Mendota High School - Atodnem Yearbook (Mendota, IL)

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l-'30 an e' W 4 s-Janis .ze U . . ' ' are 3 ' :zo PI' a . o 1,0 l 0 - 'Il E3 E3 Ei E3 E3 sz EE? ii? Q? fi? . 3' 0 E3 Q5 lil '- ,. E9 fa TEE? fi' ,sag 5 -s..4..a,-FA-Q-r 1-X..-.ff ua.-v'+'2:3'-'s?4'.5 p 11-v'5?4',l:I 5.5.-o'g's....r v 3- Q49 ' s-su ship upon individuals here and there especially as they see it. These few in- dividuals naturally air their grievances quite broadly, often unjustly, be- cause they fail to consider the welfare of the majority in the contemplation of their own particular cases. The conclusion they reach is that the law or regulation is entirely wrong and unjust, and such condemnation often carries with it those in any way connected with the law. Of course laws and of- ficials are not aways infallible. But in most cases matters have been very carefully weighed and considered from every practical angle. Criticism, like competition, is an important and beneficial thing. As a people, however, we have somehow come to think of only the one side of crit- icism and that-is its adverse nature. Too many take the position, possibly un- intentionally fand without malice, that the minute ta citizen in -any civic ca- pacity assumes the cloak oioffice, he is iniline for censure. We are over- looking and old and yet vitally important pedagogical principle, namely, that praise and commendation go a great deal farther toward promoting efficiency than do blame and condemnation. VVe have somehow come to condemn from purely selfish viewpoints rather than from democratic and patriotic standards. If we but realized what tremendous returns are really available thru the use of favorable criticism, we would overcome the present tendency to say nothing whatever as long as things go satisfactorily. In place of silence, de- served words of approval would hearten and increase tl1e good work of those selected to guide our state and community. It is indeed time that the cen- sorious phase of criticism be placed in the subordinate position it rightfully should occupy, and that commendable criticism be given an opportunity to produce results heretofore undreamed of. Contrary to the opinion of a few, favorable criticism does not tend in most cases to make officials more dictatorial and conceited. Rather it creates and augments their desires to further please those whom they serve. In ex- tending their services they will consider the general welfare of the community even more than before. Continuous and unjust censure often causes a public leader to feel that whatever he does will result in condemnation, so he reaches the-conclusion that since his efforts are not appreciated it doesn't make any difference what he does. This same official if watched and praised when he does creditably fill his office, will outdo himself and serve unselfishly. Just what kind of a condition would be find ourselves in if national of- ficials, state and local officials, including preachers and teachers, had the time to discuss citizens and parents as promiscuously, especially before the oncom- ing generations, as they in turn are often discussed? Why should the fact that a certain man or woman occupies a more or less prominent position in a community give everybody license to direct unfair and unnecessary remarks against him? When it comes to- a matter of principle or Christianity there is no justification for such a condition. Yet it is the existence of this very con- dition that keeps out of office some of the best people in any community. What a wonderful and incomprehensible improvement could be made if only we would support, by act and word, those whom we elect to the highest or to the lowliest offiices! . What are we going to do about it? EIGHT f .-f.f '.-.'- '.....- ..- '. .- f i. '. - '. '.- .-.'. -. ---.'. 'W....g.-- .-.,-.t . .-,-,- -,-.-.V -7-it a-r-A .X-Q--1 vu-vs' 4- ' 'N-va U.,-vs.,-Q-s..-Q-n ' Aw-Q-n .1-Q-,N-1-Q

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