THE PEOPLE'S FORUM
• • • THE PEOPLE'S FORUM ¦ ¦ ¦ The Future Of Children Dear Sirs: A nation prepared is not a nation of safety. It is usually a nation that does not feel safe. When our men return from...
...In all or nearly all of our great U. S., minorities are disfranchised by laws making it impossible in some states and almost impossible in others for minorities to get their candidates on the ballot...
...Am I wrong in my opinion that some of the capitalists contribute to various sure-cure plans just to keep the people divided forever so they may control the country without fear of any sensible and united uprising of the people, bent on running it as our founding fathers planned they should do...
...But unfortunately, it now appears we have only dedicated ourselves to the prevention of German and Japanese aggression, while at the same time, we not only endorse and bless, but actively collaborate with Russia in perpetrating the forcible annexations and enslavement of peoples...
...From An Old Friend Dear Sirs: One who has read The Progressive as long as I have just doesn't want to get along without it...
...Rubin, Oscar knew history, and he wouldn't write the kind of hog-wash that Mr...
...We entered this war to stop aggression, presumably aggression by any nation against another...
...But it's too big a job to undertake merely for my benefit...
...How the money powers must guffaw at the activities of the socialists and money reformers, because they know the people will never study these reforms, and the few radicals who do study them and work for them will never give them up to work for something more practical which the common people can accept without exhaustive study...
...My first vote was cast for Robert La Follette, Sr., in his historic struggle for the governorship...
...It is a serious matter and should be brought to the attention of the people...
...Wilson, will have to take hands off Cuba and the Philippines...
...Your paper is definitely leftist, or at least it leans on the leftist side...
...P. S. I consider The Progressive indispensable to intelligent Americans...
...I fear that many are being blindly drawn into the fold of Norman Thomas-ism or "liberalism" which you so often expound...
...If we did, what could we do to force it on Russia...
...On the other hand, if I have a grievance to air, I'll air it...
...If everyone who claims to be interested in a better human society could limit himself to discussion of these live issues, and forget his "sure cure plans," until the progressive group was strong enough, their reform plans might some day have a chance to be hroyght before the public for consideration...
...This leaves the money powers with a clear field to run this country as they wish and in full control of popular means of publicity so they can teach the young generation growing up about the wonders of free enterprise and the ever-increasing opportunities for them...
...The ward had a Democratic majority but La Follette carried it...
...Minorities have no campaign funds, so it is expensive...
...Truth Dear Sirs: This is to say a fervent "amen" to Dr...
...Kenneth Bache New Haven, Conn...
...12 and 19 issues has thrown much light on some of the more obscure aspects of this "holiest of holy wars...
...I can't think that you mean that...
...In the Mar...
...Well, he took that rest and now the Freeman is really telling them off...
...Then," said Mr...
...The letters in the Forum were better than usual, most of them dealing with conscription and peace plans...
...Enforcing these 3 suggestions will get the job done...
...The only thing in this outstanding publication to which I take exception, is the utter waste of two full pages in every issue—The People's Forum...
...Call Off Chamberlin Dear Sirs: I notice you have called off the Chamberlin controversy but that you continue to front-page his poison...
...But it is a fact that all or nearly all the states are tarred with the same stick...
...Kantor didn't mention many others that are offsetting his admired authors...
...In the 3 months of Summer vacation when boys and girls of high school age were wasting time, they would be in Summer camps with a defense program...
...Los Angeles 4, Calif...
...Anita L. Cave Stillwater, Okla...
...Editor, I want to protest against your labeling one Milton Mayer as another Oscar Ameringer or words to that effect...
...With fair prices and an adequate standard of living to all, jobs can be provided for all...
...O'-Konski of Wisconsin as the "Crime of Crimea," is now history...
...Would it not be better to give that space to Voorhis, La Follette, Thomas, and other statesmen and philosophers who are qualified to write about social and political problems...
...Churchill is backing down and saying that Poles and Slavs can be free and has weakened in Greece, Belgium, and Holland —well, I don't believe that you boys, plus Hearst, Howard, and McCormick are going to keep them in chains...
...Holmes' article, "Let The People In On The Peace" in the Apr...
...Renew Your Subscription Today A Northern Poll Tax Dear Sirs: I read your editorial of Feb...
