The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-12-30
Turning Tide

The challenge to America is not only the destruction of its enemies, the back stabbers of freedom and decency, but just as importantly, is the preservation of its own internal security and sound fiscal foundation upon which to con- struct lasting peace and continued De- mocracy after victory. Remembering this, the report of the Joint Congressional Committee on Economy, just submitted by Senator Byrd, is just as heartening news as reports of major success on the the front of battle.
 We share the hope expressed by pr. WriSton, chairman of the Citizens Emer- gency Committee on Nondefense. Ex- penditures, that this marks the turning tide of governmental expenditures which in their ever-continued rise seriously threaten to inundate our whole econ- : omy. As Dr. WriSton says, Secre- tary Morgenthau, and the ten out of twelve congressman on the Committee, who signed the report, deserve the ap- plauSe and thanks of all Americans. They were realistic and courageous.
 Let us not look askance because the $1,300,000,000 savings recommended by lIlG JOlIlb SOLllLLllLpGG 1lAELAG 0CCAA AAASAS- nificant when viewed alongside the bil- lions of war spending. The report care- fully points out that these first recom- mendationS arc only preliminary and others will probably follow. However, were these the only savings to be recom- mended, they would still represent major victory for they indicate the will, at least, of the American people to face the issue Where there is a will there is a way.
 Among the spending items recom- mended for drastic cuts are functions close to the hearts of many Americans. The abolishment of c. c. c. and N. Y. A. was recommended along with referrment of substantial part of the W. F. A. pro gram. Of the $100,000,000 suggested cuts in the agricultural program. Sec retary Morgenthau's comment was that tLey were not nearly enough in view of present farm income. But regardless of individual opinion and belief, let us hope that the country will be wise enough to realize that now Is not the time to argue questionable expenditures or functions. We are at war. We are undertaking a financial obligation that threatens our internal security. Now IS the time to strip all expenditures from SOVCl4lLlCLLU Cllet dLC INV uAA16SSVASASsSAJ necessary to the conduct of the war or to the vital welfare of the people. Let us argue our philosophies when the danger has passed. ~
 It is unfortunate that we must keep repeating the phrase recommended sav- ings' But that, of course, is all the Joint Congressional Committee can do. It is now up to Congress and the Presi- dent to make these. recommendations realities on the road to victory. If the President hits the same peak of lead Fership in our fight on the home front as he has on the war front, there can be no doubt that the economies - all of them - that are vital to our future will be made. Members of the Economy Con1- mittee the President and Congress need an expression from the American people from you-on whether you are willing to save now for the future. This isn't sacri- flee of progress. Rather, is 1t insur- ance of that social progress that has made America what it is ... Speak up, Americans