Reprinted from Communist Party Paper,
San Diego, California
"Anti-Communism – Smokescreen
for Fascism
"As members of this community who are deeply concerned for its
future and welfare we urge that you join us in taking a long hard look at
the recent school for Anti-Communism held in San Diego and sponsored by
the Christian Anti-Communism Crusade. The school has moved on, but the
seeds of doubt and confusion, implanted during its four day session here,
will remain unless we have the courage to speak out against them. For the
tragic fact is that since the McCarthy era millions upon millions of
Americans have been so continuously pressured as to deny the very ideals
upon which this nation was founded, when these ideals are being
characterized as the work of Communists. Far more than the "Communist
menace," peace, liberty, the rights of all men to a good life, social
and economic progress through just democratic processes are the real
targets under attack.
"If we examine
world history of the past several decades it becomes apparent to even the
politically naive that the main danger to freedom and the greatest
restriction to personal liberties has come from forces masking themselves
as anti-communist. A prime example of the havoc unleashed upon humanity by
these forces is the anti-communist alliance of Mussolini, Hitler and
Hirohito, which under the guise of halting communist advances, nearly
destroyed the whole world. Have we so soon forgotten the price paid in
human life and suffering that we now permit these same forces to spring up
anew in our midst, reaching out into even the classroom and the innocent
minds of our children?
"Accept the
position of the Christian Anti-Communist Crusade and it follows that you
must speak out against peace and the United Nations as they have done
against civil liberties and freedom of speech and the press, against our
schools wherever they attempt to teach the real tenets of democracy,
against even all religious groups who do not conform to their brand of
Americanism.
"It is, of
course, true that Communists, along with men of good will everywhere in
the world, support those tangible goals that would lead to greater social
and economic progress, that Communist efforts have long been directed
towards the struggle for a better world, that Communists stand proudly in
the vanguard wherever the people have fought oppression and injustice. But
is this now cause enough for Americans to renounce these aims with the
excuse that they have been labeled "Red" by irresponsible war
mongers who would profit by a continuance of the cold war even onto
provoking real war?
"Let’s take a
second long look at this Christian Anti-Communist Crusade. Just why is it
so hysterically active at this time, and why has it received such
overwhelming support from the local press monopoly, The San Diego News and
Tribune? Isn’t it that these arch-reactionaries genuinely fear not so
much the "Communist menace" as that people will speak for
themselves on the big issues of peace and disarmament–yes, even for
"peaceful co-existence" and an ever stronger United Nations?
"We have only to
look back to Nazi Germany to see the same tactics in action. Once more the
professional "anti-Communists" cry out for a war against the
socialist countries, whipping the American people into an acceptance of
war as essential to save them from Communism and to preserve the
monopolies "free enterprise" system and leading to the
establishment of a police state based on "anti-Communism" and
the most rigid thought control.
"The progress of
and events following the Christian Anti-Communist School (note the smell
of anti-Semitism in the emphasis on "Christian") further
illustrates the dangers to the American people from this sort of coercion.
What purpose will their "watch dog" committees serve? Will they
help to develop democratic principles and independent thinking in
education–or will they force "anti-Communist" conformity on
teachers and students alike? What church or other organizations will be
able to speak freely on major issues without harassment from these
self-appointed "watch dogs"?
"This is a
crucial election year and already we have one major candidate, Bob Wilson,
Republican, endorsing the school’s program along with the local daily
press and leading members on the School Board. What then can be done in
the face of this organized campaign to divert the American voter from the
real issues at stake?
"May we urge
that you protest now before it is too late and our country is once more
engulfed in a wave of neo-McCarthyism and anti-Communist hysteria. Write
your congressmen, alert your friends and organizations to the real aims of
the professional "anti-Communist." And above all speak out for
the immediate crucial issues – peace and disarmament, civil liberties,
social and economic measures for the betterment of all people and the full
development of a peacetime economy. These goals are not the vaunted
privilege of one group or another, but belong to the people and it is for
the people to speak out for them everywhere.
"Yours for a better world,
Communist Party of San Diego
524 So. Spring St.
Los Angeles, 13, California"
I have frequently tried to draw the
attention of people to the fact that to the Communists, truth is a relative
term and is defined as "Any statement that will advance the goal of
Communist conquest." The above article is filled with examples of this.
