Date: January 23, 1931
Location: Northampton, MA
Summary: Coolidge writes that the desire to change the United States form of government is a result of a lack of education among its citizens.
(Original document available here)
Periodically we are asked to consider what to do about the organized efforts of those hostile to our form of government and system of society. We have about all the 1aw necessary. Under the established inherent right of the people to determine their own institutions, overt acts of hostility are rightly punishable as crimes.
This is a free country. The people have a right to discuss openly changes in government to be made constitutionally. That does not include conspiracy to use force.
The only effective remedy that can ultimately succeed is education. Argument must answer argument. Our people reject the theory that the bread they earn should be eaten by others. They wish to determine who shall eat it. The number unwilling to be convinced that our institutions are sound, that freedom prevails, and that economic conditions are humanly fair, is strikingly small. Right thinking people should be alert, and somewhat organized to meet distortions of facts and illogical arguments. But our institutions are never in so much danger from those who are openly trying to destroy them as from the misguided actions of those who think they are saving society.
Citation: Calvin Coolidge Says: Dispatches Written by Former-President Coolidge and Syndicated to Newspapers in 1930-1931 (Calvin Coolidge Memorial Foundation)
The Coolidge Foundation gratefully acknowledges the volunteer efforts of Fr. Stephen Lawson who prepared this document for digital publication.