Urging Georgists to Action

Elizabeth Magie Phillips

[Originally published with the title, "A Word To The Wise." Reprinted from Land and Freedom, September-October 1940]

What is the value of our philosophy if we do not do our utmost to apply it? To simply know a thing is not enough. To merely speak or write of it occasionally among ourselves is not enough. We must do something about it on a large scale if we are to make headway. These are critical times, and drastic action is needed.

To make any worthwhile impression on the multitude, we must go in droves into the sacred precincts of the men we are after. We must not only tell them, but show them just how and why and where our claims can be proven in some actual situation.

It is true that commendable attempts are being made now on the part of Georgeists to reach "the people". Perhaps letters to the papers are effective, if followed up systematically. Petitions to busy people in high public places, or in large private organizations, are gracefully acknowledged sometimes and that is usually the end of it.

But more decisive action is needed. We must pick our men and our business institutions, and those in high public places, and hammer at them constantly and systematically. If possible, we should even challenge them to open debate. We must show them in every way how the adoption of the public collection of land rent will benefit not only their business, but the whole community.

It would require those of us who are thoroughly grounded in the Georgeist philosophy and its application, to undertake such a task. Unfortunately, there are some among us who attempt it without an adequate knowledge of all the problems involved, who do not know when to speak and when not to speak. This can be corrected if we will train ourselves for the task.

My suggestion is that a Committee on Arrangements be formed; and that this Committee be on the lookout for quarry. Opportunities are teeming all around us. There is the radio, for instance, with its political speakers, with Forums and Round Table Talks (which hit everything but the Bull's Eye). There are periodicals, such as the Readers' Digest. There are lecturers, legislative bodies, authors of social commentary best sellers. Some influential writer, speaker, columnist or public figure should be selected and the Committee get to work on him. Systematically, one letter after another week after week, should be sent by members of the Committee. In our letters, we might ask our correspondent some direct question in such a way that will be likely to get a response of some kind. We will learn by experience what to say and what not to say.

I am sure that actual, personal and continued contact with influential public figures would be effective. Such a course is bound to bag some prizes in time.