Fraternity-Testvériség, 1968 (46. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1968-01-01 / 1. szám
By LÁSZLÓ L. ESZENYI 1968: YEAR OF The New Year inherited problems of major proportion on international, economic, domestic and social field. Politically influenced half-solutions and postponements are not any more acceptable. 1968 is expected to go down in history as a year of far-reaching decisions which may determine whether the United States will be able to remain the leading power of the world or will slip to the role of a second fiddler in the years to follow. In the arena of international affairs Vietnam will stay in the limelight, but other “wars of liberation” might add to the already heavy burden of our Country. It is little hope that the problem labeled as Vietnam will be better understood by demonstrating youngsters, misguided clergymen, or political opportunists. The majority of the nations seem, however, to realize that the war in Vietnam so gallantly fought by our servicemen is an integral part of our global struggle against communism which slowly spreads like cancer. In the jarring cacophony of our liberal doves and fellow-travellers let us listen also to the sobering words of the Philippine president who acquired his knowledge through sweat and blood as a World War II hero. Mr. Marcos summed up his conviction in a recently given interview that the loss of Vietnam to communism would shake the foundations of Southeast Asia and push the fence-sitters to the side of Red China. At this critical stage of the war we have to answer the vital question: should our country continue its efforts to stop Communist infiltrations all-around the world or follow the policy of non-interference in the so called “wars of liberation.” If our answer is affirmative, we should talk less about “going to any place, at any time to negotiate with the Vietcongs” and emphasize more our determination to stand up anywhere, any time against Communist aggression. Then, peace in Vietnam will come soon and we may have lesser chance to get entangled in other “Vietnams.” If, however, we are not willing to fight now in far-away places, Churchill’s warning, given to the free nations of the world in 1938, might turn out as a menacing prophecy to our generation: “If you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not too costly, you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all odds against you and only a precious chance of survival.” American people must answer this question in this election year with full knowledge of the gravity of the problem and the possible consequences. The “dollar crisis” constitutes perhaps an even more imminent danger. As a result of our mismanaged fiscal and budgetary affairs and the yearly growing gap in our balance of payments the confidence of the international financial community is badly shaken. It is not the question any more if we are willing to live with the inflation at home. We must apply harsh measures to OPPORTUNITY restore lost confidence abroad in order to prevent a heavy if not mortal blow to the international monetary system based on the strength of the dollar. There are no easy answers to this dilemma, we probably must swallow a few bitter pills to cure the chronic ailment of our “new economy.” Tax increase and significant cut into the domestic spending, regulating profitable bank loans and investments abroad, higher interest rates at home and reducing tourism will come in the very near future despite the well known fact that politicians are usually reluctant to introduce such harsh and irritating measures in an election year. A great deal of restraint will he requested from every citizen. Alas, voluntary restraint is a rare virtue in an affluent society. Lawlessness reached an all time high during the past year. College campuses which are supposed to be temples of reasoning became battlegrounds of senseless dissent and intolerance. Red infiltrated civil rights demonstrations were drifting toward anarchy. High government officials were hooted down and physically menaced. Even the President is not safe from such inexcusable harrassment. Crime is up by 62 per cent during the last six years and the streets of the big cities are not considered safe by the respective police chiefs. There is too much emphasis on individual rights as against the right of the public. The time will soon come when the majority of the people will voluntarily give up such kind of freedom for a bit more domestic peace and tranquility. Americans in ever growing number are crying for a more courageous leadership. Yes, it takes courage to stand up against criminals of any kind in a country where a well organized minority can turn the scale in one or another candidate’s favor. Popularity is the magic word in politics but history measures greatness by the achievements of a statesman and not by the results of the contemporary pools. In our own back-yard there is a problem and challenge too. Our “big brother” the William Penn Fraternal Association approached our Federation in writing offering a consolidation in order to “better able to support and strengthen charitable, educational and old age programs for our members and kindred worthwhile American-Hungarian causes on the American Scene.” Delegates of the upcoming convention will decide whether we continue to serve our fraternal goals alone, or we shall join forces to give “better service” to our members and to the whole Hungarian-American community. It is a great challenge, indeed, and the fateful decision shall be made after carefully considering all and every aspect of such transaction. Crisis means danger for the weak and cowardly, it offers challenge and opportunity for the wise and brave. Let’s hope that 1968 will be a Year of Opportunity. 11
