Communism
in power imposes universal slavery. The Communists themselves define their
dictatorship as based on force, unrestricted by law. The Communist Party
acquires a fearful monopoly of all political, economic, educational,
judicial, military, and police power while every individual is isolated
and impotent. A mature Communist dictatorship can control the food supply
of every individual as by a faucet. In a similar manner it controls food
for the mind and spirit. The enslavement that results is complete and
beyond anything known in history. The only refuge for the slaves is to
escape.
Flight from Communism
This accounts for the headlong flight from the Communist
"paradise" wherever the slightest opportunity exists. Men tend
to cling to their homes and cherished possessions to the bitter end.
Natural calamities are usually insufficient to drive people from the lad
they love. Who can measure the heartache and terror that have driven the
multiple millions of refugees to flee their homes in a Communist land?
Can we imagine what
it would take to cause the average American citizen to gather together his
family and most cherished possessions and on some moonless night flee by
foot towards a distant border knowing that, when the border was reached,
the chance of a successful passage across it was limited? There would be a
plowed strip of ground surrounded by barbed wire, patrolled by angry and
hungry dogs. There would be watch towers at regular intervals with search
lights and guards armed with machine guns. Should the refugee be observed,
he would be shot without mercy. Even if he succeeded in escaping across
the border, no friends would await him; no home would be ready to embrace
him; and his family would be unwelcome and embarrassing guests in a
foreign land.
Wherever Communism is
in power, people do this by the millions. No sane individual would
willingly choose a manner of life that would compel him to do this.
Communism must, therefore, conceal its true nature while it is striving to
come to power. Once it is in power, it must erect impenetrable barriers to
prevent the flight of its slaves.
The latest national
monument to the hideous enslavement that Communism presents is the wall in
Berlin. It cries to all mankind that Communism
must come to power by deception and must remain in power by force.
A PROGRAM AGAINST COMMUNISM
A rationale of effective anti-Communist action is provided. Where
Communism is in power, the people are living under the rule of force. The
only effective weapon against force is greater force. Any effective
program in this situation is the responsibility of the government. There
is little that the individual can do as an individual.
There are many areas
where Communism is in the process of coming to power, and deception is
their dominant weapon. In these areas a program to spread knowledge
concerning the true nature and purposes of Communism can reap an abundant
harvest. Thus, the giving of knowledge does not merely lay the foundation
for an effective program, it is in large measure an effective program
itself.
Criticism of Lack of Program
The Christian Anti-Communism Crusade is frequently criticized on the score
that it lacks an effective anti-Communism program. While the Crusade is by
no means perfect, this particular criticism reveals the ignorance of the
critic rather than the inadequacy of the Crusade. If a man is on the verge
of buying a worthless oil stock from a very clever confidence operator,
and he receives the information that the man offering him the stock is a
well known criminal who has been convicted several times for selling
worthless shares to other people, this knowledge will protect from the
snare of the enemy. If the people of the world, who are being approached
by the attractive Communist confidence man, know the ugly fate that has
befallen others who have yielded to the blandishments of this clever but
dishonest salesman, they will resist Communist seduction. The spreading
knowledge concerning the nature and history of Communism in the areas
unconquered by the Communists is a most effective anti-Communism program.
The Christian
Anti-Communism Crusade is engaged in this task with energy and will.
Within the United States the anti-Communism schools being conducted are
reaping a large harvest. The response to the schools has surpassed by far
anything we imagined possible. We are confident even greater things lie
ahead as we go to Omaha and New York City. As we conduct more and more
schools, we are learning by our mistakes and improving the efficiency of
our program. The following statement of the Premises, Purposes and
Policies of the schools of anti-Communism has been prepared:
Premises:
1. Communism exists.
2. Communism is evil.
3. Communism proposes to conquer the world.
4. The dimensions of the Communist threat are alarming.
5. Past programs to restrain Communist advance have been inadequate.
6. Defensive programs alone will never prevail.
7. Both governmental and non-governmental action is necessary.
8. Such action must rest on adequate knowledge of the nature of Communism.
9. This knowledge should be possessed by every citizen who is a voter or
potential voter.
