VOL. XV, NO. 4

Compromise of one's convictions and principals has become an accepted occurrence in today's society, so much so that when Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus chose to stand up for what they believed in, the nation was held in awe. People were literally shocked to see two politicians actually lose their jobs because of their convictions. Even though, to secure his confirmation, Richardson had assured the Senate he would leave Watergate Special Prosecuter Archibald Cox completely alone, most people would not have been surprised to hear that Richardson had eventually stepped in and interfered.

The surprise and amazement that resulted when both these men refused to interfere with Cox illustrates precisely how the American public has grown to accept spineless officials.

While this lack of conviction is most apparent in politicians because of all the coverage they receive, it has also seeped down to the general public. We can accept the politicians compromises because, for the most part, everyone compromises himself today.

In any classroom, one can discover the student with the highest test score hiding his paper in fear that other students will see it and ridicule him. Although he studied for an hour or more, if asked he will deny and studying and even knock his own grade. Students will compromise themselves to fit into their peer group.

Why this compromising occurs one cannot say. However it is a serious indication of the problems that may face us in the future. If a nation has an absence of leaders with strong convictions and beliefs, where can it turn? If the people have no backbone and feeling of conviction our country will surely crumble.

Americans must look themselves in the face and discover why they compromise their beliefs. For as once said, "Why compromise yourself, it's the only thing you got."

Elk Grove Guardian
November 2, 1973