No effort is made to discover the real facts. The viewpoint is simple:–
There school represents the enemy. Therefore, it must be discredited.–
Think of the most effective statements to discredit them and these
statements become the truth. Embellish the stream of lies with a few
isolated facts selected at random to give the undiscerning reader the
impression that they are reporting objectively. A further example of this
technique is provided by the People’s World of Saturday, October 22, in an
article on the proposed Los Angeles School. The report states,
"Emboldened by the killing it made recently in San Diego, the Christian
Anti-Communist Crusade will open a five-day ‘school’ here Nov. 7 to
spread their brand of hate propaganda. The movement has its national
headquarters in Houston and is said to be backed by Texas oilmen."
The falsity of this
report is immediately obvious to anyone with the slightest knowledge of the
Christian Anti-Communism Crusade. The national headquarters of the Crusade
is at Long Beach, Californica. Houston is the headquarters of the Texas
Chapter of the Christian Anti-Communism Crusade. The Crusade has been
supported by the sacrifice, labor and prayers of thousands of American
citizens who love God and the Gospel of Christ and are vitally concerned
with the vast danger that Communism presents to their beloved country, their
children, and the freedom and happiness of all mankind.
The Communists find it
convenient in California to report the Crusade as an invasion of Texas
wealth so to them this becomes the truth.
THE
DALLAS FREEDOM FORUM
The enrollment in the Dallas Freedom Forum was the greatest any school has
yet reached. Twenty-five hundred people gathered at the Adolphus Hotel to
receive instruction to equip them to effectively preserve the American
heritage of Christian liberty. Each school has its own special personality.
Dallas was characterized by the warm enthusiasm so typical of Texas.
Entering the lobby the registration desk was a beautiful sight. The
attendants would honor any gathering of beauty and charm. Under the
direction of Joanna Rogers, these exquisite young ladies welcomed the
registrants and attended to the formalities and proved that beauty and
efficiency are not incompatible. The chairman of the school was the
universally respected Texas businessman, Bill Lynch, ably assisted by his
charming wife Marty. The spirit and inspiration of the school sessions will
long be remembered by those fortunate enough to attend.
LOS
ANGELES AND PHILADELPHIA SCHOOLS
When you receive this letter, the schools in
Los Angeles and Philadelphia will have been completed. We are anticipating
that they will surpass both in attendance and productively any that preceded
them. We look forward to providing you with the report of their success in
the next News Letter.
FUTURE
SCHOOLS
We are presently planning further schools for
1961. Two cities where arrangements are in progress are St. Louis, Missouri,
and Miami, Florida. Many other cities are under consideration. Nothing in my
experience can have such a dramatic influence in any areas as one of these
schools. They awaken the slumbering, encourage the despairing, inspire the
patriotic, set hearts on fire and Christians to work in the service of
Christian liberty.
Results of the Schools
There is no doubt that these anti-Communism schools are the most
fruitful things we have yet done. It is a thrilling experience to return two
or three months after and survey the activities of the individuals who were
inspired and informed during these school sessions. I returned to San Diego
on Friday, November 4, and met with a great crowd eager to relate the work
they have been doing in their respective local areas. One after the other,
individuals arose with thrilling stories of what was taking place. The
speakers included preachers, military personnel, business men, college and
high school students, labor union executives, housewives, school teachers
and many other groups. For the first time the forces of the Communist
appeasers are on the defensive. People are proud to be classed as
anti-Communists. A group of students banded together from the University of
San Diego have marched in an anti-Communist demonstration. They are
publishing an anti-Communist newspaper on the Campus of San Diego State
College. While there is no attempt to gloss over the terrible realities of
Communist strength a spirit of optimism prevails as we take the offensive
for freedom and Christian love.
KERALA
In Kerala, as in other parts of India, the
battle continues to rage fiercely. It is difficult to understand the
magnitude of the achievement here. George Thomas writes:
"Since we have been concentrating
all our attention on the Rotary Press, I have not been able to write you
much about the work here. Although we have started the Paper only a little
over a year ago, the influence that we have been able to exert and the
position that we have been able to secure in Kerala are far beyond our
expectations. We have become a force to be reckoned with in the affairs of
Kerala and may I assure you that we have done all we could to pull our
weight in favour of freedom and democracy in the State. With all humility
I wish to suggest that our paper has done more to enhance the principles
of freedom and democracy which America stands for, than perhaps, all the
aid money poured into different parts of the world. If I had more support
commensurate with the needs of Kerala, I could have forged far ahead. I
hope I will have the opportunity of discussing these things personally
with you. Letters could not convey all what I want to say.