10. Such knowledge must be used with devotion to the ideals of freedom.
When reading these
premises, they appear so obvious it seems unnecessary to state them. It is
something like stating that most babies have mothers or that the Pacific
Ocean contains water. Deeper thought will reveal that many people do not
really accept these premises. I have met many "well educated"
people who are yet to be convinced on the existence of Communism. They
believe that something like Communism exists but that it is so changeable
and varied that we cannot know what it is and that we must begin afresh
every day to work out from the Communist statements and programs the
nature of Communism. They do not acknowledge the existence of a permanent
underlying "theology" called Marxism-Leninism and that the
apparent changes in Communism are simply consistent manifestations of the
"theology."
Many are far from
convinced that Communism is truly evil. They believe that it is a mixture
of good and evil and that it will be possible to gradually eliminate the
evil features so that it will become benefit to mankind.
If they do
acknowledge the necessity of anti-Communist programs, they assume that
these programs are the sole responsibility of the government and that the
individual citizen should keep out of it and mind his own business. They
are convinced that the general public is too dumb to understand the
problems Communism presents and that they should not be educated in the
subject but that the entire question should be reserved to a few
"super intellectuals" such as themselves. They thus
unconsciously reveal the totalitarian mind. Although they profess devotion
to democratic principles, they are fundamentally the enemies of true
democracy. They believe in the rule of an "elite."
The anti-Communism
schools are built upon the belief that government is the business of every
citizen and that an informed voter will be a more effective citizen.
Education concerning Communism is therefore presented for everyone. This
is democracy at work.
Purposes
1. To instruct citizens in the philosophy, morality, organization,
deceitful techniques and objectives of Communism.
2. To encourage the students to begin a continued program of study and
applied citizenship to transform acquired knowledge into local, national,
and international programs which will be effective in the maintenance of
freedom.
The main objective of the schools is not to
design specific programs but to create informed and dedicated people. The
battle against Communism is a continuing battle. As new situations arise,
new programs must be continually forged. Offensive programs must replace
those which have thus far merely formed an ineffective defense. To do this
the American people must be thoroughly informed concerning the nature and
techniques of Communism and completely dedicated to the preservation of
freedom. Communism has won its victories through dedicated people. They
can be defeated by people equally dedicated to the task of preserving
freedom under God.
Policies
1. To emphasize the nature and techniques of Communism as revealed in
their own basic literature and by their past history.
2. To refrain from judging other organizations or individuals. However,
the specific actions of organizations or individuals may be discussed in
relation to the announced Communist purpose.
3. No national programs will be designed.
4. The school is non-political, non-sectarian and secular.
5. Academic freedom is granted to faculty members. Their interpretations
and suggested programs are presented for consideration and are not to be
regarded as the official interpretations and policies of the school.
6. Not literature will be distributed promoting any organization not
formally associated with the school.
7. No literature attacking other organizations or individuals will be
distributed.
8. No petitions will be circulated nor programs of political action
advocated.
9. All speakers and personnel shall adhere to standards of courtesy and
truth.
The policies have
been forged on the anvil of experience. They are designed to prevent the
schools being sidetracked from the central issues of Communism to
secondary issues. They are not designed to eliminate all controversy.
Today there is a horror in many minds of any speaker or subject that is
controversial. On the other had it is very doubtful whether any speech
that is not controversial is worth making. If nobody can disagree with
anything that is said, why say it? The purpose of the speech is to
convince and persuade. Freedom is given to the speakers selected to
express their convictions. Freedom is granted to the listeners to hear the
view expressed, to relate them to the views expressed by others, and to
form their own judgements. This is academic freedom at work. The
viewpoint expressed by every speaker is not necessarily the official
policy of the school. I am constantly amazed when the most articulate
advocates of academic freedom revile the entire school because they
disagree with a few statements by one or more speakers. If they disagree
with the statements, they have the perfect right to advance alternate
viewpoints. No one is preventing them from doing this. In the market place
of ideas their explanations will find their true value.
