North High School January 1941 Yearbook (Syracuse, NY) - Full Access

.. THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY The power of democracy has been tried many times. Even now, in certain parts of the world, anti-aircraft guns are flashing, cities are blacked out, and overhead there is the ominous drone of enemy bombers. This fight resembles the struggle with the ele– ments that the pioneers conducted in order to found this country. Our forefathers had the spirit. We have the spirit. May it live on. Long before our country was founded it was the dream of many to have a land of equal opportunity and religious tolerance, a land where the people could think for themselves. Thinking for oneself is vital; it has proved to be the greatest step forward in the development of mankind and the building of democracies. This is discouraged in the dictatorships. It would be impossible to destroy our great country, this melting pot of the characteristics of the people of other nations. Even if democracy were wiped out in part or totally, it would be only temporary, for the spirit would eventually bring it back. It is only natural that man should want to live free, yet cooperative, in the pursuit of happiness. Here in America the people can speak freely, write freely, worship as they wish, and think for themselves. Yes, it would be impossible to destroy our ideals, for here in America WE HAVE THE SPIRIT.