Swing (Feb-Dec 1951)

This Is America No ONE who saw or heard General MacArthur deliver his talk to Congress April 19, 1951, could do other than admire his sincerity, lack of bitterness at the abrupt determination of his active military career, and his fortitude in presenting his opinion in solving the problems of our immediate future. Historians of future ages may have more success judging in retrospect as to the relative merits of the divergent points of view. Certainly we attempt no appraisal at this time. However, there are several things that we believe are typically American which should be registering with the world. We are a free nation. Even those in high authority may disagree in fundamentals without overthrow of our adopted form of government; without fanatical bloodshed; without throttling the individual's right of free speech; without fear of arrest. Newspapers, news commentators, columnists, even you or I may agree or disagree with either side and may raise our voices in support or disagreement, to those willing to listen, without fear of secret police or curtailment of our freedom of action. These differences of opinion whether based on informed opinion, political bias, or just cantankerousness, which we as a people often seem to display, will go on until the majority indicate their approval or disapproval in no uncertain terms or some new happening supersedes the current controversy in interest and attention. The world should know from past observation that, however heated these controversies may appear, we are still all for America with its freedom of speech, its freedom of opportunity, its freedom of religious worship, and its freedom to choose those who govern as provided by our Constitution. Any bitterness of debate does not change our unity of purpose to keep America "the land of the free and the home of the brave." Our differences of opinion do not prevent our millions of people from saluting and honoring General MacArthur who has given of himself without stints for more than fifty years to preserve the heritage of freedom in which he was born. There are few in this nation who believe violence is the way to resolve differences of opinion whether such differences are between individuals, groups, or nations. However, we have demonstrated before and we will again that we stand ready to mobilize for freedom regardless of cost and without hope of profit. Yes, we may grumble at the necessary restrictions, the high cost of taxes, the limitations an emergency places on our freedom of action, but we will each do our job. We would rather lend our skills to produce a better scale of living for our people and for others insofar as our means and natural generosity will permit. We would rather build roads than military air strips — harvesters than guns — toys than bullets — homes than camps — automobiles than tanks — ocean liners than warships — commercial planes than jet fighters — civilian clothes than uniforms — home kitchens than field kitchens — radios than army walkie talkies — television than radar — fireworks than gunpowder. We would rather see our sons and daughters go to college than to camp — to see sports events instead of military parades — to see peace instead of war. However, regardless of cost, regardless of preference, and regardless of differences of opinion as to the best means of accomplishing our ideals, we will fight to preserve the rights and privileges that our forefathers fought to leave to us, for This is America. — The American Appraisal Company