The Phoenix index., 1941-12-20
Our Country
Is At War
By EMMETT J. SCOTT


out war has come to the United
States. All that Americans of every
race. creed and color hold near and
dear is being imperiled. Our very
hearthstones are threatened with
destruction
The unity and devotion of the
American people have been chal-
lenged. That challenge will be met.
Every industrial and financial re-
source of this great country, to-
gether with an invincible resolve
to win, will be thrown into the
balance that victory may swiftly
perch upon our banners. We shall
finish this task.
In the accomplishment of this
purpose, the Negro people, as in
all the historic past, will play
willing, winning, creditable part.
They, of all the groups that make
up the American whole are and
always have been so far above Sus-
picion mat the most furtive mind
has never charged them with dis
loyalty, or as lacking in whole-soul
devotion to the ideals OF American
ism. In fact, Americanism is the on
ly ism" they know anything about.
ENLISTED FULL FORCE
In war, as in peace, ideals OF
civil liberty, freedom, equality,
have been something more to them
than mere shibboleths. Again, they
and the full realization of democra-
tic aspirations Their man-power,
their substance, their armed sup
port, their every energy, are at
the call of the Commander-in-
Chief of their country.
No impediment, no reservation,
stands in the way of their full
hearted, unselfish cooperation with
their Government as it goes forth
to crush fear and force.
These they have opposed in the
past, these they oppose now. The
war with Japan, and, of course, with
Italy and Germany, offers oppor-
tunity, once again, for them to put
in evidence their democratic faith,
and their undimished unity when
ever the interests of their country
are involved.
In this war, they will make a
full contribution as always they
have. They then invoke the con-
siderate judgment of mankind as
they seek a determination of the
questions and problems which, for
so long, have vexed their lives, and
all but crushed the spirit of their
citizenship.
MUST NOT FAIL
America cannot fail them. 1t
must not fail them. 1t cannot ig-
more their just claims as they shall
seek, when this war comes to an
end, an amelioration of traditional
prejudiceS and hates based on COL
or alone.
This domestic issue must be met
in the spirit of that higher states
manShip which shall assure to
them a normal, self-respecting, lib
erty and Freedom.
To this end should our energies
trend when Japan, Italy, and Ger
many have been scourged so COM
pletely that never again shall they
menace the peace of the world.
That democracy for which Ne
groes fought in 1917 and 1918 did
not come to them. They suffered
terribly thereafter. They were baf-
fled, bewildered, disillusioned. They
were heartlessly discouraged, dis
mayed.
FIGHTING FOR DEMOCRATIC
PRINCIPLES
With greater faith than ever, as
they now fight for democratic prin-
ciples, and for the freedom of the
world, they confidently look for.
ward to that day of liberty and
freedom when democracy shall tru-
ly be established in America and
all over this world of ours.
In this fateful hour of America S
war with Germany, Italy, and Japan
however, we have but one duty
and on responsibility-the safety OF
our country and the preservation
of its principles and ideals.
With martial strength and pow
er, we march against the three ag-
gressor nations. Victory will be
ours. Moral courage, faith, resolu-
ton, unyielding determination
complete unity of purpose, will car
ry us through. Confident and un-
afraid, we shall meet the tragic
responsibilities now imposed upon
us.