With understanding far beyond her youth

I have never met Fallbrook High student Lauren Edwards, but I read her award-winning essay, “Is Patriotism the Cause of War?” and know she possesses an understanding of global politics, patriotism and civic duty reaching far beyond her youth.

“Only by advancing the borders of knowledge and allaying fear, on both an individual and international level, can true international peace be obtained,” wrote Miss Edwards. Speaking of how governments use irrational fear to manipulate the people, she said, “When faced with a threatening situation, it is important to study all possible aspects in order to avoid blindly striking out against it or blindly following someone who promises to eradicate it.”

Miss Edwards acknowledges that love of one’s country and culture is noble as the foundation of patriotism, yet she understands how demagogues can exploit patriotism, adding, “Politicians have used it as an excuse for violent, ambitious campaigns. Political dissent has been crushed by being labeled as unpatriotic behavior.”

I was graduated from high school 50 years ago in 1957, but I have never known a high school student, in my own generation or since, who was able to express so articulately her love of country yet perceived the hidden dangers which requires the eternal vigilance of the citizenry to maintain their liberty. Her patriotism is not a blind one. “While I love my country dearly,” she wrote, “I believe that it is essential that I maintain awareness of the actions of its political leaders and question their actions if I believe the country is being steered into a course of unnecessary violence.”

I hope I live long enough to see Lauren Edward’s name as a candidate on a ballot. She would have my vote even now.

Her essay won her a scholarship from the Veterans for Peace and the Fallbrook Democratic Club.

Joe H. Crews