" their chances.
Unless we have been completely
misinformed the present war
could have been averted had any
one OF several courses been
taken. The greatest "muff" Of
all was this country's failure to
lend our wholehearted support
to the League Of Nations. The
next great "muff" was the fail
ure of France and England to
tell Herr Hitler that he could do
all possible to rebuild Germany
but the rebuilding must be done
in constructive effort, not in a
war machine. At that time they
could have easily enforced their
demand wit hout bloodshed.
Another "muff" was when the
League permitted Japan to in
wade Mongolia. Another, and
very importa a mt one, when
Mussolini was allowed to defy
the League and conquer
Ethiopia. Again when Germany
y announced her intention of re-
fortifying the Rhine, had France
and England warned that such
an attempt would bring an
Immediate occupation of the
country the world would Still be
at peace and the lives of many
young men would have been
spared.
Errors win and lose games,
and errors win and lose wars.
Errors have reduced France to
he status of the small nations
q Europe. Some of these errors;
We are told, were intentional and
an effort is being made now to
ferret out the traitors and
mlprits for trial and probable
execution. But what a price
France has paid and what little
good can be accomplished.
France for many years was
regarded as the worlds play
ground. Her leaders played
politics while the public was led
TO believe that her security was
certain and the influences which
finally proved her undoing were
at work. Under the guise of
Individual freedom she permitted
all sorts of isms to flourish. The
stronger the ism the more it was
courted by leading politicians.
1t seems inconceivable that a
country So strong during the
World War could have deterior-
ated as much in a generation as
France. Still the fact remains
that she lies prostrate before the
Nan armies of occupation
crying for the heads of those
VINO led her to defeat. That's
tne plight of France in 1910.
france could have not only
retalned her position as num-
yer one power but could have
remained at peace had she not
muffed" chances.
The defeat Of France should
De held constantly before all
americans as a horrible example
VI what can come of apathy and
,acS OF sturdy individualism.
we still have our chance. To
mum it will be a greater error
lian was Frances. We have
Tns 'hourishing in our midst.
"e nave the spectacle of some
'nese isms having been smiled
spOn officially. We have our
aOOr leaders seeking to control
ssSlatlon as well as the minds
u hearts of the workers. We
usVe public officials and seekers
public positions who court
'aay Of these isms in their
.S ,'re Tor votes. U-dess We are
%e TO destroy the influences
,iu .%cn would destroy us our fate
n. u likely be that of France.
NJ nope rests with men who
D.s4 A more Of country than of
sols % more of party than of
ia u and more of individual
dy and freedom, which is
FOcraey, than of life itself.
o.t; m such men grew this great
men On and only through such
praa. ~ VIII this nation retain it's