"POLITICIAN NEEDS TO BE SUPERMAN," Montreal Gazette. June 7, 1933. Page 5.
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Social Ostracism for Spoliators of State Prescribed by Rev. L. Clare
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DEMOCRACY UNDER FIRE
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Alien Propaganda Not Dangerous in Presence of Humane Social Laws, Pastor Suggests
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The true politician needs to be a superman. We should train them and expect honor from them, visiting upon those who make the states spoil the most contemptuous social ostracism, Rev. Lawrence Clare stated yesterday in his address, "Some Principles of Political Thinking" at the weekly luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of Montreal at the Windsor Hotel. He emphasized the importance of respecting their art, "which is the greatest known to man."
Politicians are not popular, in fact, they are the scapegoats in connection with our present discontent and often are blamed where they have no responsibilty, Mr.Clare asserted. The political "high game of chess. In his opinion, is a difficult one, necessitating a keen knowledge of human nature. "To the knowledge of Machiavelli must be added that of Lincoln, because human nature is the material with which the politician works."
The wise politician, M. Clare believed. will have regard for men's souls. their possibilities and the reverence that is their due. "How may one maximize their freedom, for development In truth, beauty, adventure and peace?" he asked, for there lies national well being, and harbors, banks and concessions are but instrumental.' Democracy, he said, is under fire, and is believed to bring undesirable men to power, to encourage corruption, incapable of rapid decision and to be drugged by propaganda.
The politician must know how to settle the inefficiencies of democracy aside when big things are to be done, yet the people must be spirited enough to secure that this never is done save in their interests, Mr. Clare maintained. Denunciation of armaments, alliances and balance of power he thought futile, for "these are necessary resultants so long as human nature is what it is and the European and Asiatic situation is as inorganic as it is." Only those who can think in world terms, in his opinion, are fit to organize."
"Amid swift and alarming political changes, the politician needs to keep his head. Confronted by such things as the Russian experiment, it is difficult to avoid hysteria. What we need is facts, a spirit of analysis and valuation, plus quiet courtesy, whether the matter concerns Russia, Hitler or Mussolini. Allen propagandism is a seed that withers unless it falls upon the soil of social discontent.
"Humane social legislation has kept Britain quiet, imbuing her people with a feeling that private interests, on account of old age pensions, insurance, are identical with those of the state," Mr. Clare continued. As regards freedom of speech and restraint, he believed that all progress is initiated by challenging current conceptions. The only solution In this regard is a sliding scale of toleration, "for the more healthy a country, the more it can stand."
Idealists are a somewhat easy!prey for extreme Utopian builders of castles in the air, Mr. Clare found. The danger, in his opinion, is that of dreaming of some organization, for example, the state that is suitable to angels, but not to human nature, or to men of other traditions and conditioning, but not to men like ourselves. "They in the name of that dream attack with the intention of destroying existing organizations that are adapted, though perhaps imperfectly, to hman nature as it really is," he concluded.
A W. McMaster, president, was in the chair. The speaker was thanked by Rev. Dr. Leslie Pidgeon. Jim Laird outlined the comprehensive programme that has been prepared for the convention of Rotary International at Boston from June 26-30. urging members to bring the Montreal quota of visitors on this occasion to 100. Harry Maud sang several solos.