Discipline

Tercio Ortiz de Zárate

Originally published by: LA ESPERANZA February 1, 2023

The Traditionalist Circle Gaspar de Rodas sent us this text extracted from the “Observations of an old Carlist in some letters of the Count of Rodezno” [Madrid, 1946] by Melchor Ferrer, and published in the Bulletin of Information of the Principality of Asturias of May 31, 1950.

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Every discipline has its limitations. Within these limits, it is possible to think, criticize and judge. But the limits indicate to us that whoever places himself beyond them, by the mere fact of doing so, loses the right to belong to the discipline. Even disagreeing, one can retire to their place hoping that events will prove him right; but to break discipline, to act independently of Carlist authorities, to publicly endorse positions that signify disobedience, that cannot be done. Carlist discipline indicates: this, and not that, is the way to follow; but if you disregard your leaders, if you oppose their procedures, if you pact with their adversaries, you should not be surprised if they tell you: within the confines of loyalty there is no place for those who are disloyal. In the home of tradition, there is no room for those who are inclined to abandon their ideals, even if they make many protestations of “purity” of principle. Discipline represents intransigence, but no one is forced to adhere to it. However, it does say: If you accept our doctrines and orientations, you are within it; if you reject them, you are excluded.

The Traditionalist Communion does not impose a criterion, it indicates it; those who accept it are within it; those who reject it, for whatever reason, are outside it.

Melchor Ferrer

Translated by Alférez Matthew Scullin, Círculo Carlista Camino Real de Tejas