The anti-Communism
schools have recently been receiving wide publicity in the national press.
Much of the publicity has been unfavorable and some of it viciously
dishonest. Nevertheless, I am convinced it serves a good purpose. It
directs the attention of intelligent people to the message, and we believe
reason, logic and truth will then prevail.
British Guiana
The situation that was simmering in British Guiana suddenly started to
boil. The government of Communis Cheddi Jagan introduced radical measures
that would have effectively destroyed the business community of that
country. The trade unions called a general strike. They were joined by the
leadership of the opposing political parties. The People’s National
Congress and the United Force. Violence broke out leading to general
rioting. Angry mobs, mostly Negro, burned stores of Indian merchants.
Jagan was forced to
call upon British troops to preserve law and order. Thus for the second
time British troops were compelled to intervene in internal Guianese
affairs. The previous occasion was in 1953 when they moved to prevent
revolutionary violence sponsored by the Communist Jagan and his
associates. Nine years later they moved to protect this same group from
the anger of the citizens of Georgetown. The wheel of fortune certainly
takes strange turns.
The unfortunate
occurrence focuses attention on the unstable situation in British Guiana
and the inadvisability of granting independence in this situation. If the
government of Britain retains authority in external affairs for a longer
period, this should delay the Communist objective of transforming British
Guiana into a Communist base in South America. This should provide time
for the forces of freedom to unite in a program to defeat the Communist
takeover. This is a test of the will, ability, understanding, and devotion
of free men.
Andhra State
As we had been warned by Devanada Rao, the Communists in Andhra State made
large gains. This is not the signal for despair but a challenge to more
effective anti-Communist education. The entire team of the Indian
Christian Crusade was hard at work explaining to the Indian people the
atheistic core and the deceitful nature of Communism. They are worthy of
our continued and increased support.
Hawaii: Manunaolu College
Maunaolu College is sending two (2) of her students to attend the Hawaii
School commencing on February 26 in Honolulu. These young men are being
sponsored by the Economics section at Maunaolu College. They are Mr.
Michael Broderick, a Honolulu man, and Mr. Daniel Mgirairikl from the
Trust Territory of the Pacific from the island of Koror in the Palau
District.
During the fall
semester the class used Dr. Fred Schwarz’s book, You Can Trust the
Communists–etc., as a supplementary text. As a result they were so
impressed that the class bought twenty (20) copies to be given to friends
with the following note attached–"If this book impresses you as
much as it did me, I hope you will give this or a like copy to a
friend." As part of the semester’s work each student was required
to write a term paper on Dialectical Materialism. I am enclosing a few
samples of the students’ papers to show Dr. Schwarz the knowledge these
sophomore college students have of the subject. A far cry from
pseudo-intellectuals in other institutions of higher learning.
India
The India elections have been held and show that the Communists are making
progress. There can be no relaxation in the ideological battle against
them. The rotary press in Kerala, India, is now going full blast. A unique
achievement is the production of an illustrated anti-Communist magazine of
the comic book type in the language of the people.
The Crusade was happy
to donate $5,000 for this project.
TRUTH VS. FALSEHOOD AND
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL
Of all the reactions by individuals to the San Francisco Bay Region School
of Anti-Communism, the most amazing was that of Attorney General Stanley
Mosk. The Attorney General is the officer of the state entrusted with the
administration of justice. Of all state officials he would be expected to
be impartial, unbiased and objective in his judgements and unrestrained in
his expression of them. Nevertheless, he launched an unprovoked attack
upon the school and inferred that its administrators were "patriots
for profit", thus casting a shadow on the character of some of the
finest men in the San Francisco Bay area. His charges were answered by the
financial chairman, Mr. Dunlap Clark, who is a retired bank president. On
the television program I invited Mr. Mosk to name the individuals who were
receiving profit from the school and offered to appear before him or any
investigators he named in public or private to answer any questions they
had. I also invited him to appear at the school and make his charges
before those in attendance and also before the television audience. He did
not accept this invitation but, after the school was over, he appeared on
Television Station KTVU, Channel 2, Monday, February 5, and made the
following statement:
—Attorney General Stanley Mosk
Television Station KTVU, Channel 2
Monday, February 5, 1962, 10:15 P.M.
