THE FEAR CAMPAIGN

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ordinances in the South, would the cause of justice have been served? And what if no one had challenged King George's laws and magistrates in the 1770s? When a society's leadership lets too many oppressive or unworkable laws accumulate, or takes them too literally, it lessens genuine respect for laws that are just and necessary. But to break laws in order ultimately to change the Law is a near-desperate step permissible only when every possible hope of peaceful change has been exhausted; very few Americans would argue that, for all the country's ills, that step is justified today.

In the end, the decisions in a democratic society must be made by the majority, and any violent challenge to its will must be dealt with firmly. The tyranny of a minority is far more obnoxious than the tyranny of a majority. And at present, the majority clearly feels that law and order must somehow be reasserted. But it would be tragic if in the process the nation were to allow its legitimate fears to be exploited, its understandable concern to be exaggerated. The balancing of law and order against freedom is at the very heart of civilization's work. That work must be done by the leaders of the U.S. with a measure of magnanimity, a major effort at clarity—and a great deal of coolness. It will take an immense interlocking effort of more efficient and enlightened law enforcement, social reform and moral leadership. What is at stake is more than just the present election; it is, in many ways, the quality of American society for years to come.