Weymouth High School - Campus / Reflector Yearbook (Weymouth, MA)

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When the Founding Fathers framed our Constitution, their fundamental aim was to establish a government, under God, in which the people would be supreme. Each citizen would be given the opportunity of achieving his greatest potential. He would have every possible freedom to develop his own particular talent. In every way his God-given rights would be protected. Truly the men who drafted the Constitution gave to us a magnificent docu- ment. Yet how few of us really appreciate the privileges it guarantees us as individuals! At the time of the writing of the Constitution, men wanted equality of opportunity more than anything else. They believed that each man ' s natural rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness came to him from God. The framers of the Constitution demonstrated their belief in this idea by incorporating these truths in the final draft. Thus was proved that the ideal of equality has always been a fundamental American principle. From it have come all of our ideals of liberty, justice, peace and security. Never in America will opportunity be restricted only to those of wealth or racial prestige. Our democracy is indeed built on God-given principles. That the ideal of equality as expressed by the Founding Fathers has had a profound influence in our national life cannot be denied. For example, in 1913, labor was given its rightful place in the political scheme, when the Secretary of Labor became a member of the President ' s Cabinet. In our gr eat nation, rich and poor, industrialist and laborer, financier and farmer, cast their ballots side by side, giving evidence of a true democracy. However, we realize that all do not have the same ability. Hence we do not believe that all goods should be divided equally or that social distinctions can be eliminated by government action. Some idealistic theories maintain that a system such as Communism is possible. We cannot agree, because that program deprives men of ambition and a competitive spirit. We believe that true equality refers only to the natural rights of the individual and the opportunity for their fulfilment. For example, if equality of opportunity

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21 eighteen committed almost half the major crimes. Surely the time has come when more drastic measures must be taken to prevent the future rise of such a disgraceful condition. Thoughtful Americans will realize the urgent need for immediate and wholehearted action. Whatever the cost, we must eradicate juvenile delinquency. But at the same time we must not neglect an equally strong program for developing the talent of the nation ' s youth. Perhaps, in the end, the ounce of prevention will diminish the need for a pound of cure. Since a democracy is a government of the people, it is the American citizen himself who will have to see that the federal government, community, church, and home successfully co-operate in a great program for the advancement of youth. One of the obligations of the federal government is to hold in check the subversive agencies which try to poison young minds. Laws have been made to protect the body against poison, but very few to protect the mind against harmful comic books, motion pictures, television programs, and cheap adver- tising. It is the duty of the community to supply wholesome recreation in order to rid young people of that excess physical energy which often leads to trou- ble. Every citizen should consider it a personal obligation to see that his com- munity has a centre, under the supervision of youth leaders, where all chil- dren may freely go during their leisure time. Every community must also see that the schools teach more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. Now, as never before, a child must be taught to ap- preciate the magnitude of his democratic heritage and be inspired to uphold the traditions as set forth by our first great leaders. The public schools should give as much help as possible to the superior child. Much has been done to help the retarded boy and girl, but comparatively little for the exceptionally skilled. Also scholarships of considerable amounts should be provided for those in need, so that the talent of the naturally gifted can be given to the nation The influence of the church can be great, since any country believing in God and His principles will never fall under the influence of a dictatorship or Communism. Despots have continually tried to extinguish religion because it has always proved detrimental to totalitarian aspirations. By advocating regular attendance, churches can help to promote the cause of democracy, for to believe in God is to believe in what is right. In the home a child must be taught the great values of love, respect, and obedience, not only for their parents but also for all others. The impor- tance of having faith in God and leading a life according to the Ten Com- mandments must be emphasized. Juvenile delinquency usually stems from trouble or neglect in the home. If, ho wever, one grows up with the attitude, I was made for happiness for God, for the fullness of his revelation and all that is, he cannot help becoming a good and laudable person. Americans must be impressed now with the urgent needs of the youth of the nation. Each citizen must be made to see the absolute necessity for con- serving the country ' s most precious asset. He must recognize that an in- vestment in youth is an investment in the future, paying high dividends. For given a firm foundation, American youth, with an ingenious nature and faith in God, will stand unequalled in the world.

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23 had not been granted to Ralph Bunche, the grandson of an American slave and an orphan at the age of twelve, he never could have risen to the office he now holds. His work as acti ng mediator of the United Nations Palestine Commission is considered by many the most important and critical assign- ment in the history of the United Nations. His story is only one of many that could be mentioned. Indeed, our whole standard of living is a result of this democratic pattern of life. Surely in this we have an answer to the critics of democracy. For under what other form of government is the indi- vidual given so many opportunities? The development of a system of public education is perhaps America ' s best illustration of the equality of opportunity in action. Here, every person is allowed and encouraged to receive at least twelve years of free schooling. A wide choice of subject matter is offered, and he is given a chance to learn as much as he wishes. Furthermore, scholarships are available for the scien- tist and teacher, the athlete and musician. Recently LIFE magazine told the heartwarming story of the parents of a dozen children. Mr. and Mrs. Louis Martin of Maryland had an income of less than $80 a week. Yet, by hard work and scholarships, each of their children received a college degree. Where but in America does such opportunity exist? Many argue that our schools cater only to the average student, that no special arrangement is made for the superior, as is true in Europe. We must admit that there are short- comings in our present system; however, progress is being made continually toward educating every individual in accordance with his desires and capa- bilities. Many other developments have also come about as a result of our sense of equality of opportunity and our educational program. Today ninety-five per cent, of the government positions are open to anyone who qualifies by passing Civil Service, while in the armed forces, many capable young men who have never had the opportunity of attending a military school are now eligible for officer training. Social Security further puts the American ideals into action by retaining the dignity of her senior citizens. As we can see, many areas where similar advantages did not exist are gradually being brought under the general policy of equal opportunity for all. Furthermore, America has taken steps to safeguard the individual rights of liberty and equality, so that they may never be alienated. The decision of the Supreme Court to curb the illegal proceedings of investigating commit- tees is only one example of America ' s constant watch over her people. Previously, the Sherman Anti-Trust Act was put into effect to protect the small businessman against the large monopoly. The Wagner Act gave the laborer a chance to bargain collectively with his employer, while the consumer has been cared for by the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act. Yet neither the Bill of Rights nor any other law can itself safeguard our American principles. The tenets of democracy can be preserved only when thoughtful and enlightened people act according to their beliefs. We, the youth of today, the leaders of tomorrow, must be these people. We, who have received all of our nation ' s richest blessings, must return to her at least some portion of our talents. Let us thank America, this America who has said to us, her youth, Be the best of whatever you are. Let us give her our best.