VOLUME LXIV MARCH I947 NUMBER 279 The American Mercury A CALL FOR A NEW BIRTH OF FREEDOM The following manifesto was prepared by a group of men and women who have founded a new movement of democratic awakening, called Common Cause. Their announcement of philosophy and purpose is so sound, succinct and timely a statement, not only of the American way of life but of the major national and international issue of our day - totalitarianism US. democracy - that we have decided to reprint it almost in its entirety. While THE AMERICAN MERCURY is an independent organ of information and interpreta- tion, giving allegiance to no political party or faction, it heartily endorses the principles of Common Cause, as it has, indeed, throughout its entire career - and it will gladly cooper- ate journalistically in helping to make them effective. - THE EDITORS I. America Has a Purpose II. America Is Challenged Our American Republic was dedi- We in America today face the su- cated in its origins to human freedom. preme challenge of our history. We are In our most glorious moments we being driven by events to play a have fought for the extension of the major, perhaps the decisive, role in principles of individual liberty and shaping the course of civilization. the rights of man throughout the Because of our great strength and the narrowed dimensions of the earth, world. The present age calls for a solemn the very survival of individual liberty rededication of the American people and popular rule in the world rests in to their historic purpose. Common large measure with us. Cause is a national movement de- At home, we face the task of achiev- voted to this end. ing economic stability, security, and 261