In these times, when our form of government is being criticized by people of many different beliefs, it is important that we understand the principles on which our society was founded. Too often these principles are disregarded by the very people who are most vociferous in defending the country against criticism. Basic to our democracy is a belief that truth can only be arrived at through a free interchange of ideas. Freedom of speech is one of our most cherished values. Nevertheless, with a total disregard of the principles of democratic fair play, the average citizen is apt to hurl rash accusations in an attempt to silence anyone who may not agree with him. Too many citizens understand democracy only as a slogan and have no real concept that democracy in practice means we must tolerate the expression of unpopular ideas.
Our list of deadly sins should be revised to include the misrepresentation of principles to gratify one’s personal spite or vanity, the betrayal of great causes by making them the cloak for personal advancement, and the debasement of high ideals by using them as a pretext for the calumniation of honorable men.
The common good should not be made a political football, for the only thing that binds men is a common trust, the thing that unites them is a cause they share. That cause must be something greater than mere personal promotion. The cause for which men live and fight cannot appeal to their pocketbook alone, but must also appeal to their hearts.
Let us take a lesson from those revolutionaries who promise impoverished people not only land but also a vision. It is true that their policies often contradict the promises they made, but they first win their way by proclaiming a vision which inspires people. Lenin himself, the supreme technician of policy, knew he could not achieve his ends simply by playing up discontents, master as he was at that game. He knew he could not win the people over merely by stirring up hatreds or appealing to self-interest. The people must feel the throb of a greater cause, glimpse a vision of a better world.
This vision is particularly necessary to win the loyalties of the young. We certainly will not inspire them if we make our case on the ground that capitalistic planning is more efficient than socialistic planning. Efficient for what? And for whom? The planners are sometimes efficient enough in seeking their own gain at the expense of the common good. No, we must seek stronger and higher grounds if we are to convince even ourselves that ours is the best way.
That is why it is deplorable that in this country we are so complacent about our heritage. We do not appreciate the strength and vitality of the thing that united us. So we carry little conviction when we are challenged to defend our way of life.
1.The author’s attitude toward the basic tenets of democracy is apparently one of （ ）.
2.The author implies that impoverished people often consider the promise of revolutionaries to be（ ）
3.According to the author, which of the following most strongly unites men?
4.The author’s primary purpose in the passage is to（ ）.