...Mary Nelles New Haven, Conn...
...is really in there slugging...
...Many I disagree with, but what good to present only one side...
...Leftist Hash Dear Sirs: Tell me, boys, just what kind of a tabloid are you putting out anyway...
...Do you mean that, gentlemen...
...E. H.-J., like a lot of other people, is getting old...
...I go through all this in hope of finding, tucked away somewhere, a line or two of truth or constructive information...
...If Congress will exercise its power given by the Constitution which says that Congress has the power to coin money, control and regulate the value thereof, then there will be no need of any fear of inflation or deflation and the whole nation can have real prosperity...
...It is our privilege to differ...
...Harry Kantor suggested a dozen and half anti-Soviet books in his letter in the Apr...
...As far as the public is concerned, until it chooses better representation, it too need know but little, if anything, that their representatives do not know...
...Since then I have become more and more attached to it and would be lost without it...
...While these political and economic approaches are essential, they are only the rudiments of permanent peace...
...We must keep in mind one does not make a healthy child at 18 nor a loyal American...
...12, 1945, in regard to the repeal of the poll-tax law in Georgia...
...He's not a kid any longer and he needed a rest...
...Please never leave it out of your issues...
...Should we follow her example of forced training and thereby secure her kind of "victory...
...I would overhaul the physical education program and enforce a health program from the first grade on through college...
...There are those who argue that the end justifies the means, and that the staggering sacrifices of our men, the horrible suffering of women and children, and the destruction of some of the world's most beautiful cities were and are necessary to win the war and create a better world based on justice, reason, and decency...
...Rubin, are trying to stop it...
...I wanted to broadcast the pleasure it gives me to say "Thank God for Milton Mayer...
...What do you think...
...At Yalta there was one appeaser and one isolationist and the appeaser let the isolationist get away with murder...
...L. J. Rummel Marble Falls, Tex...
...Because Stalin is now opposing his former ally he must be richly rewarded by being given a free hand in annexing and enslaving whole nations and peoples in utter disregard of the wishes of the peoples involved, and in direct violation of the lofty promises espoused by the now defunct Atlantic Charter...
...I am told in California they must have 25,000 signers to a petition...
...Please call him off until our present enemy has been conquered...
...Our press and radio are playing havoc with the appalling ignorance and gullibility of the majority of the public, and I shudder to think what will come of all this confusion and hate, especially when this public fed on half truths is called upon "in a truly democratic way" to pass judgment on the affairs of the world...
...Anti-War Program Dear Sirs: If the world really desires to end war, here's the way to do it...
...12, 1945 issue, there are 22 contributors to The Forum...
...When even Mr...
...But when I put down Milton Mayer's recent remarks on the tasty little broth a-boiling up at the CPS camp in Germfask, Mich., I determined to make an emergency shift in policy...
...God so made it, and that longing will manifest itself in visions and dreams until its reality is attained...
...Grab it out of the mail as though it were a letter from home...
...Ray Pospisil Miami, Fla...
...Plenty Of Jobs Dear Sirs: Can there be plenty of jobs for all who wish to work after the war is ended...
...Each morning I wade through endless columns filled with gory details of hideous crimes, the scandals and antics of the upper crust, and a few semi-scientific plans for a better world, not to mention the distorted reports on the progress of the war...
...2 issue...
...Here in Colorado our primary is late...
...Compliments Rodell Dear Sirs: I want to compliment Fred Rodell, and thank you for presenting his forthright, comprehensive summing up of the situation in the Mar...
...Lloyd George...
...12 issue was the best one yet...
...Give A Friend The Truth Send Him The Progressive Today Germany's Example Dear Sirs: I have a suggestion about forced military training...
...It is an excellent antidote for the usual ballyhoo, some of which latter is even forced on us in the form of "training" (propaganda) films...
...While one may not agree fully with E. H.-J.'s religious beliefs and some of the carryings on of Dr...
...The main theme of most of these letters is: What form of Marxism is best...
...thereafter, the heads of rulers rest uneasy...
...Like Mail From Home Dear Sirs: I sure like The Progressive...
...Do you, Mr...
...Berenice E. Coan 334 N. Berendo St...
