540 State Papers and Addresses

The degradation of the individual in a totalitarian state is a logical con-
sequence of the principle that only the leader shall think about important mat-
ters. A subordinate who has his thinking, even his feelings, set for him in an
approved pattern can only become an automaton responding mechanically to
the three totalitarian pushbuttons—Believe! Obey! Fight!

It is not just an accident of moral depravity, moreover, that dictatorships
are unfriendly to the free exercise of religion. The great religions of Christi-
anity and Judaism have at the very heart of their teachings a profound respect
for the sanctity and the worth of the individual. A regime which passes the
duty of making personal judgments, even moral judgments, from the individual
to the head of a nation, is doomed to clash with religion in our modern world.
It should be a matter of small wonder that clergymen of all sects are likely to
be met with disfavor, if not with the concentration camp or the firing squad,
wherever the new type of totalitarian dictator is in command. To such a regime
a clergyman is dangerous. At any moment he may teach his people to think for
themselves, and when he does so he is acting contrary to the interests of one
who would do their thinking for them.

The truth makes men free, and freedom makes them strong. This is the
principle which the world's current enemies of freedom want to destroy. The
dictators cannot endure if freedom of thought and action is preserved. To
preserve these priceless possessions is the aim and objective of America. In
order to do so, we have arranged our Defense, and the active assistance of
every citizen is needed to accomplish our purpose. For America's sake, Do
Your Part!