A Revolution of Values
Even when pressed by the demands
of inner truth, men do not easily assume the task of opposing their
government's policy, especially in time of war. Nor does the human
spirit move without great difficulty against all the apathy of
conformist thought within one's own bosom and in the surrounding
world... Yet it should be incandescently clear that no one who has any
concern for the integrity and life of America today can ignore the
present war. I am convinced that if we are to get on the right
side of the world revolution, we must undergo a radical revolution of
values. We must begin the shift from a "thing-oriented" society to a
"person-oriented" society. When machines and computers, profit motives
and property rights are considered more important than people, the
giant triplets of racism, materialism, and militarism are incapable of
being conquered. America, the richest and most powerful nation in the world, can well
lead the way in this revolution of values. There is nothing, except a
tragic death wish, to prevent us from reordering our priorities. If we do not act we shall surely be dragged down
the long dark and shameful corridors of time reserved for those who
possess power without compassion, might without morality, and strength
without sight. This is the calling of the sons of God, and our brothers around the
world wait eagerly for our response. Shall we say the odds are too
great? That the struggle is too hard? Will our message be that the
forces of American life militate against their arrival as full men, and
we send our deepest regrets? Or will there be another message, of
longing, of hope, of solidarity with their yearnings, of commitment to
their cause, whatever the cost? The choice is ours.
