Why does the teaching profession abhor war? Because war destroys what educators build. War destroys the young people we labor to train for competency and fruitful living. War distorts the truth and disseminates lies. War turns our schools and colleges into recruiting stations, and our teachers and professors into propagandists of hate. War uses our researches for developing new and so-called "advanced ways" of killing people. War arouses in men the destructive impulses which we try through education to bring under control. War is followed by economic chaos, poverty, and moral exhaustion.

Of course, educators must oppose war.

The question we face is: What can we do to prevent another world war, or at least to keep America out of it? Merely to be against war because of the harm it does to men and nations is not enough. The people of the world are already sick of bearing the costs of war. The rank and file of human beings want peace, and yet a suicidal conflict is in the process of preparation.

They want to know "why." They want to know what can be done about it. How shall our people find the solution to the war problem? There are numerous splendid books on the subject. There are many speakers and thinkers expounding plans for outlawing war. But the god of war sits on his throne secure so long as these ideas and plans are merely in books or are the possession of only a few thinkers and speakers.

Evil is not conquered merely by the good plans of a few people. Evil is put down by organized masses of human beings who understand the evil to be fought and the plans to be used as weapons.

Therefore, let him who has a plan for putting down war be heard. Let all who want to put it down give ear. Let us discuss among ourselves in every community alternative plans and proposals. In this way shall the people come to understand the forces which make for war. And in this way shall multitudes come to agreement on effective action against war.

Labels: Alternate universe, Experiential education

¶ 7:35 PM