The journal. (Caldwell, Ohio) 1934-1961, 1951-08-09
DEFEATIST YOUTH. WAKE UP!

seventeen old and his sweetheart both
graduated from high school, talked with recently about
what he should do They wanted advice whether he
should make the effort to go to Annapolis West Point,
of if neither, just what he should do.
The significant point in conversation when I
asked him what he really wished do for Was
he ready to commit himself to service in Navy
other form of government work? Or would he be
using the naval academy experience training in prepara
ton commercial Industrial or professional career?
His illuminating, and discouraging! well
he said, Il guess with the shape the world is in might
as we'll get myself safe berth with the government
Indirectly all going to make living under
government control so might we'll get mine directly
And the lovely young woman sitting between us nodded
her head in assent
With this took issue Look" said, you must make
your own decision of and wish to work for
the government that is all right. To be good naval
army officer is fine and honorable Even govern
ment service in bureau be good and honorable for
need capable people who take government service
seriously and prepare themselves to we'll But what
! must take exception to is the DEFEATIST ATTITUDE
IN WHICH YOU APPROACH THAT DECISION"
Continuing, explained that the trend toward govern
ment control and socialism is not inevitable and that it
to for of the sound principles of faith and
work which America was built.
In attempt to in him the temerity to tackle
that sociaistic trend asked him to join with other youth
in building back the stamina which the Immediately preced
ing generation has almost lost through it's worship
of security and escapism
Then, told him the story of one of my sons,
handicapped through fault of his own slow grasp
things but with lovabe personality and the courage
work his destiny and how that boy is winning his
way obstacles that once thought might prevent
his building successful career.
Further, pointed out to the young that he not
only SHOULD not but NEED not fear the competitive
battle he would face in the world of private enterprise that
the chances of for boy who had faith in Eternal
Justice, in himself and really willing work. were
better today than in the days of my youth fifty
years ago.
That aroused him. "How do you make that out?
at is easy to if you will just look at it," said
him.
when was boy" went on, most of from
poor very moderately provided families High school
beyond most of There guarantees enervang
social security funds way TO go to college All of
had to fight hard for what wanted just to make
living The competition keen mighty keen, for it
the competition of necessity. 1t forced to develop
faculties that might otherwise have degeneated for lack
of use and it gave sitter competition.
But today, thanks to the teaching of security instead
of freedom, to changes in education many of youth
expect things be done FOR them by government Such
people hard to lick The boy who frankly accepts
responsibility for his fe has faith and willing really
work actually has less competition from other youth
did the ambitious boys of fifty years ago You lick
almost anybody by outworking him!"
1t may be am kidding myself, but sure there was
sparkle the eyes of that fine young lovely
girl they left my library They thanked with earn
that convinced they had been helped the
glorious possibilities for the youth of today who will
to the faith of fathers and pay the price in work Dr.
A. P Haake
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