THE NEW DEMOCRACY 225 



mentally with two main human interests, the distribu- 

 tion of wealth and the increase of general welfare. 

 Now if the farmers are to have their share of wealth 

 and if they are to obtain for themselves and their fam- 

 ilies all the opportunities for welfare that they deserve, 

 they may have to bring pressure to bear upon state and 

 national legislation. Permanently, there can scarcely 

 be a place for a farmers' political party, but there will 

 probably always be a place for a fighting farmers' or- 

 ganization. To this extent, farmers must go into poli- 

 tics. 



We must not fail to realize that the development of 

 the real local rural community is pretty much the key 

 to a successful democracy in rural affairs. Over and 

 over again should be emphasized the fact that this local 

 community has in it all the possibilities of democracy. 

 It is, indeed, the unit of democracy. 



And finally, is there any relation between democracy 

 and Christianity? The most ardent supporter of de- 

 mocracy ought to be the church. True democracy is 

 but the application of the principles of brotherhood to 

 the work and life of the people. It would be a great 

 gain if those who are interested in securing industrial 

 and social democracy for farmers could clasp hands 

 with those who seek to fully Christianize all rural com- 

 munities. A true and full democracy is identical with 

 the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. 