...Cigarette Slaves Dear Sirs: One of the most disgusting sights on the home front these days is the "cigarette line" one sees everywhere...
...To my mind the "Yalta end" does not justify the destruction of even a single one of God's creatures...
...In the final analysis, permanent peace among men and nations must remain in jeopardy until the jungle element in man is replaced by the regenerated spirit which was taught and demonstrated by the Stranger of Galilee...
...Then," said Clemenceau, "you must relinquish your colonial possessions...
...If my country is ready to keep all the American children in school until they are 18 years of age, and give them medical care, food, and shelter, that might be an objective...
...Beyond these, there is an attitude which must be brought into requisition, tolerance, and the essence of the second great commandment as it was emphasized by the Stranger of Galilee...
...Will it be done...
...I am personally acquainted with only a few subscribers, but most of them share my views on this subject...
...you, Mr...
...When I'm overwhelmed by the futility of every prospect, when I'm scared silly by the preponderance of idiocy and stupidity all about me, thank God for Milton Mayer...
...Doesn't Milton or yourself read anything except W. H. Chamber-lin...
...Seems like poor logic but it is the solemn truth...
...and you, Mr...
...The Press And Radio Dear Sirs: After the daily diet dished out by radio and press it is truly a relief to receive your excellent magazine...
...3, Bellingham, Wash...
...I did not know there were that many "inhalers" in America...
...Pfc...
...In the past few years the titles of appeaser and isolationist have been attached to many Americans because they expressed views that did not coincide with the views of the smear artists...
...There is the crux of the whole matter and its solution...
...Appeaser And Isolationist Dear Sirs: The Yalta Conference, more appropriately referred to by Rep...
...If I saw a similar line outside the Red Cross and Blood Donor stations, I'd feel better about the whole thing, but I don't...
...26 issue...
...I subscribed to La Follette's Magazine when H was first published and when it changed to The Progressive, I continued to read it...
...The Mar...
...It really is sickening to see Rubin and Mayer cuddling up to Hearst, McCormick, Scripps-How-ard, and Chamberlin after the years The Progressive spent fighting that crowd...
...Great Paper Dear Sirs: The Progressive is a great paper...
...His name would adorn that category if only from the utterance of one observation at the Versailles Peace Conference...
...Emma Dosch Colfax, Wash...
...L. S. Brey Milwaukee, Wis...
...I am not in harmony with all of its contributors, but feel that its policy is guided by a desire to bring about a truly representative government...
...As . an old subscriber with grandsons in the Army whom I wish to see again, I protest...
...I want to advise your readers of the newly published book, The Soviet Spirit, by Harry F. Ward...
...Well, anyway, it is good to know Oscar didn't weaken, though Milton has...
...And if you are interested in socialist literature, he has it galore—and at a price one can pay...
...Among his mentioned admired authors he forgot the name of Hearst...
...Patsy O'Bang—well, when it comes to fighting fascism, foreign as well as the home-grown kind, E. H.-J...
...You and I know that such antics, if practiced in a gathering of school boys, would last just long enough for the rest to throw the bum out...
...Two Pages Wasted Dear Sirs: My first subscription to our magazine was a gift from one of your devotees...
...You may feature Milton Mayer and Norman Thomas any time to please this reader, and I am not one of those who criticize your other writers, nor do I believe in socialism...
...Please go on wheedling and/or threatening every possible inch of copy out of him...
...It however lies in the principles of Christian social justice—not in socialism, liberalism, communism, or any other form of Marxism...
...Wants An Index Dear Sirs: For the 3 years I have been receiving The Progressive, I have wanted to make an index to it or, better still, to a small group of liberal periodicals including The Progressive...
...If I were President, I too would feel that such bodies of men as are nominated and then elected as representatives of the people, who behave like children (unruly ones at that), could not be trusted with affairs of state, foreign relations, and general problems of national importance...
...Wilson...
...I pity the innocent people who read your sheet...
...They indicated the affirmative...
...I hope and pray that the truth contained in these articles will be available to the people before they indorse this new carving up of the globe...
...2 issue...
...It might interest you to know that the territory east of the so-called Curzon line was Russian ter-itory stolen by the Poles, and just because Poland is small, it doesn't make her semi-fascist government smell any sweeter...
