CLEAR BEYOND QUESTION

"If we permit ourselves to be tempted by narrow self-interest
and vain ambition, if we barter our beliefs for short-term advantage, who will
listen when we claim to speak for conscience, and who will contend that our
words deserve to be heeded? We must speak out on major world issues,
courageously, openly, and honestly, and in blunt terms of right and wrong. If
we yield to blandishments or threats, if we compromise when no honorable
compromise is possible, our influence will be sadly diminished and our prestige
woefully prejudiced and weakened. Let us not deny our ideals or sacrifice our
right to stand as the champions of the poor, the ignorant, the oppressed
everywhere. The acts by which we live and the attitudes by which we act must be
clear beyond question. Principles alone can endow our deeds with force and
meaning. Let us be true to what we believe, that our beliefs may serve and honor
us."


Haile Selassie