Editor
I became aware of The Social Contract after writing a letter to Roy Beck pertaining to his article in National Review [July 11, 1994]. After reading the Winter 1994-95 issue I can safely say that it was not the most uplifting reading experience I've ever had. The prospects for Western Civilization do not look good. The articles made me aware for the first time that this is a global problem, not simply an American one. However, after finishing the issue I was left with two overriding questions Is our future unalterable? Can the West save itself from the oncoming train of disaster?
I am a 24 year old college student hoping to pursue a Ph.D. in political science. I hope to contribute to the solution of this urgent problem the West is facing. However the articles do not give one much hope for the future. I would like to know what people like myself can do to help.
Has there been any move toward rectifying the situation? Do you think our side will ultimately be successful in the quest to save Western Civilization? Jean Raspail seems resigned to defeat. Do you agree with him? I hope to hear from you soon.
The Social Contract is an extremely informative journal, and I look forward to receiving future issues. Thank you for publishing it.
Sincerely,
D. J. L.
New York City Area
(Dr. Tanton replies )
Dear D
Of course our future is not unalterable, and the West can save itself from the 'oncoming train of disaster.' But it will take a lot of hard work, foresight, and some good luck. In particular, demographic forces are hard to turn around. These are long-range, not short-term, projects. This is a marathon, not a 100-yard dash.
There is no virtue in deceiving ourselves the challenge is very great. As to what one can do, one simply must team up with others who are similarly inclined - the individual working all alone doesn't stand much chance of success. Educate yourself. Try to bring the system around by educating others and communicating with and meeting with your represen-tatives, and raising a bit of hell in defense of what we believe in. The two groups I spend the most time with are FAIR, the Federation for American Immigration Reform, and English Language Advocates (ELA). I enclose some material on both of them.
Do I think our side will ultimately be successful? I, of course, don't know - many other civilizations have gone through periods of decline. But at least we want to make the ennobling effort of trying to pull back from the brink. I hope you will join us in this.
I'd be glad to hear from you again.
Cordially,
John H. Tanton
Editor and Publisher
Editor
Bravo! Thank you for another great job in clarifying the role of religion in the immigration debate in The Social Contract Spring 1995 edition.
Once again the research of the authors of these articles and you as editor and publisher have performed a great service. I am particularly grateful because our organization is producing a video on 'Immigration and People of Faith.' This edition is a most valuable resource in that effort.
Every page is important to the understanding of this complex arena of activity affecting our survival. It almost seems unfair for me to highlight some writers and omit others.
Roy Beck's excellent contribution may even convert the pro-immigration religious lobbyists! Robert Kyser clearly outlines the journey of many dedicated persons who seek to put faith in action.
Could I be so bold as to summarize In this complex world it takes wisdom as well as heart to do the right thing! Maybe there was a simpler time when the important thing was just to do 'good.'
The Social Contract performs the vital task of helping people of faith to define what good is in these times. I try hard not to believe in conspiracies and evil plots. Being a Protestant minister has made me dangerously naive. Just keeping up with the unfortunate results of well-intentioned fellow religionists keeps me busy.
Keep up the good work!
Faithfully,
Charles R. Ausherman, Ph.D.
Institute for Development Training
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Editor
Re the article in the [Spring] issue of The Social Contract on Plyler and Proposition 187, I want to pay my respects to John Rohe for a nicely crafted and thoughtful piece of work. I concur with his assessment (at least by implication) that if today's Supreme Court gets to revisit this issue, the result could be a reversal. Best regards,
Sidney Rawitz
Chevy Chase, Maryland
Editor
The Social Contract's recent issue on Religious Lobbies was fascinating reading. I continue to be amazed at the fine editorial judgment that your publication displays quarter after quarter. Bob Kyser, Wayne Lutton, et al deserve much credit and applause.
Best Regards,
William B. Dickinson
The International Academy of Preventive Medicine
Lawrence, Kansas