...Peter Gvjldbrandsen Editor, Scandinavian Berkeley, Calif...
...Regardless of what he knew or how atrocious the Russian Government may be, I know the lives they are sacrificing are giving me a better chance to see my boys...
...France will have to relinquish her colonial possessions...
...It has always been smoke-screened in mystery...
...What difference does it make how a citizen is disfranchised, whether by paying a dollar poll-tax or spending several dollars worth of time proving his citizenship...
...Oh, yes, and to you, Mr...
...If I were a well-to-do person I'd spend $50 a year for gift subscriptions to people who need waking up...
...There is an answer to corrupt and abusive capitalism...
...Mayer had in recent issues...
...D. T. Stoolfire Clarksburg, W. Va...
...And your "disgruntled" writers for the most part are pitching in with their own brand of "liberalism...
...How successful Germany's vast population made her...
...Then the people can live the American way by creating full production and expansion of business...
...I am a pipe smoker myself and like a good cigar once in a while, but I had no idea that the sucking of cigarettes made slaves of people, and that the fiends would line up in cold and rainy weather for a package of cigarettes, as I have seen them do in Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, sometimes waiting for hours at a time...
...It is a sharp question and we all must think seriously about it...
...There would be set aside each day a study period in which there would be classes in American history (fashioned after the Beards), geography, economics, political science, and religion...
...Holmes, Norman Thomas, and others, whose articles appear here, have the courage to dig through the flood of propaganda, discover the truth, and expose it to the light of public opinion...
...I believe that if I'm happy about the whole thing, that's fine, but I'll do my burbling in private...
...Fred Stone Redondo Beach, Calif...
...3. Refuse to follow up and protect citizens' investments in foreign countries...
...Does Chamberlin, you, or I know what is best for Poland...
...And judging by the opinions of your contributors, we have leftist hash...
...It is mighty close to the good old American Guardian...
...The soul of man cries out for freedom...
...J. L. Jones Elsinore, Calif...
...As a result Stalin must be appeased because Russia is now opposing Germany in the very same war that Stalin collaborated with Hitler in launching in 1939...
...I get a lot of good from all of them...
...Spain is small too, but does that mean we are going to call the fascist Franco a socialist or democrat...
...If I could plan the future of our children I would hold the control of the manufacturing of military equipment under the government because all the madmen of the earth are not in Germany and Japan...
...Maybe one of these days we'll become smart and throw off our shackles...
...Norman Thomas in the Mar...
...Philip Kapleau will very likely be interested to know that E. H.-J...
...You might aptly be called "the lost tribe of liberalism...
...If any of the legitimate governments of the numerous small nations involved in the Russian grab so much as make the slightest protest against the forcible annexation by Russia, they are immediately branded by the New Deal smear artists as Nazi sympathizers or collaborationists...
...Or perhaps I should ask, what kind of hash are you serving...
...A petition cannot be circulated before the primary and a person who votes in a primary may not sign a petition, and a person signing a petition must sign in the presence of a notary public and the notary must state that he knows the signer and the signer is a qualified voter...
...J. E. Kobernik Roseburg, Oreg...
...Nelson West Springfield, Mass...
...If there is no incentive in a program it degenerates into a cut and dried program and does America wish that...
...Instead of giving up the fight as many have done in the past when they realize the hopelessness of such a divided people, my purpose is to try to show them the folly of such division, and the need of unity...
...Anyway, I don't believe that the social revolution is going to stop in Europe even though Milton Mayer, and you, Mr...
...The People's Forum alone seems to be a clearing house for the propaganda of Communists (and that includes Trotskyites), Socialists, liberals, free-thinkers, etc., etc., all of whom, whether they know it or not, are working for the same diabolical "cause...
...Would it not be wise to wait for our returning soldiers to help us decide...
...48 Votes Dear Sirs: Wouldn't it be logical for the United States to have 48 votes...
...C. G. Larsen Camp Blanding, Fla...
...Give me a pipe or a cigar-smoker any old day, but deliver me from these shivering cigarette mobs, which are a disgrace to America...
...12 issue of the blessings about to be bestowed upon this much battered world by the Big 3 is a wonderful piece of work...
...A. Mote Route No...
...Now, since this paper was merely a memoranda and initialed as such, why bring it up in any discussion...
