Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-05-10
Plea to Win War Without Political Shackles
Voiced by New President of Republican Club
WISE OPPOSITION
WAREFFORT

i lLLl ~ Wv A1N LII i VIZ i
THOROUGHLY constructive and wholly patriotic attitude
a the part of responsible Republican Party leadership
disclosed by the accompanying address of Mr. Thomas j.
Curran newly elected president Republican
Club.
The American people have been gravely concerned and
often deliberately confused by the problem Of continuing po
cal opposition time when national unity essential
winning of the war;
But when demonstrated as Mr. Curran has done
with utter conviction that enlightened constructive po
cal opposition gives strength and sinew effort
American people should give something than careful
thought to the matter.
Let consider first the situation which would exist if all
political opposition should be suspended for the duration of
the war; some suggest and desire.
Tor this purpose let all political opposition had
i ended with the attack Pearl Harbor
Then Mr. Curran says have been none of
the adjustments which have improved and
speeded the efforts and which criticism alone
PEELED.
at criticism" he declares "that after tragic lag
Of two forced the appointment single
production.
To-day production exceeds that of
the Axis.
Thousands of American lives will saved by
The appointment Of Donald Nelson is responsible, and
CRITICISM FORCED THAT APPOINTMENT"
Moreover, the reorganization Of the Office Of Civilian
Defense fruit of vigorous and intelligent public criticism
with the result Mr. Curran appraises it, that turned into
effective agency for safeguarding civilians"
Another fruit of criticism, all will agree with Mr..
Curran the repeal of congressional pensions which could
have been compelled and accomplished the right
duty to criticize had been suspended at Pearl Harbor
NF COURSE criticism which impedes and obstrucs cannot
~ be justified in time.
Such criticism is unwhoesome and harmful peace
time since detracts from rather than contributes
public interest and welfare.
But when criticism exposes neficiency in government,
and and produces methods competent
to suppan incompetent methods and men, useful in
time Of peace and absolutely vital in time of
nation peace afford mistakes delnquencies and
dereons Of duty although they entail grievous
terms Of social economic and industrial detriment
But nation at with powerful and ruthless enemies
at its gates and with its very survival at stake
the stufyng uxuries Of nacon indecson ncapacty
for duties upon which national destiny depends
Therefore, the role which Mr. Curran defines for the
Republican Party in this crucial time to the
American people.
has object, he pledges-To win this war; to win
quickly possible to win with the smallest possible
loss of American lives"
IT HAS duty he nsistsTo criticize protest
cry aloud until every inefficient woman wiped
out of the national picture lives boys
form entrusted to who know their business
the power to act"
Surely this is not political unity the sense of blind
obedience authority without accountability to the people
and without responsibility for and futiity.
But indeed 1t is indispensable ingredient Of national
unity and be utilized to win this only be
suppressed at grave risk of losing the
The Republican Party thus disclosed by Mr. Curan as
already responsible for much that has been accomplish
our assured victory and capable of doing much