PAGE SIX
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN, LAWRENCE, KANSAS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1950
The Editorial Page-
Communist Cry
Once there was a time when a person could speak out with what he thinks—and have his words accepted or ignored as such.
Once there was a time when a person could associate with anyone he wanted to—and not have to worry about what such an association could mean in the future. There was only one exception to these two statements—he couldn't preach the overthrow of our government by force.
In this hysterical present, it seems like the only way one can be safe in what he says and does is to be against sin, for Mother's Day and for cancer control.
Our present hysterics started out rather slowly, with the investigations of the now infamous un-American affairs committee. Eut since then, it has snowballed until (thanks to the antisubversives bill passed by our undoubtedly One Hundred Per Cent American Congress and Senate) things like this can happen. We quote from Monday afternoon's United Press radio wire:
"Arturo Toscanini may be denied re-admission to this country when he returns by ship from a European visit tomorrow. He may be sent to Ellis Island on grounds he once was affiliated with Benito Mussolini. . ."
But, at least, further in the UP dispatch: "Toscaniini once was stoned in Italy for refusing to play the Fascist anthem. He also refused to conduct for the Nazis. The 83-year-old Italian musician has lived in this country for decades."
Or take this 20-year-old pianist who is to be interned because as a boy in Nazi-dominated Vienna, he had to join the Hitler youth organization.
In another case, a television actress was dropped from the cast of a new production with no reason given her for her firing. As it turned out, the station and the advertising agency had gotten a total of 12 phone calls and telegrams—accusing her of communist leanings. Personally, we don't know beans about this actress—but when someone can be fired from a show because of 12 phone calls and telegrams...
Also, in the last few months, a book, "Red Channels," has been published, which purports to list Communists and fellow travelers in the arts.
Many persons have been fired because of their listing in this book—which has no basis in court findings—and at times it seems, no foundation in fact.
However, all is not quite so black. One actor was able, by filing a number of affidavits, to be "cleared" by the publishers of the book. By the way, legal advice and affidavits cost him $1,000.
One of the most blatant accusers—behind congressional immunity—has been Senator McCarthy. And he has never proved any of his charges against the constantly varying number of "Communists" in the state department. The pity of this is that many of the nation's patriotic and veteran organizations have supported his charges, and praised him for his stand.
What happened to one of his chief accusees—Owen Lattimore is not typical, but it is at least disturbing. Here's just a tiny part of what happened to this man. We quote from one of John Crosby's radio and television columns in the New York Herald-Tribune last August:
"Owen Lattimore was on Martha Deane's program. What he said is of no special note, since he's said it on so many other forums. But the response is. WOR (the station carrying the program) got 521 calls—517 against Lattimore and four on his behalf.
"It is the proportion that interests me. There is almost no issue in America today that will draw a 517-4 vote. The Communists in their sector of Berlin couldn't get that preponderance of the vote. Fact is, people don't vote that way.
"You could put any issue on the air—let's say, all babies should be exterminated by rats—and you'd get more people on your side than Lattimore did."
"Well, there's a document out now from American Legion headquarters in Indianapolis telling you how to do it. It does not specifically refer to Lattimore. You organize a lot of friends and tell them to write letters or phone."
"The telephone method is foolproof. Twenty people calling a station can tie up any switchboard. (Just call. Hang up. Call. Hang up.) This system, the American Legion will be enchanted to find out, was devised by the Communist party. The Communists were the first to tie up radio stations' switchboards whenever anything against the party line appeared on the air. The American Legion is now using Communist methods to prevent any one except Indianapolis Republicans from appearing on the air. They're doing pretty well at it, too."
Once there was a time when a person could speak out with what he thinks—and have his words accepted or ignored as such.
Once there was a time when a person could associate with anyone he wanted to—and not have to worry what such an association could mean in the future. There used to be just one exception to these two statements—he couldn't preach the overthrow of our government by force.
There used to be just that one exception—but brother, that one has multiplied. Iowa State Daily.
Suspicious
Dear Editor-
Dear Editor:
Dear Editor:
Shades of the Eagle. Heaven forbid!
Walter J. Brown, jr.
College Senior
(Regarding letter to editor printed Oct. 10.)
Puzzled
HOT FUDGE SUNDAES
Dear Editor:
DAIRY QUEEN
Why does the College senior object so violently to the expression of views on world affairs by our World In Crisis speakers? Is it just because these views tend to disagree with our present governmental policy and its interpretation by the American press and radio? Perhaps he or she would rather support a program such as that fostered by our oldest veterans' organization condemning as Communist or un-AMerican any text or individual who dares to disagree with the violently nationalistic press and radio of today.
Should not the policies of our government be determined by enlightened individuals who, after having viewed the world crisis from all angles, can formulate some definite ideas on the subject? It goes without saying our press and radio more than adequately supply one view on the subject. Why not see the other side? Then perhaps those who have been somewhat better informed than the average American will make their wishes heard by contacting their elected representatives.
Special Student Ed Akerly
1835 Mass.
RICH CREAMY MALTS
Put Pep In The Pocket Book—Put KANSAN Classifieds On The Job.
"Gee, it's Saturday night again and almost time to meet Johnnie at the Union."
THE UNION FOUNTAIN IS NOW OPEN ON SATURDAY NIGHTS TOO.
UNION FOUNTAIN
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