"In the next few
months two by-elections are coming off in Kerala. In both these
constituencies Communists won in the last elections. How I wish that our
Press would start functioning by that time. In one of these constituencies
our influence is especially great because we have a large circulation
there. If the Communists can be defeated here, it can be a fatal blow to
the party in Kerala.
"Opposition is
increasing as we grow in influence and strength, I would very earnestly
request, you Dr. Schwarz, to pray for me more than ever before and
strengthen my hands in every way possible. We have given shoulder to a
great task and we have entered a ferocious battle. Undaunted shall we go
ahead and the battle we shall win, no matter what the cost be.
"By grace we are
all doing well. Our needs, indeed, are great. Our rich Father is able to
meet all our needs. May God grant you strength and wisdom in all your
efforts.
"With warmest personal regards,
K. George Thomas"
In our next letter we hope to have
definite news concerning the purchase and transportation of the rotary
press. This project is great and has many complexities. The Press must be
purchased, crated, transported to the water front and shipping must be
found. An import license must be secured. If you have seen a rotary press,
you will understand what a large task this is. When installed in India, a
great victory will be won.
LIBERAL
TRUTH
The Communist position is clear. We expect to suffer slander and
misrepresentation at their hands. When a similar approach is taken by a
so-called Christian publication it is astounding.
This is exactly what
happened with regard to the Chicago school.
The Christian Century,
published in Evanston, Illinois, delights to present itself as the Voice of
Liberal Christianity in America. In their issue of September 14, they
carried an editorial on the school entitled "Education for American
Security" held at Glenview Naval Air Station, Glenview, Illinois. The
heading of the editorial was "Was the Naval Air Station Gulled?"
The editorial is as follows:
"Was the Naval Air Station
Gulled?
"‘The United States Naval Air Station, Glenview, Illinois,
presents Education for American Security, August 29-September 2, 1960.’
This was the billing on the program of a five-day school conducted on the
grounds of the Glenview station. In addition, the circulars announcing the
meeting carried the words, ‘This school is to be held in cooperation
with the Navy at Glenview Naval Air Station, Glenview, Illinois,’ When
queried, the commanding officer of the station, Captain Isaiah M. Hampton,
U.S.N., said that the school had not been planned or sponsored by the
naval air station and that the station had merely made available its
facilities for the school as it customarily does for other civic programs
and organizations. He had sought, he explained, to correct the
misrepresentation given in the printed program and to make it clear that
the school had been conceived and planned by various North Shore citizens
and civic groups. There is not reason to doubt his explanation. Although
the great hall and the electronic facilities of the station were used by
the school, it was obviously under the complete control of Fred C.
Schwarz, president of the Christian Anti-Communism Crusade. Mr. Schwarz,
as Australian, was formally scheduled to appear eight times during the
five days, spoke on numerous other occasions and was listed on the program
as host and moderator. Other speakers included Herbert ‘I Led Three
Lives’ Philbrick; E. Merrill Root, author of Collectivism on the
Campus; and Richard Arnes, director of the House Un-American
Activities Committee.
"Judging by the
one evening meeting covered by the Century and by reports of others, the
school presented to the several hundred delegates and visitors a modified
form of maccarthyism. The ‘enemies’ slain by Dr. Root and Mr. Schwarz
in their impassioned addresses, either specifically or by implication,
were legion: liberals, modernists, John Dewey, Kirtley Mather, Harvard
students, high school students, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce,
textbooks, the American Friends Service Committee, pacifists, the book
sections of the New York Times and the Herald Tribune, Elmer Davis, public
libraries (those which do not stock Dr. Root’s books), beatnicks, the
National Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy, naive ministers. The heros
lauded by the speakers wee conservatism, Senator Barry Goldwater, George
Sokolsky, Daniel Poling, capitalism, Conservative Baptists, J. B.
Matthews, and the nuclear bomb.
"It seems
pertinent to ask why the facilities of our government or of any branch of
it are put at the disposal of an organization which turns Americans
against Americans and against their institutions. Does public relations
require the naval air force to bow to the instigators of such programs?
Should there not be some restraint on dissident groups which offer their
programs to the public as a part of naval pedagogy? The answers to these
questions seem plain to us. Organizations which incite hate and suspicion
against American citizens should not be permitted to use any arm of the
government as their instrument."
