Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1942-03-12
i Might Be
WrOng--BUT
by P. G. Stromberg-


much uniformed (and mis-
informed) expression Of opinion
regarding the war effort as it be-
gins to be felt by the rank and
file. In making such a sweeping
statement I am confident that
the great majority Of people feel
the same way. Either there is
fuel shortage or there isn't.
There is need for tire rationing
or there isn't. There is sound
reasoning for imposing restric-
tions on a number of articles or
there isn't.
L There is, however, no reason
md no excuse for so much con-
fusion over whatever restrictions
might be imposed. Government
officials should know what they
are doing. It's the
Officials lack of decision and
Causing weakness of execu-
Confusion ton which opens
the flood gates for
curbstone opinions. The spectacle
Of Mr.. Secretary Ickes crawling
out on swinging and unsupport-
ed limb about gasoline last year
only to have all his expressed
fears disproven creates doubt
and confusion rather than con-
fidence, and permitting wide
publicity to some crack pots idea
of there being enough rubber for
all passenger cars for ten years
shows that censorship of our
censors is needed.
It stands 10 reason that the
loss of forty odd oil tankers
means not only the loss of mil
lions of gallons of oil but the
future loss of whatever quantity
of oil these same tankers could
deliver. It stands to reason also
that one needs but to recognize
the amount of rubber we have
been accustomed to importing
against the amount we can Sc
cure now to understand that the
rubber situation is somewhat
more than serious.
The trouble is that indecision
and contradiction among depart
ment heads in Washington give
real cause for doubt and lay
these officials open to argument
and ridicule. A strong hand is
needed hand strong enough
to make decisions and stand by
them. If President Roosevelt is
too busy in his capacity of direct
ing the wars general strategy,
he should delegate
Domestic authority to some
Policy one man who will
Weak have the courage
and intelligence to
direct the domestic front in such
manner as will command con-
fidence and respect. To deal with
the great American public as
though it is made up of school
children is the type of mistake
which win bring justifiable and
unforgiving wrath down upon
those who would labor under
such an illusion.
We want strong leadership.
yThe American public will insist
upon a strong leadership. We
IRE tired of internal appease-
pents which cost more money
Than the world has ever known.
We are filed to the brim with
official contradictions which lead
only to confusion and tend to
tear down confidence which is so
essential.
If President Roosevelt could
and would (as he should) ignore
all political consid-
People erations and devote
Want himself exclusively
Action to winning the war
he would emerge as
one of the greatest men of all
ages. He'll have to make and
enforce decisions which will hurt
many in all walks Of life but in
doing SO he'll be performing his
duty as the No. 1 American. He
viii have to brush aside those
individuals who insist that this
group is too strong politically to
dare impose severe regulations
and raatrictiona