Every one who speaks out on public issues runs the risk of being misunderstood. What headlines and lead paragraphs don’t do to you in newspapers, the clipping room does to you on television. But the media tries to be fair. I thought CBS handled the celibacy interview well, and our Atlanta newspapers and magazines have always reported honestly.

Unless a churchman, educator, business or labor leader stays silent, he must face up to the half-truths and untruths attributed to him. Last summer, after I had signed Negotiation Now, four or five other anti-war agencies falsely stated that I supported them too. I did not. I conscientiously felt that NN represented a reasonable position aimed at neither escalation nor withdrawal. It called for a cessation of bombing, a showdown for both sides to start negotiation, and U.S. economic sides to start negotiation, and U.S. economic aid to rebuild the war-torn land. NN is reasonable and honest, offering a new set of options, well within the framework of the official Catholic position on war.

Will Not Be Silent

I absolutely refused to give my name to pacifism, massive refusal to serve, campaigns to burn draft cards, spill blood, damn the president or demonstrate in other weary and messy forms of the ritual of refusal. The leaders of such antics have certain rights (General Hershey to the contrary) and I respect these and forgive those who in their misguided way are doing harm to our nation. I see no reason to defend or to seek support for them. Not all sons of Adam are mature men. Some are adolescents.

On Dec. 8, Pope Paul VI spoke again on war and peace. Basically, he repeated the points he already made at the United Nations in 1965 and in his encyclical in 1966:

1.—We will not be rebuked by God and by history for having kept silent in the face of anew conflagration in sudden forms of apocalyptic awfulness.

2—Peace is threatened with visions of terrible events for nations and for mankind.

3—Deterrence (stockpiling of arms) will not resolve international controversies.

4—The spending of enormous sums for armaments is no solution.

5—Racism, nationalism and revenge are among the chief causes of war.

These are the main points not only of the Catholic position on war today, they are also the heart of Negotiation Now.

A Word On Cowardice

What was new in the pope’s December message was on cowardice: Peace, he said, is not pacifism—a broad and loose attitude which ignores justice, freedom, truth and love.

Peace does not mask “a base and slothful concept of life.” It does not favor cowardice which has no sincerity, justice or love. Peace is no cover-up for the fear of those who do not want to give their life for their country and their own brothers.

Mankind’s respect for the honest soldier who fights even if he fears it is part of good human nature. And our contempt is for the coward—the man who wants it easy who maneuvers a good job and a nearby girl rather than serve; who joins the dissenters not because of conviction but of complacency.

The real conscientious objector is no coward. He serves his nation and his brothers, although he refuses to kill because of religious commitment. I have mentioned being with Lew Ayres, the movie star, in New Guinea for several months. He was as brave as any G.I. I knew although he would not kill. Recently I read that he can neither understand nor sympathize with today’s draft dodgers. Neither can I.

Decisions, Decisions

Today’s young men, especially those in college, often face a grave decision. They are convinced of the immorality of modern war and particularly our confused, disorderly interference in Vietnam. They believe that stockpiling and escalation are not the way of peace. They know that we, as well as the enemy, are using frightful ways to kill and that thousands of Vietnamese on both sides are being exterminated.

They are not cowards, nor are they killers. They do not see why they are called birds—whether it’s hawk, dove or chicken. They love their nation and respect the awful responsibility of our leaders.

The soldier fights. The cowards run away. What about good men who see a vision to work for in our time?

Diplomats instead of generals in charge.

Scholars, scientists, humanists, men of God, and a vigorous public press where voices rise above the politicians and strategists.

Economic aid instead of competitive military pile-ups in foreign countries.

A United Nations respected and supported by the great powers—not for their gain, but for the world’s.

This is their vision. It is a Christian Catholic vision. It is not a fantasy or a dream. It is a pragmatic goal that calls for the steps of implementation.

Today’s young—the washed and unwashed—are asking why these steps are not taken.

What is our answer? Draft ‘em (Hershey)? Feed them to the jaws of war (some of the generals)? Crush the human being who happens to be the enemy (Rep. Rivers of S.C.)?

I do not think these replies are part of the best of American history. I am sure they are not the answers of our Christian faith.

Paul J. Hallinan

Archbishop Of Atlanta