A ROOM OF OUR OWN
Follette, Isabel B. La
A Room Of Our Own By Isabel B. La Follette «*xrOU know, 1 wondered about Bob's vote on the X tax bill, but I figured it out this way. Of course I know Bob and his conscientiousness, and he must...
...The other evening when I broke a social engagement to work on a political problem with one of our leaders, Judy remonstrated, "Oh, Mother, why did you do that...
...Then I have - to admit that I don't follow the details of tax legislation as I should, while few people know that field as he does...
...Those of us who give these matters much thought have worried a lot about this problem because the upshot is the effect we -see far too much of today, not only dissatisfaction with conditions as they are and disgust with those they consider responsible for them, but a thwarted bitterness toward public affairs in general...
...Oh yes, I write and talk and do what I think I can, but at least I appreciate the difference between "sich-lrke" and the actual putting-one's-shoulder-to-the-wheel...
...I find it very interesting and illuminating to ask progressive-minded people how they are going to vote if the choice is between Roosevelt and either Willkie or Dewey...
...They take the attitude that politics is "rotten" and "dirty" and that there must be something wrong with anyone who goes into it...
...In the first place, it is refreshing, particularly in times like these, to see people have faith and loyalty in a personality...
...Another will announce, "I'll hold my nose and vote for any Republican who can beat F.D.R...
...My point is that taking action in such a dilemma is a form of courage which the onlooker may avoid...
...My situation prevents me from doing what I once did, but I made up my mind that since I couldn't initiate and carry through the way I used to do, at least I would respond in so far as possible when I was asked to help...
...Phil wrote me jokingly some time ago that I must be enjoying "sitting on the political side-lines, for a change...
...If our men in Italy or New Guinea decided to lay down arms and be conscientious objectors,' the Nazis and Japanese would doubtless be impressed but not as we should like to have them...
...Too many people, as I see it, practice the role of conscientious objector toward our political iffe...
...I was much interested in this reaction of a long-time Progressive, for several reasons...
...One of the troubles in making democracy work in this complex age is the increasing specialization which makes it literally impossible for the average citizen to be informed on every issue...
...Often the participant finds himself between the devil and the deep blue sea and realizes that whichever way he acts there is bound to be criticism...
...On that basis, why should anybody do anything in political service...
...show...
...Giving Up Too Easily While every thoughtful person in his way seeks "the truth" and cherishes "principles," I am convinced that our individual attitudes are influenced far more by our own experience in life than by our mental processes...
...Thomas shot back the unhesitating reply that this was not so— that the "good" people give up too easily and let the "bad" people run the...
...Also 1 figured to myself that probably Bob had got tired of seeing Congress pushed around...
...Someone will raise the point, "That's avoiding the issue since you really aren't a Socialist...
...And to carry that point even further and put most of us on the spot, what are we going to do in the coming Presidential election...
...That is why, although I appreciate the fine letters I have had urging me to the cause of pacifism, I still remain at the position arrived at through my own mental processes plus my experience, especially in politics...
...In the second place, I was struck in the above-mentioned point of view by the all-too-rare recognition of the fact that people in positions of responsibility have to meet the issue as it comes to them, and are not free to make their own conditions...
...You work hard and should have some fun...
...At a recent meeting a youth asked Norman Thomas if politics wasn't like money—that bad money drives out good money...
...Some quickly respond, "I'll vote for Norman Thomas...
...Easier To Theorize To return to the last point in my opening quotation, we all recognize that there is more than a tendency on the part of the Administration to grab the reins and to deny Congress even its Constitutional rights and duties...
...I tried to get the point over to her: "But why should Glenn volunteer his time and -energy either...
...Yes, it's a lot easier to theorize than to find ourselves on the spot...
...We all squirm together...
...Again, they have to seize the situation whether or not its form suits them...
...Of course I know Bob and his conscientiousness, and he must have a good reason for voting as he did...
...If Congress has decided to re-gain its prerogatives it will have to assert them through actions such as the "tax rebellion" rather than by making speeches...
...1 replied that indeed I ought to, but that I was afraid that I was like too many other citizens, bewailing what is wrong but doing little about it...
...With all that experience and psychology teach us about the importance of giving individuals support and confidence in critical periods, the tenor of the times seems to be to lambast everyone, particularly in political positions...
...I explained to her that there are always plenty of people to tell, you what ought to be done and to help you run the show once you win an election who will not "soil their hands" in the tasks of winning that power...
...Still another painfully admits, "Guess I'd have to vote for Roosevelt much as I'd hate it...
...In my years of political association I.have observed any number of "good" people give up in disgust or despair because their efforts weren't "appreciated" and they couldn't get the "bad" people to play the game their way...
...Just as a soldier confronted, with a Japanese has to act or be killed whether he likes the situation or not, so a Senator or a Representative is faced with a bill on which he must vote yes or no when all too often there are conflicting considerations within the bill itself...
...Bewailing And Doing Thus a participant, as distinct from the observer or objector, finds himself where the decisions are being made...
Vol. 8 • April 1944 • No. 14