This report teams with inaccuracy,
distortion and slander. The parallel between the attitude adopted in the
Communist press and in the Christian Century is remarkable. Once again truth
is regarded as being relative and having no need of the discipline of
genuine inquire and honest analysis. The school apparently represents the
enemy, therefore, it is evil. Therefore, it must be discredited. The attempt
to discredit it will be helped if one or two random facts can be selected to
decorate the article. A fleeting visit is therefore made to one of the
sessions of the school to collect a little decorative material. The article
is written and true liberalism dies.
No effort whatever was
made to discover the facts concerning the organization of the school. These
facts were simple. Mr. Frank Vignola, Chicago businessman and member of the
Naval Reserve attended the Anti-Communism School in San Francisco. He was
greatly impressed. He returned to Chicago, gathered a group of Naval Reserve
officers and patriotic citizens and organized the school held at Glenview
Naval Air Station. They conferred upon me the honor of being host and
moderator. I played no part in the actual organization of the school or
selection of the faculty but did have the priceless privilege of giving a
series of thoughtful objective messages concerning the philosophy, morality,
strategy, and tactics of international Communism to a great gathering of the
cream of American citizenry. The messages were completely devoid of hatred,
personal abuse or any of the other evils so glibly and untruthfully
described by the Christian Century. This can be proved to an honest mind by
securing the tape recordings of the addresses which are available to all.
Following the
appearance of this editorial in the Christian Century, I dispatched the
following letter to the editor on October 6, 1960.
Mr. Harold E. Fey, Editor
Christian Century Foundation
407 South Dearborn Street
Chicago 3, Illinois
Dear Sir:
I am not a regular reader of the Christian Century and consequently your
Editorial of September 14, in which you discuss the program
"Education For American Security" held at Glenview Naval Air
Station, August 29 to September 2, has only recently been drawn to my
attention.
The editorial is
dishonest and dishonorable. Obviously no attempt whatever was made to
ascertain the objective facts but a few names were selected at random to
buttress a judgment formulated prior to the evidence. This is the very
crime of which you so liberally accuse others.
The issue facing all
is the survival of free society and Christianity in the face of an
ever-increasing encirclement by the minions of an arrogant and articulate
organization of committed atheists. This invites a discussion of these
central issues in place of petty personal vituperation.
With this in mind, I
offer to debate any individual named by the Christian Century on the
subject, "Christianity and Communism are Irreconcilable."
Yours very sincerely,
Fred Schwarz, President
Christian Anti-Communism Crusade
To this moment the reply has been an
eloquent silence.
PROGRESS OF
THE BOOK YOU CAN TRUST THE COMMUNISTS
The book "You Can Trust the
Communists" is filling a great need. Many teachers have long been aware
of the necessity of teaching the true nature of Communism in the schools.
They have been conscious that Communism must be taught with a moral
directive and not merely as an alternative economic system to Capitalism. It
must be taught as a system of tyranny and slavery, a disease that will
destroy the health and life of a free society. Those desiring to institute
such a course have found that suitable textbooks were lacking. The book
"You Can Trust the Communists" is such a textbook. In the opinion
of a leading educator in the South, he wrote the following letter:
"October 19, 1960
Dr. Fred C. Schwarz, President
Christian Anti-Communism Crusade
Box 890
Long Beach, California
Dear Dr. Schwarz:
Recently I have had the opportunity to read your new book "You Can
Trust the Communists." I believe it to be the best summation of
Communist ideology, philosophy, tactics, and objectives, stated in
language that laymen can understand that I have thus far seen. You have
made a most difficult and complex subject clear and understandable, and at
the same time challenged the reader to take positive action to stop this
powerful and tyrannical force which threatens to destroy us.
As an educator, I
feel strongly that our schools through their offering in history, social
studies, economics, and related subjects, should give their students
deeper knowledge and understanding of the civil nature of Communism which
threatens the spiritual and political foundations upon which our nation
rests. For several years, I have attempted in schools where I have served
as principal to assist students, teachers, and librarians to secure
appropriate resource materials geared to the interest and language levels
of high school students but with no success. Your book very amply serves
this purpose, and I highly recommend it to high school groups engaged in a
study of Communism. The language level is not beyond that of the typical
high school student. The complex philosophy of Communism is made clear to
the average reader.
It is my hope that
this outstanding book which has so forcefully developed the supreme issue
of our time–our survival, and the survival of free men everywhere–will
be widely read throughout this great nation of ours.
With warmest regards, and best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Gordon L. Smith
GLS/nc"
Will you see that a copy is given to your
local school authorities and urge that it be included in the curriculum of
your school?
