*
“I want to talk about our responsibilities in the face of danger.
The events of this year may have helped to illuminate that danger,
but the dimensions of its threat have loomed large on the horizon for many years.
*
There is no escaping either the gravity or the totality of this danger to our survival.
Its challenge confronts us in unaccustomed ways in every sphere of human activity.
*
This challenge imposes upon our society a requirement of direct concern:
the need for reliable public information.
*
There is little value in ensuring the survival of our nation
if our traditions do not survive with it.
*
I ask every news publisher, every news editor
and every news man and news woman in the nation
to re-examine their own standards
and to recognise the nature of our country’s peril.
*
Our way of life is under attack.
*
The danger has never been more clear
and its presence has never been more imminent.
*
We are opposed around the world by a monolithic and ruthless organisation
that relies primarily on covert means for expanding its sphere of influence…
On infiltration… On subversion… On intimidation…
Its preparations are concealed,
its mistakes are buried,
its dissenters are silenced.
*
I commend this problem to your attention
and urge its thoughtful consideration.
*
I cannot believe that those citizens who serve
in the news media business consider
themselves exempt from this appeal.
It is your obligation to inform and alert the people,
to make certain that they possess the facts that they need
and understand them as well…
the perils… the prospects… the purpose of any proposed program,
and the choices they face.
*
I have complete confidence in the response
and dedication of our citizens whenever they are fully informed,
complete confidence, when fully informed, that they will
strive to remain what they were born to be,
independent, and free…”
– Count Jack Black (apologies to JFK)
