Originally broadcast on CHED radio - Thursday, September 21, 1961

I read an interesting article the other day about a forest fire that had destroyed a Rangers lookout tower while the Ranger stood watch. You might ask, how could this happen, but really the Rangers explanation was simple. From his lofty perch high in the air, the base of the tower on which he stood was the only thing he COULDN’T see. When I read this I thought how like most of us this ranger was. Isn't it true that we are always looking for trouble far afield, but at the same time we can't see the trouble brewing right on our own doorstep. If you listen to our new show "Nightline" at 10 PM each evening, you'll hear a great many people say regarding a bad situation… "I know it isn't right, but what can I do about it?"

I say this, that anyone can start right from where he is to raise the standards of such vital sphere of influence as local and Provincial Government, and education. An alert, and informed public is democracy’s greatest strength. A vigilant citizenry CAN, SHOULD and MUST be aware of, and make every effort to correct such injustices as may be found right under our noses. We often hear our friends south of the border, soundly and roundly condemned for their attitudes on racial inequality, yet how few of us do anything about similar problems which exist right here in our own city. Perhaps it's because we lack confidence in our own deepest convictions, and therefore adopt the often spoken attitude… "What can I do about it?” If you feel this way, just remember that our democratic system is like a chain, it is only as strong as its weakest link. You are a link… just as important as any other link. Our country needs your strength, and needs it badly. When your time comes to be heard, be it on a platform, through a letter to the editor, a call to your radio station, or in the voting booth, say what you have to say and say it with conviction. Remember, regardless of the issue, you CAN do something about it.