ANDHRA
STATE
In Andhra also the work goes on. Devanando Rao writes:
"We have been absent from our
headquarters for the last 21 days conducting anti-Communist meetings in
the villages. In 30 village meetings we explained the danger of Communism,
and we rejoice that hundreds of people accepted our message and promised
to defeat Communism. They say they were unaware of the fearful dangers we
revealed. We had to face brutal opposition from the Communists in
different places, but our dear Lord supplied the needed courage and
strength. I plan to reach 50 villages during the month of November with
the same anti-Communist message.
"We are planning
to conduct an anti-Communist school in Secunderabad during September for
50 young students and government officials. To do this we require about
$250. We rejoice to report that our orphanage is flourishing. Our children
are receiving the highest grades for both scholarship, and one of our boys
was elected as a School Pupil leader. It was a great honor for our
orphanage. I am grateful to Mrs. Rao for the fine Christian training she
gives to these dear ones. Please pray with us that they may become real
Crusaders of the cross of Christ. We need to buy Christmas clothing for
the children and $100 for this purpose would be a Christmas gift that
would bring great joy."
I wonder if there is some reader of these
lines who is preparing Christmas gifts for their own lovely children and
whose heart is touched with the need of these who have so little. Your gift
to them would bring so much happiness and reveal the true spirit of
Christmas.
THE CONGO
News from the Congo continues to be most disturbing as that country sinks
deeper into chaos and lawless passions stalk the land. Nevertheless, in
spite of the danger, Phil Claar, the missionary we have been helping, has
returned. He writes:
"We left at 2:00 A.M. when the
Bunia Garrison mutineed and started looking for white women.
"We have now
returned.
"The whole
affair was like an orchestra. It was well organized. We are publishing
tracts concerning peace and the evolutionary phases of Communism.
"We are nearly
sold out of the Heart, Mind and Soul of Communism. The Africans need
something simple and the booklet "It Couldn’t Happen Here" is
ideal. Send us any new material you may have. We will get them translated
and adapted and printed as we have with your previous materials.
Your Brother in Christ,
Phil Claar"
If this work of informing the Africans
concerning the true nature of Communism had been commenced years ago, we
might not have been experiencing the present tragedy.
SOUTH
AMERICA
The newspapers continue to be filled with the
ominous reports of the situation in Cuba. A similar situation is threatening
in Mexico and many countries to the South. Workers who understand Communism
must be placed in every university in Central and South America to fight the
Communist students who are supported from Russia and are working constantly
to overthrow the governments of their countries and bring them in chains to
their Communist masters.
The financial needs to
support a program of such magnitude are obviously very great. A million
dollars would be totally inadequate to do everything that needs to be done.
Every dollar given is an investment in a free future. It is a contribution
to the future happiness of home and children and a manifestation of the
living spirit of Christ. If you believe the things we are doing need to be
done, and that the Communist danger is menacing, will you strengthen our
hands by sacrificing and giving even more than you can easily afford?
Material assets will be a burden should Communism triumph.
THE
ARAB WORLD
We now have an opportunity to produce
literature in Arabic and have a young Arab working for this purpose. Here is
another field of limitless potential. The Disease of Communism is now
translated in Arabic.
The Communists are
giving the highest priority to the Arab world. Dare we do less?
SLOGAN WORTH
QUOTING
"The mimeograph is mightier than the
machine gun." This comes from Mr. Constantine Mitchell, 31 Virburnum
Lane, Levittown, Pennsylvania.
STOP PRESS
The Greater Los Angeles School for
Anti-Communism smashed all previous records. Nearly 5,000 attended during
the school. A special youth night found the Biltmore Bowl packed to capacity
while an overflow meeting jammed the Ballroom and watched Herbert Philbrick
on closed television. Among those who testified to the young students
concerning the nature of the Communist menace were Rafer Johnson, Olympic
Decathlon Champion, and Ty Hardin of Bronco Lane. The high school students
thrilled to their messages.
Words are inadequate to
express the triumphal spirit of these days. A fuller report will appear in
our next News Letter.
CONCLUSION
The Christmas season is approaching
characterized by "Peace on earth, good will to men." This is the
season of happy family reunions, laughter, and love. Love is expressed in
the giving of gifts. If we wish to continue to celebrate Christmas in the
future, we must bring the gift of body and mind to God and present them to
the Gospel of redemption that makes men free.
Your loving friend,
Fred Schwarz, President
Christian Anti-Communism Crusade
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