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Nile Kinnick correspondence, June-August 1942

1942-08-27: Page 04

I would enjoy it, but rather that for some years I have felt that it was my duty to make some effort along this line. I know that the only real happiness comes in a man's home among his family and all that, but despite this realization I have never been able to shake this feeling of duty. Particularly, when I think it would be strenuous fun bucking inimical interests and standing for what is good and right. Have I illusions of grandeur, am I foolish for entertaining such thoughts at all; well, maybe, but I'm sure you will know what I am talking about and not scoff at me. Anyway it will be fun to see how it all comes out---and I should append that I know that in politics the people aren't always for you, as they usually are in athletics. Your remarks concerning one Ralph Joy prompts me to this observation--that the speech and acts of certain individuals are far more irritating than any impersonal circumstance can ever be, and yet to give expression towhat you really feel about them only brings greater unhappiness. That is a practical truth as much as a moral precept, but, nonetheless, I must tell you about the guys in my flight?!? They are all pretty good guys but all seem to be suffering from a case of arrested adolescence. I don't care where we are, at muster, getting on the bus, anyplace, one of them is always goosing the other, jerking his pants open, knocking off his hat, jerking out his shirttail or some damn thing like that. Another favorite is to talk in pig latin or mock Russian; they about drive me nuts. I said that they are all pretty good guys, which is true. As a matter of fact nearly everyone is pretty much ok when you get to know them, but darn few are they guys whom you like instinctively onfirst meeting. The fellow who attracts on first notice has a wonderful opportunity for leadership. I think Churchill's smile is one of his main assets with the crowd; it is boyish, genuine, democratic. You can see that I think of him as much as you do of TR. It will be good to see you all again, Uncle Chas. Best wishes until I see you. Yours, nile

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I would enjoy it, but rather that for some years I have felt that it was my duty to make some effort along this line. I know that the only real happiness comes in a man's home among his family and all that, but despite this realization I have never been able to shake this feeling of duty. Particularly, when I think it would be strenuous fun bucking inimical interests and standing for what is good and right. Have I illusions of grandeur, am I foolish for entertaining such thoughts at all; well, maybe, but I'm sure you will know what I am talking about and not scoff at me. Anyway it will be fun to see how it all comes out---and I should append that I know that in politics the people aren't always for you, as they usually are in athletics. Your remarks concerning one Ralph Joy prompts me to this observation--that the speech and acts of certain individuals are far more irritating than any impersonal circumstance can ever be, and yet to give expression towhat you really feel about them only brings greater unhappiness. That is a practical truth as much as a moral precept, but, nonetheless, I must tell you about the guys in my flight?!? They are all pretty good guys but all seem to be suffering from a case of arrested adolescence. I don't care where we are, at muster, getting on the bus, anyplace, one of them is always goosing the other, jerking his pants open, knocking off his hat, jerking out his shirttail or some damn thing like that. Another favorite is to talk in pig latin or mock Russian; they about drive me nuts. I said that they are all pretty good guys, which is true. As a matter of fact nearly everyone is pretty much ok when you get to know them, but darn few are they guys whom you like instinctively onfirst meeting. The fellow who attracts on first notice has a wonderful opportunity for leadership. I think Churchill's smile is one of his main assets with the crowd; it is boyish, genuine, democratic. You can see that I think of him as much as you do of TR. It will be good to see you all again, Uncle Chas. Best wishes until I see you. Yours, nile