O NE CONCEPT which is wholly inconsistent with democratic processes is the to talitarian idea th a t the end justifies the means. In a free society sustained by respect fo r procedural as well as sub stantive rights, the “end,” however noble, can never excuse unlawful “means.” A curren t move in this country advocating un lawful means has been labeled civil disobedience. This doctrine is based on the startling theory th a t if one does not agree with a law and believes it to be morally unjust, he may disregard it to achieve a particu lar objective. I think society, by and large, is unaware of the long-term implications of this creed, primarily because those who seek immediate and temporary solutions have obscured the fu tu re by a smoke screen of slogans and high-sounding cliches. No m a tter what the goal, the fact remains th a t a peaceful, healthy, orderly society cannot exist, now or ever, if each individual may determine which laws he is going to obey and which he is not. The basic question is respect fo r law and due process and whether dispassionate justice is to be rendered. To my mind, there are two frightening aspects to civil disobedience. One, sowing contempt for law and order and promoting pride in lawbreak ing among the Nation’s youth can only result in an acceleration of our serious crime problem. In some quarters, it already appears th a t the social stigma formerly attached to lawbreakers is being replaced by sympathy for the ir actions and an irrational hostility to law enforcement. Secondly, where is the line to be drawn against the snowball effect of civil disobedience? Will fully disobeying misdemeanor statutes today and committing felonies tomorrow is a logical re gression from a government of law to an anarchic society. There is no question but th a t the righ t of dis sent and the righ t to petition fo r redress of griev ances are absolutely essential to the security of a free people. But the very life of liberty requires th a t these rights be asserted in a lawful manner. Civil disobedience and the unwillingness of many to resolve the ir differences by established legal means will surely lead to the destruction of the institutions which protect the ir freedoms. I t is folly to hold th a t a utopia of individual rights will rise from the destruction of respect for law. J ohn E dgar H oover , Director. E ditor ’ s N ote —We greatly respect the views of Mr. Hoover and his consistent and forceful presentation of these important principles. Truly we can say “righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). THE KING'S BUSINESS
the danger of civil disobedience
by J. Edgar Hoover
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