Human Rights a Popular Slogan
WALTER LIPPMANN'S new book, “A Preface to Politics,” tells us that “Human rights above property rights,” “The man above the dollar,” are slogans which indicate the trend of popular thought, and that— “These expressions have compelled; politicians who haven't the slightest intention of putting men above the dollar, who, if they had, wouldn't know how, take off their hats to the sentiment, because it seems a key to popular enthusiasm.” “If you wish to drive an audience out of the hall, tell it how rich America is; if you wish to stamp yourself an echo of the past, talk to us young men about the Republican Party's understanding with God in respect to bumper crops. But talk to us about ‘human rights,’ and do you talk rubbish, we'll listen; for our desire is bent that way, and anything which has the flavor of this new interest will rivet our attention.” “That the opinion-making people of America are more interested in human welfare than in empire or abstract prosperity is an item that no statesman can disregard in his thinking.” But is this bent or trend the basis of a true, lasting reform? He further says of this: “There is an ascendent feeling among the people, that all achievement should be measured in human happiness.” Now all this would be good if the demand were for the rights of the other fellow; the labor, for the happiness of others. Unfortunately, the demand and the efforts are for personal, selfish happiness. We want our “rights,” personal, more often, class, “rights.” Never mind the others, let them join us or go under. But this sentiment never can lay a stable foundation to society, never can bring human happiness. It is not Christ's way. His labor was for the happiness of others, forgetful of self. “Our rights” becomes a potent political slogan because it appeals to human selfishness; but it will add to the world's unhappiness in the disappointment that will follow. The only hope of the world is in Jesus Christ and His remedy, the elimination of self and the enthronement of righteousness.