ple. The radicals’ protests have caused many Americans to ponder the situation and to develop strong convitcions concerning it. Such prodding is a valuable service in a country in which approximately 35 percent of the population neglects to vote during national elections. Ironically, those who support our involmement in Viet Nam may have reason to thank those who oppose it. The peace movement and the publicity attending it have inspired counter-demonstrations and a widespread support of our troops in Viet Nam, proof that public discussion of issues is not tto be feared. Although they have gathered suppor- most of the student Left is composed of campus intellectual leaders. In addition many sympathizers are among the most outstanding and respected men and women in their various fields. Although a few Communists have exploited the demonstrations for their own ends, there is no proof thus far that the peace movement is Communist-inspired. The majority of dissenters are loyal Americans who believe in their country deeply. For this reason they express their opinions on its destiny with energy and conviction. In contrast to the ‘Silent Generation” ithe dissenters have brought a profound involvement by the citizens to the national scene which has been missing for a long time. They have developed the moral courage to speak up for their beliefs and to question the hyprocrises of modern society. Perhaps such involvement is just what our country needs to offset the deterioration to which all great nations are subject. Radical ideas proclaimed by dissenters are certainly nothing new to America. Its very founders, whom we revere, were ters of intolerance, was built by such cause, the radicals free nation of their lose interest country, the in ‘the country their convictions, America will sure- ly slip into a state of decline. The dispelling of apathy is the very valuable aim of the dissenters whom so many distrust. If you disagree with the dissenters, don’t just sit and gripe. Do something about it! If you believe that their ideas are wrong, tell people your own opinion. Make speeches; write a newspaper editorial; support the GI's in Viet Nam. Action is the best method of combating Activists, not grumbling at home in Paine, Patrick Henry, and countless others created a tradition of dissent which is a valuable pant of our heritage. If America their can not and does not deserve to Without strong individsurvive. uals who possess the courage of radicals in a Thomas a affairs real sense. Our country was formed by protesters such as those who threw the British tea into Boston Harbor. Roger Williams, who opposed for have also united Americans in defense of the government policy. The greatest danger to a democratic society is an apathetic ana complacent citizenry. If the people men, similar individuals are needed to keep her strong. By setting an example for others to follow and by angering many people, the Activists have become the gadflies of our | generation. Through small in size like the gadfly, the peace movement has awakened the slumbering American peo- your easy chair. The unrest caused by the Activists may mark a new era in the history of the United States. From it a new generation which is vitally concerned with its own destiny may arise. Such involvement 32 for the moral decay which many believe has begun to seep into our society. No nation was ever destroyed by the constant quest for moral and factual truth. Today, “The Draft Resisters’ 2. World Book Encyclopedia America 3. American may be on the dawn BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Look of revitalization. Tomorrow, an America of renewed vigor and strength may emerge. December 28, Observer, And shadows J press Against my the paint the leaves dew-wet dark and auns intwine the Of forest streams and all would g embrace My fingers g sleep Once and more Sunlight To the dasa of to SEQ, touches In a silent shower Of the forest. All A night web Drawn In the Onee on on my from forest more and come darkling 9 returning end tha warms gtass. hear SEQ, and beginning. falls scatters alone EYES, 40 the river both may be the cure light the floor to rest The morning into a enlace oak. trees and slumber to the UvE both sky 4 fad the 9 ancient the drunk it seems when Qa the 9 have now the the heights of bark. trunk. about the flesh mossy My Editorial 4. Ogden Standard Examiner December 16, 1965, Editorial 5. Apology, Plato FROM THE SEA... Twilight 1965 9 bed rise day. returning end and beginning. MARY 33 MADDOX