:39:05
We have the Habeas Corpus Act
and we respect it.
:39:09
I began by saying that our history
will be what we make it.
:39:13
If we go on as we are...
:39:15
...history will take its revenge...
:39:16
...and retribution will not limp
in catching up with us.
:39:21
Just once in a while let us exalt the
importance of ideas and information.
:39:27
Let us dream to the extent of saying
that on a given Sunday night...
:39:30
...a time normally occupied
by Ed Sullivan...
:39:32
...is given over to a clinical survey
on the state of American education.
:39:36
And a week or two later...
:39:38
...a time normally used by Steve Allen...
:39:40
...is devoted to a thoroughgoing study
of American policy in the Middle East.
:39:45
Would the corporate image of their
respective sponsors be damaged?
:39:49
Would the shareholders rise up
in their wrath and complain?
:39:53
Would anything happen other than
a few million people...
:39:56
...would have received some
illumination on subjects...
:39:59
...that may well determine the future
of this country...
:40:01
...and therefore the future
of the corporations?
:40:05
To those who say, "People won't look,
they won't be interested...
:40:08
...they're too complacent, indifferent
and insulated"...
:40:11
...I can only reply...
:40:13
...there is in one reporter's opinion...
:40:16
...considerable evidence
against that contention.
:40:19
But even if they are right,
what have they got to lose?
:40:22
Because if they are right...
:40:24
...and this instrument is good for nothing
but to entertain, amuse and insulate...
:40:30
...then the tube is flickering now...
:40:31
...and we will soon see
that the whole struggle is lost.
:40:36
This instrument can teach.
:40:38
It can illuminate, and, yes,
it can even inspire.
:40:41
But it can do so only to the extent...
:40:43
...that humans are determined
to use it towards those ends.
:40:48
Otherwise it is merely wires and lights
in a box.
:40:55
Good night...
:40:57
...and good luck.