EINSTEIN HAD A THEORY

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27860, 7 January 1956, Page 4

EINSTEIN HAD A THEORY

RELATIVE EQUALITY The privilege of saying what we think is something we should occasionally give thanks for. One man has said: “As long as I have my choice I shall remain only in a country where political liberty, toleration and equality of all citizens before the law is rule.” That man—it was Dr. Albert Einstein, by the way, speaking when he became an American citizen—that man had known the quiet desperation of being denied the right to speak. The statement attributed to so many sources, “I may not agree with what you say but I will defend with my life your right to say it,” defines a principle fundamental to democracy. Street-corner talk is significantly frank in countries whose citizens are

“equal before the law”—“I like (or do not like) Ike”—“Down (or. infrequently, up) with the British Government” —“The Labour (or the National) Party is ruining New Zealand.” Only in free lands where a system of competitive private enterprise is found can be found also the man who can damn or defend authority without fear. If our way of life had no more to recommend it than' this, it would still be above price.

Issued in the interests of all sections of the community by the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand. —P.B.A.