What You Can Do to Help America
Our nation was never stronger; it needs only our faith and confidence to bring it to its greatest heights
By LEONARD S. DAVIDOW
Publisher of Family Weekly '
IN his Inaugural Address, the President said, "Ask not what
your country can do for you ask what you can do for
your country." v v
this we wholeheartedly subscribe.
- The United States of America is a land of the present and a land
of the future. The American people have always been ambitious,
industrious, capable, forward-looking, productive. They are a free
people with creative ideas; They love their country. They have
always been ready and willing to do whatever is best for their
country. And now America needs their help, your help.
In recent weeks we have heard much about our faltering econ
omy, and the talk has created fear at a time when our savings have
been growing at a dramatically accelerated rate; installment: ac
counts are being paid off faster than hew ones are being created;
and our industrial institutions, merchants, insurance companies,
and banks are financially stronger than ever before in their history.
:. The potential for growth in America, in other words, has never
been greater. During 1960, America enjoyed its first 500-billion-dollar
economy. It is estimated that 1961 's economy will reach 520
billion dollars, and that by 1975 we will have reached a trillion
dollar (1,000 billion) economy!
. Our population has been growing at a stupendous rate. We now
have more than 180 million people. It is estimated that this figure
will reach 200 million by 1965 and 300 million -by 1980. Our
ingenuity, creative ability, and research are at all-time heights of
technical and scientific advancement. Our industries and the Gov
ernment are spending more money than ever before to increase our
strength, invulnerability, and general well-being.
In virtually every line of human endeavor, there have been great
advancements in producing the things we need in our daily lives and
the things we want to improve our way of life.
Then why, why do we find ourselves talking gloom, acting scared,
saying we're headed for trouble? . .
Back in 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "The only thing we
have to fear is fear itself." It was true then. It is even more true now!
This is the time for positive thinking. There is a time to stint and
a time to save; there is also a time to buy and the time to buy
is now !
The Government has been trying virtually every way it knows
to prime the pump. This article will not attempt to evaluate the
wisdom of Government policy. ,
For our purpose, it is sufficient to note that the President is
endeavoring to pump money into the arteries of distribution in an
effort to speed up the economy and promote greater employment.
We think this should not be an obligation of the Government but
rather something that can be better accomplished by the people.
The people have more than 300 billion dollars in savings. Let us
then use a small portion of our vast personal resources to lift the
economy over its temporary hurdle and on to accomplishments of
unprecedented abundances More buying by the public right now
will put people back to work who, in turn, will put others to work.
With the economy again in a strong upswing, we can look for
ward to a greater, more abundant America and we can't afford
to settle for anything less.
Here, then, are our recommendations: look around for oppor
tunities to spend as much as, not as little as, you feel you can
afford. Spend for goods or services you need and want and .which
you can put to good use. In other words, spend, spend now, and
spend wisely.
If you need a new car, buy it now. Modernize your kitchen, enjoy
the advantages of the new wonder appliances. Remodel your home,
build that extra room, install that extra bathroom or modernize
your present one. Paint and decorate your home, refurnish or refur
bish it; plant a garden, a hedge, a new tree; build a garage. Spruce
up your wardrobe; buy some new clothes for every member of the
family. Plan a "See America" vacation and spend your money here
at home. You may need a trailer, camping or fishing equipment, a
new outboard motor or a new boat.
There are a great many knowledgeful people who feel that our
economy is already heading upward. If you buy the things you need
and want now, you will be giving it an added push forward.
It is unique to recommend spending rather than saving, but this
is a time for spending and spending wisely. We dare to suggest that
spending wisely is not only our pleasure, but our patriotic duty.
And all of us have another duty to stop talking gloom !
Let us In our conversation and in our daily deeds live positively,
talk confidently, and build our future fearlessly. Let us remember
that America belongs to its people to all of us who are privileged
to support its purposes, advance its destiny, and share its blessings.
All of us have Confidence in a Growing America. But how can you
and I, your family and friends, your next-door neighbors, put our
combined strength to work? Family Weekly welcomes your letters
telling what the people -not your Government can do to show
their faith in America. The Editors
COVER:
The reverent young girl, photographed by
Jotef Schneider, joins million of Chris
tian, today in celebrating the miracle of
Easter. Read about miracle that happen
to all of iu throughout the year on page 4.
April 2, mi
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