...The quickest way of getting to the most important news is still to read the papers backward, but even this time-honored method doesn't net impressive results any more...
...John Moscini San Francisco, Calif...
...In at least one place in each city there should be room for a permanent collection of such publications, properly indexed, and available to the general public...
...Do you, Mr...
...The answer is "yes...
...Next figure how very little the Allies did, then read the news about the doings of the Canadians, the British, Australians, and Yanks...
...Uncle Joe Stalin seems to think the European slaves should be free and right now Uncle Joe is pretty powerful and he always has helped others have democracy if at all possible...
...There is so much of great value on every page except these 2, that it seems a shame to make this sacrifice to the persona] vanity of the 22 subscribers who like nothing better than to see their own names and shallow thoughts in print...
...It is worth the price of a subscription to read your motto each week, "Ye Shall Know The Truth And The Truth Shall Make You Free...
...Praises Ward's Book Dear Sirs: Mr...
...Wide Awake Mayer Dear Sirs: I never write to editors unless I'm sore...
...The Need For Unity Dear Sirs: Your plan to improve The Progressive is successful...
...Before you read the daily news about the war in Europe, get a clear story about how much time, energy, muscle, and cash Germany put into building up an army of such size and strength that she would not only be unconquerable but a very successful conqueror...
...2. Abandon and renounce compulsory military service, giving citizens the right to enforce the agreement by refusing to accept conscription...
...Edward E. Phipps Portland, Oreg...
...What can we gain by exposing their evils...
...But the bureaucratic agencies who interfere with the American way of life by creating scarcity must also be ended, so the whole nation can have real prosperity without the benefit payments and subsidies...
...This professor has just returned from Russia...
...Wilson and Lloyd George agreed that they did not mean exactly that...
...Congress And The Public Dear Sirs: I notice that even you keep quoting from a more or less fictitious document, the Atlantic Charter, one that even though it had been signed by the President, has never been submitted to either the legislative bodies or the people...
...Clemenceau, "you mean war...
...I think you have a wonderful staff of writers...
...Milton Mayer's true appraisal in the Mar...
...Toward Lasting Peace Dear Sirs: The late Georges Clemenceau was a statesman...
...While the eminently unjust are comfortably sleeping "the sleep of the just," I can be confident that at least one man is wide awake...
...It was in the 12th ward (Sen...
...Then we have only (I think) 7 days to circulate and get the petition to the capitol and in the proper hands for filing...
...Such a program could be worked out in our own school system, instead of a regimented military program...
...I follow the clowning of our Congress and note that if one faction is dissatisfied it threatens filibuster...
...is back in there fighting...
...They surely could discuss it pro and con...
...Lloyd George, will have to quit India and Hong Kong...
...I do believe our country is for our children, not our children for our country...
...No, Mr...
...When our men return from overseas we will have 10 million trained men—will we have need for more...
...As long as one nation or race holds in subjection another race or nation there will be wars...
...It is refreshing to know that Dr...
...H. H. Ophus Erskine, Minn...
...Mayer No Ameringer Dear Sirs: Regarding E. Haldeman-Julius, Mr...
...I do not think anyone will need more than one guess to properly identify them...
...Addressing President Wilson and Lloyd George and other representatives, he remarked in substance: "Gentlemen, I understand that you desire a permanent peace, one which is to end all wars...
...Mr...
...Le^ all nations agree to: 1. Abolish, dissolve, and prohibit all international corporations, cartels, and banking groups...
...Fred Thiel Levant, Kan...
...I'm glad that you did publish some letters calling to mind our dishonest money system...
...A. E. Campbell Winfield, Tex...
...Fred N. Johnson Meeker, Colo...
...The assumption of a superior complex in nations and individuals can collect tribute from ignorance and superstition until visions of liberty arouse a leader...
...Let Congress reach maturity, sense, and understanding, then prove it by at least a few constructive acts and I am sure the President will feel that the veil of secrecy need not be drawn so tightly...
...Peggy Dilger Hyattsvile, Md...
...I rejoice with you in that bit of progress...
...H. L. Miller Oakridge, Oreg...
...I am not in favor of subjection to authority and no reasoning...
...Sawyer's ward) in Oshkosh...
Vol. 9 • April 1945 • No. 17
