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Editorial
June 5, 1933
The Bismarck Tribune
Bismarck, Mandan, Burleigh County, Morton County, North Dakota
What is this article about?
Editorial critiques President Roosevelt's potential call for ratifying prohibition repeal as a mis-step, driven by congressmen's need for political cover, since the public already views prohibition as a failure.
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Full Text
May Be Mis-Step
If President Roosevelt, as has been indicated, formally asks the nation to ratify the prohibition repeal amendment, there will be no doubting his sincerity of purpose—but it may mark a serious political mis-step.
The reason may be found in the somewhat inexact difference between leadership and being told what to do. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish between the two. Very often there is a vast difference.
The reaction of the nation is very definite on the question of prohibition. The majority of our people regard it as a failure. They have come to that conclusion after a long period of trial and much thought. Why, then, does the president need to urge them to vote a conviction which already is definitely formed?
The answer in this case—and the only answer—is that certain congressmen have asked him to do so. After years of real or alleged dryness, they have switched to the wet bandwagon but they want the president to issue them a political insurance policy by reiterating his position on the question. Everyone knows what it is and it would be an old story but, like little boys whistling past the graveyard in the dark, congressmen want to hear the reassuring sound of the master's voice. It doesn't speak at all well for the congressmen, and the antici-
If President Roosevelt, as has been indicated, formally asks the nation to ratify the prohibition repeal amendment, there will be no doubting his sincerity of purpose—but it may mark a serious political mis-step.
The reason may be found in the somewhat inexact difference between leadership and being told what to do. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish between the two. Very often there is a vast difference.
The reaction of the nation is very definite on the question of prohibition. The majority of our people regard it as a failure. They have come to that conclusion after a long period of trial and much thought. Why, then, does the president need to urge them to vote a conviction which already is definitely formed?
The answer in this case—and the only answer—is that certain congressmen have asked him to do so. After years of real or alleged dryness, they have switched to the wet bandwagon but they want the president to issue them a political insurance policy by reiterating his position on the question. Everyone knows what it is and it would be an old story but, like little boys whistling past the graveyard in the dark, congressmen want to hear the reassuring sound of the master's voice. It doesn't speak at all well for the congressmen, and the antici-
What sub-type of article is it?
Temperance
Partisan Politics
What keywords are associated?
Prohibition Repeal
Roosevelt
Political Mis Step
Congressmen
Temperance Failure
What entities or persons were involved?
President Roosevelt
Congressmen
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Potential Political Mis Step In Urging Prohibition Repeal
Stance / Tone
Critical Of Congressional Pressure On President
Key Figures
President Roosevelt
Congressmen
Key Arguments
Prohibition Regarded As Failure By Majority After Trial
Public Conviction Already Formed, No Need For Presidential Urging
Congressmen Switched To Wet Side But Seek Presidential Reassurance
Urging Repeal May Blur Leadership And Following
Action Serves As Political Insurance For Congressmen