Public Opinion

Within each community there is an invisible, government which we call "public opinion." Without this force our courts and police would be powerless in their effort to control. Only in proportion as public opinion backs the law can it or will it be enforced. To protect the land from the overflow of our great rivers we erect dikes along their banks. The moment a "sand boil" appears behind a dike a crew is rushed to the place, and repairs are made to prevent a break that might bring disaster to thousands. Public opinion, expressing the true character of home and community, is the dike that protects America from the overflow of crime, immorality, irreligion, and injustice, which, if allowed to break through, will do an irreparable damage to the free institutions of America. Public opinion reaches an uncommonly high level because every citizen is called upon to express his own judgment in community and national affairs, and to work for the betterment of his town, county, State, and country. It is your personal responsibility to mold and control public opinion.