Somerville High School - Radiator Yearbook (Somerville, MA)

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intolerance.” The interference of politi- cal policies in the life of the human race has not hampered its progress in so marked a degree as certain other intoler- ant evils. Nevertheless, in many coun- tries and at many times have individuals and groups been forced to surrender their natural privilege of political liberty. Even today intolerance dares to rear its ugly head in various countries of Europe and the Orient. Surprising it is to see even civilized, cultured countries succumb to the powers of political dogma. The narrow-mindedness of a govern- ment dictating a standard regulation cit- ing the precise political and governmental doctrine to be followed, is apparent, espe- cially when liberty of political opinion is suppressed. History records how a min- ority group, sometimes, develops into the majority, and how their opinions, for which they fought, are established as the iron law of the land. Yet there is no justi- fication for any such action. Up to this point we have dwelt on intol- erance and its results. Now let us turn to tolerance. On the one hand, the out- growths of intolerance are harassing and obstructive; on the other, the derivatives of tolerance are creative and progressive. Witness the triumphs of tolerance. Observe how that little seed, given fav- orable circumstances, will bloom forth to beauty and grandeur; and how, with the season, her sister flowers of independence and prosperity also blossom. It is the age of freedom, it is the era of liberty, it is the day of tolerance when civilization advances. The Periclean Age, the Renais- sance, the Eighteenth Century, the era of progress in science in the Nineteenth Century,—these are memorable periods given strength by tolerance. Certainly tolerance played its role in stimulating the latent powers of learning and culture which emerged in the Fif- teenth and Sixteenth Centuries to immor- talize the Renaissance. And it played a very significant part in laying the foun- dations of American individualism and democracy. It was during the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries that the United States developed. And why ? Because the unbearable, intolerant political plight across the waters drove hordes of suffer- ers scurrying from Germany, Russia, Pol- and, Ireland, and the Scandinavian coun- tries, scurrying to America; to the land of freedom and liberty; to the melting pot of the nations. And when constitutional law expressly stated tolerance of every man's opinion, they came, and they thanked God for tolerant America. The grave dangers of intolerance have been cited in connection with three phases of life: the intellectual, the religious, and the political. We have seen the weakness of progress when intolerance ruled. We have witnessed tolerance and real life. Fellow Graduates:— We here in America hardly feel the sharp pangs of intolerance which in many other countries dangerously shake their pillars of solidity. We may indeed be thankful for having so generously been endowed with the pleasures of tolerance. Freedom of opinion, freedom of the press, freedom of religious worship—America is founded on these liberties. America has thrived for over one hundred and fifty years on these liberties. If American youth keep eyes on moral law, if American youth adhere to constitu- tional doctrine, then America will remain the firm, solid, free, liberal country it was meant to be. The wise doctrines embraced by our constitutional forbears can well ap- ply to us and to our daily lives. The Twen- tieth Century plea is for tolerance; for tolerance of the opinions of our fellows, for the suggestions of our elders, and for the beliefs of our opponents. If we harken to the plea, and if we practice tolerance, then instead of learning to mistrust each other, those of differing opinions will unite in joint constructive campaign to further the interests of our country and of hu- manity; to further those interests intellec- tually, religiously and politically. Let not its voice go unheeded. Fail not its call. But fling aloft the banner of liberalism, and with mighty applause and hearty shout welcome the blessed day of tolerance. Lawrence Levinson. TWKNTY ONE

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CLASS POEM AU RE VOIR Soon again these halls will hear the still Unechoing quiet of late June, and sense Another class departed from the hill, And wait new seniors for their autumn recompense. Where the forked roads run ribbon-wise we stand Today, stand face-to-face with Fate; Eagerness in the heart and in the hand, Gladness beneath the rhythm of our gait. As school halls empty, footfalls dying out, As these feet, tramping now to class, and now to game, Take to strange highways, shall it come about That some go wandering into halls of Fame? Then, shall we follow star-paths swift and high, Or take some lower road that beckons far? Follow the higher things, remembering well To leave untouched the worthless things, that mar. A rougher road must force a slower pace; We may grow weak, and weaklings wilt and fall; But at its end, a goal lures on the race Of such as see the end, so give their all. As wildflowers by the way first bud, then bloom, We long to flower on heights we would ascend, The heights of honor! May we still find room For service! May we, pausing, aid a friend! If like a wild rose drained of dew we wilt, Our flowering brief, we hope that at our best We glowed with beauty in the sandy silt; Upon Life’s highway, gave some traveler zest! Now on the signpost at the forking road we read: “Honor and Progress.” Its old arm points straight. May we find honor! And in progress may we lead! And may today be for tomorrow a wide gate! Ruth Cheney. TWENTY THREE