The Durant news. (Durant, Miss.) 1882-1985, 1944-08-24
LpOLITICs AND POLITICIANS

(pIlIltcO DClOW Ill Auhi oA'N
EPOLITICs AND POLITICIANS
Politics is the science OF how who
GETS what, when and why. Politics exists
in every civic group, church, labor union,
family. The key man is always q poll
tician. He keeps things going, wheels
turning. Politicians are good, friendly
people. They resolve conflicts, compro-
mise in the best sense. The alternative
10 our politicians is a dictator, someone
who hates life and people.
To the average American, politicians
arc crooks. whats the use Of voting !"
asks Mr.. Citizen. politicians are all
alike!" The truth Is that politicians are
NO more corrupt than the people VINO
elect them. The people corrupt the poll
~ticians. They demand traffic enforce
nent along with "ticket fixing" They
want an efficient, honest police force
and civil service SO long as their sons
and cousins get jobs-and a fine schooi
system with the faculty stated with
relatives. The politician who refuses re-
GUESTS LOT phLTonhkc ~ ePUAS
that he'll not be reelected.
Let's quit blaming the politicians and
face the responsibility Of full citizen
ship. Let's 60 to work where 1t counts
in the political party Of our choice. Let's
be sure our organizations do net waste
their vote by splitting it. We are strong
II we vote and vote together.
1.-THE REST OF US
The USA is full Of people of good will.
They want to make this nation a happier
place. They seek out the like-minded.
An organization is formed. Committees
are assigned to study problems. Minutes
are kept, resolutions written, petitiohs
circulated. Sometimes letters are written
to public officials. If the situation is
critical, citizen groups call on the mayor
or governor, are received politely, DIS
missed politely, often ignored politely.
And they become discouraged.
Even more people in our big cities are
rootless, unattached to the community
Men with business in the heart OF the
CITY commute to the suburbs. Profession
NJ workers in crowded schools and Of
fees live in cleaner, more comfortable
areas. In May and October, great mum
bers of people move from one community
or neighborhood to another, failing To
register and thereby losing their vote.
leadership is often left to jobholders,
corrupt persons on the spot. lndepend-
ept voters who cannot be controlled do
not bother to vote; machine-controlled
voters. who can be, do. As a result our
futures are decided by those who act
under instruction and those who do not
act at all.
m-EDUCATION
Americans are brought up to believe
that every profession is honorable save
politics and public service. Students IN
herit from parents and teachers a naive
conviction thai statesmen are born, that
their high place in life is due to a
combination of idealism and noble
character. National offices-the presi-
lepcy CONGRESS-, the Supreme Court
are discussed at length in civic elasses;
local offices-the mayor, the sherlff,
the town council-are skinned over. 1t
is unfortunate that we grow up so well
informed about the terms of offices and
salaries of national officials, with whom
we have the least influence and contact,
and so ignorant of the ingredients OF
positions.
BOYS and girls should be taught that
are first politicians; should
encouraged to enter politics, join the
youth organizations Of the Young Demo-
Young Republicans, or Labor Par
". Unions should assume he respon-
of training their members in ef-
fective political action. Everyone inter-
estea in practical steps should learn to
ring doorbells, crank monographs, keep
headquarters in order, study names and
faces.
To continue fsnctioning as a democra-
we and our children must learn how
democracy works in practice. We must
rewrite our textbooks. We must empha-
size the individuals responsibility not
only to vote, but to join IA political par
ty, to form and voice his considered
opinions, to do his share of leg work.
In that way W. may learn true citizen
shipi
V-PRECINCT CAPTAINS AND HOW
THEY GROW
Action follows membership in a poll
teal party. Precinct captains are men
of influence and action. They meet peo-
pie, help them with their traffic tickets,
provide access to the school administra-
ton. find legal help and clearance with
the courts when needed. During the de-
preston, the precinct captain was often
the friend in need, who came thru with
food and shoes when everyone else had
failed. Voting for the captains candi-
dates was the least a grateful voter
could do.
Thu following steps lead to captaincy;
/. Know the number of your ward
and precinct.
2. Do anything which needs doing.
3. Become acquainted with the BIOS
SEES" and your n~eighbors.
A. Listen to your ~neighbor's beef, bu
don't argue with him.