National Affairs: STEVENSON ON COMMUNISM

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False Leaders. The task of saving civilization, Stevenson told his listeners, rests upon them. "You may listen to false leaders who tell you that there is an easy way—that all you have to do is to elect them and thereafter relax in a tax-free paradise, the political equivalent of sending 10¢ to cover the cost of postage. You may, fearing to face the facts squarely, be distracted by phony issues that have no bearing upon the life-or-death controversy of our time. But deluded you run the risk of being beguiled to destruction, for there is no easy way . . .

"Your salvation is in your own hands—in the stubbornness of your mind, the tenacity of your heart, and such blessings as God, thoroughly tried by His children, shall give us. Nature is indifferent to the survival of the human species, including Americans . . .

"Yours is a democracy. Its government cannot be stronger or more tough-minded than its people. It cannot be more inflexibly committed to the task than they. It cannot be wiser than the people . . .

"I say these things to you, not only because I believe them to be true, but also because, as you love your country, I love my country. And I would see it endure and grow in light and become a living testament to all mankind—of goodness and mercy and of wisdom. How long can we keep up the fight against this monster tyranny? How long can we keep on fighting in Korea, paying high taxes, helping others to help ourselves? There is only one answer—we can keep it up as long as we have to, and we will."

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