Evening star., 1961-08-13
This Article

HHuS ~ 9HSBS
In addition to being an in
dustrialiSt, American Motors
Corporation President George
ROmney is a philosopher, a de-
vOut Mormon churchman, an
OutspOken private citizen who
believes that international COM
munism is not the main threat
to America today.
In this exclusive article, writ
ten for the Detroit News and
published there today, Mr..
ROmney sums up his belief of
how and why democracy has
lost its way; and what we must
do as a Nation to survive. It is
reprinted here with the permis-
sion of the News.
when we encourage people to ex-
erciSe their citizenship on the
basis of their economic interest or
affiliation, then we unWittingly
accept the fundamental premise
of the enemy, namely; economic
determination is the important
factor in society after all.
Most certainly citizen apathy
in the political realm is one of our
great deficiencies. Let's correct
it politically, not economically.
Otherwise, we relinquish a cher
ished political heritage for mess
of pottage.
The unwillingness of people to
say what they think is another
serious deficiency of our times.
Too many people limit their per-
sonal expressions to views they
think their associates and their
social or political groups want to
hear. Too many are concerned
about what speaking their minds
will do to their business. Too
many are fearful of what it will
do to them socially or politically.
Too many mouth things they
don't really believe. Too many
say nothing at all about subjects
on which they have ingrained per-
Sonal convictions.
Look at the record of perform
ance in recent political campaigns.
The major parties are just as
averse to fortnight commitments
on genuine issues as weakened
citizens. BY their very nature,
the major political parties are
principally concerned with winning
elections. don't dispute the fact
that nominating candidates and
winning elections is very neces-
sary function and should be key
function of a party. But party
principals and their Spear-carriers
have been so concerned with that
function that they avoid public
discussion of vital issues.
Why? Because they have put
victory first and fear offending
important organized minorities
and losing votes. To win elections
they avoid being right too soon on
controversial issues. Consequently,
understanding and action on cur
rent vital problems is deferred.
This procrastination can produce
deplorable problems. Witness the
recent financial crisis and the
virtual breakdown of representa-
tive government in Michigan!
Our Greet Need Now
Never in our history has there
been a greater need than now for
the intelligent discussion of basic
issues. This country desperately
needs political organization
which dedicated citizens will
wholeheartedly support because it
is realistically defining and seek
ing solutions to the real issues
and doing so on the basis of the
facts and of fundamental Ameri-
can principles. Only political
organization that will put these
activities above winning a given
election will command widespread
respect and dedicated support.
I do not favor three parties, but
either one of our major parties
must become a genuine citizens
party, freed of minority group
domination, or separate political
instrument must provide the
political means for citizens to put
the issues ahead of the mere
winning of political office for its
candidates.
How can we have government
of the people, by the people and
for the people? Only by providing
adequate means by which the will
of the people can be effectively
registered after meaningful dis
cussion of current fundamental
issues that informs the people on
the proposed solutions of the par
ties and the candidates.
The growth of excessive power
is another fundamental and i'm
minent danger in our society.
Unfortunately, we have lost our
understanding and fear of power.
This constitutes an added hazard.
For when anyone questions the
magnitude of private power in
industry, in unions, or in govern
ment, he Immediately is con-
fronted with specious arguments
that people blindly accept as valid.
Therefore what is said is often
dismissed.
They are misled by this argu-
ment:
Without such concentrations we
could not enjoy the material
abundance which has been so i'm
presSively created. For the sake
of military defense, chronological
improvement, efficiency and econ
omy, America must endure present
and even greatSr organizations of