The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1942-12-25

The frequent expression of surprise
at the lack of 1907 cooperation be-
hind the government in it's war pro-
gram is little annoying. By that,
do ont mean to imply that the support
is unanimous or wholehearted. 1t is
not. Mr.. Roosevelt and those of his
aides, who are giving their best in
the life and death struggle against
Fascism, are not getting the full moral
and physical support to which they
are entitled and which is SO essential
to quick and complete victory.
That l am annoyed is, of course,
Of no Importance. But what is of
tremendous Importance is the cause of
that annoyance. Surprise at sabotage
and non-support is more than annoy
ing; it is a danger signal indicating
that something is wrong with our
efforts to make democracy function.
1t seems to me that a successful
democracy requires first, clear con-
cept of the fundamental nature of the
democratic ideal, and second, a thor
ough knowledge of and an ability to
recognize the forces working in op-
position.
Now surprise at sabotage and non
support of the government in its anti
fascist struggle does not indicate
knowledge of the nature of the demo
cratic ideal or of the opposing forces.
To begin with, democracy is not a
thing that can be won or lost in a
days battle with battleships, airplanes
trade routes or even a system of
doing business. 1t is moral, faith
in the worth of the individual. 1t is
a belief that the salvation of human
ity lies in the fullest possible develop |
ment and freedom of each person |
1t is a deep respect for the dignity of |
the individual and his right to live,
develop and express himself.
Anyone who understands this quail
ity of democracy must know as well
that the enemies of democracy are not
confined to Italy, Germany or Japan.
An ideal knows no national bound
aries. Its enemies are those who
would suppress, exploit and inflict in
dign1ties upon the individual where
ever they are irrespective of locality,
state or nation.
The forces which oppose democracy
are those which promote and encour-
age the exploitation of human effort
and intellect for the self-aggrandize
ment of the few, as exemplified by
Mr.. Willkie recently in his fable of
the big house on the hill surrounded
by many small sod huts. Now, why
should anyone knowing this be sur
prised' at sabotage and non-support
Of the effort to resist Fascism? l Is
suggest that until we cease being sur
prised, democracy is not safe no mat
ter how many battles we win. III
further suggest that our program
should include, in addition to our best
effort to win the war, the promotion !
OF the study and denomination of I
the nature of democracy; the forces I
in opposition; and the ability to recog-
nize these enemy forces in action !
This study must, of course include '
review of the long struggle of the |
common man for freedom, for self-ex-
for the fuller life. His story
teaches US which forces are opposed
% the democratic IDEAL In this way,
we would learn that the battle for de-
nocracy was never lost, and yet, it +
vas never fully won. For as man v
evolves, his potentials increase, and a
lis goal is ever-changing in the dis a
ance, therefore, we must avoid the "
mistake of making any symbol, form p
" ceremony a goal instead of means F
o a goal Aside from the ethical c.
concept, there is another reason for n
Getting annoyed at surprises" a
Anyone who makes the briefest +