Dissent Within A Lawful Society

Eric Sevareid, US News National Correspondent, moderates a discussion between Lawyer and Activist William Ramsey Clark and Author William F. Buckley Jr. on the topic of "Dissent Within A Lawful Society."

Sevareid begins the program by delivering a brief summary of his centrist political point of view. He believes that a new ideology will emerge with the help of the young but that dissent is not in of itself sacred and immune to criticism. According to Sevareid, law and order do not equate racism; however, the condition of American Negroes is the "one true stain" on our society. Violence in Vietnam is not a justification for violence at home, but without dissent at home, he speculates that the country might have lost its soul to war. The government is not adequately rehabilitating alienated people, which fosters dissent.

Clark believes that dissent is a tool that Americans can use to bring awareness to issues such as racism and the anti-war movement. He argues that we must take a hard look at our problems, recognize why a dissenter is feeling oppressed and figure out a path to mediation before violence occurs.

"What we have to do is create affirmatively and constantly, with all of our institutions, ways of communication, ways of hearing. We have to do far more than merely tolerate dissent, 'We have to demand it,' in Bob Kennedy's words because we have to know what it is that so troubles and moves people that they are caused to go to protest and confrontation."

Buckley believes that Clark is "confused" and that liberals like Clark were born out of the new deal, created a mess and are now looking for someone to blame. We must not tolerate dissent as it sends a message that "you can accomplish what you want by violence." You cannot talk to a dissenter because they have already refused to listen.

"...what is going on in this country, is indecision. It is the kind of indecision that issues from a society that isn't quite certain that it deserves to survive. This is an indecision that is expressed primarily by its opinion makers. The body of Americans know that whatever our societies faults, it has virtues, and that those virtues combined with the law of nature that calls for survival, speak for the desirability of continuing this republic. But those in this country who manufacture opinion are primarily disillusioned with this society. I happen to have a fancier, cranky thesis that they are primarily disillusioned with themselves and have a good reason to be so."

Sevareid then moderates a discussion between Clark and Buckley, including questions from the audience.

Jane Pickens Langley (entertainer, broadcaster, and philanthropist, later known as Jane Pickens Hoving), concludes the program by asking the audience to take one minute to reflect on the issue of peace and to look earnestly for solutions. She is starting an organization that she hopes will be a "clearinghouse for constructive ideas" that will encourage people to take a minute a day to think constructively about serious issues.

This program was recorded at the Waldorf Astoria during the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of American Industry, held under the auspices of the National Association of Manufacturers and was hosted by Edward J. Dwyer, Vice Chairman of the National Association of Manufacturers.



Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection


WNYC archives id: 151493
Municipal archives id: T7712