Now it is Governor Stevenson's turn in the presidential debate of 1952 to respond as to his vision of the future of the country.
"This is not the time for superficial solutions and everlasting elocution, for frantic boast and foolish word. For words are not deeds and there are no cheap and painless solutions to war, hunger, ignorance, fear and imperialist Communism. Intemperate criticism is not a policy for the nation; denunciation is not a program for our salvation. Words calculated to catch everyone may catch no one.
Where we have erred, let there be no denial; where we have wronged the public trust, let there be no excuses. Self-criticism is the secret weapon of democracy, and candor and confession are good for the political soul. But we will never appease; we will never apologize for our leadership in the great events of this critical century.
We glory in these imperishable pages of our country's chronicle. But a great record of past achievement is not enough. There can be no complacency perhaps for years to come. We dare not just look back to great yesterdays. We must look forward to great tomorrows.
What counts now is not just what we are against, but what we are for. Who leads us is less important that what leads us--what convictions, what courage, what faith.
So I hope our preoccupation is not just with personalities but with objectives. The United States is strong, resolved, resourceful and rich; we know the duty and the destiny of this heaven-rescued land; we can and we will pursue a strong, consistent, honorable policy abroad, and meanwhile preserve the free institutions of life and of commerce at home.
What America needs and the world wants is not bombast, abuse and double talk, but a somber message of firm faith and confidence. St. Francis said: 'Where there is patience and humility there is neither anger nor worry.' "
Burt has a big smile on his face.
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