Mr Mosk: I said the Crusade was not a school but a promotion, and was
challenged to prove my point or to apologize. I will prove the point.
The sessions have not
been organized as a school under the laws of any city or county and none
of the alleged instructors have teaching credentials issued by the State
of California. Thus, legally, this could not qualify as a school.
That this is a
promotion is indicated by the fantastic economic nature of the movement.
Just listen to these verified figures. For the 90 days following June 30,
1961, the so-called Crusade took gross receipts in Los Angeles alone in
the sum of $311,253. It expended $96,496 in rent, pay to its speakers,
advertising, printing and so forth, leaving a net profit of $214,757. This
is indeed big business, nearly a quarter of a million dollars net in 90
days. At that rate, there would be a million dollars a year in just one
city.
No one is told,
except in generalities, what is happening to the Oakland profits or to the
$100,000 taken out of Philadelphia; the $40,000 taken out of Phoenix, and
so on, city after city.
No wonder this whole
movement has been called "Patriotism for Profit." Those who
attended the meetings received a Schwarz price list. If an individual
bought one of each available tape and one of each booklet, it would cost
him $689.10. There is a presumption in the eyes of these promoters that
anyone who fails to but all this material is uninformed and perhaps
unpatriotic. The theme of these entrepreneurs of indignation is that
American policy with respect to Communism is all wrong and that in many
instances the policies are implemented by men whose loyalty is suspect.
They tell us we are
losing the Cold War. Orators of the radical right-wing dwell longingly
upon such topics as Cuba and Red China, and they say, "Isn’t it
awful!" But have you ever heard these men describe the tremendous
bastion of freedom which we have helped to construct in the common-market
countries of Western Europe? Have they told the stories of intense and
sustained effort made by the domestic Communist Party to win over
minority-group Americans, and how these Americans have completely spurned
the siren call of Communism to remain steadfastly loyal to America? Do
they tell of the steady diminution of the strength and influence of the
Communist Party in the United States?
And when they talk
about Berlin, do they point out that the flow of refugees is from
Communism to freedom, and not vice versa; that it is freedom, not
Communism, which has "laid aholt" on the hearts and minds of
these people, and that it is freedom for which they risk their very lives?
Let’s discuss
patriotism. The orators of the radical-right have tried to pre-empt the
term "patriotism." It reminds me of the time that we almost let
the Communists pre-empt the term "peace."
It is patriotic to
demand that the Chief Justice of the United States by impeached? Is it
patriotic to sow dissension by insisting that some of the very highest
leaders in the United States are disloyal? Is it patriotic to debase free
and open debate by heckling and shouting and hooting? Is it patriotic to
deride Democracy by calling it a perennial fraud? Does this help America
or hurt America?
Many good people have
written to me and asked, "How can I fight Communism? Are there any
alternatives to these promotions?" Of course there are. There are
just as many alternatives as there are free men. Each individual must be
more than anti-Communist. He must fid for himself through our legitimate
institutions how he can constructively serve America and liberty and
Democracy. Let us turn aside from these shrill-voiced apostles of despair.
The leading anti-Communist is not to be found among them. He is to be
found in the White House. He is the President of the United States of
America. Every President of the United States.
In these difficult
times, let us rally to his support and to the support of our Government,
our churches, our schools, our universities, where these defeatists now
dissension. Let them reap a reaffirmation of faith in our free
institutions. The radical-rightist suggests defeatism in his very slogan,
"I’d rather be dead than Red." The thoughtful American
responds, "I intend to be alive and free."—
Coming from an
Attorney General, this is a truly remarkable statement. Where he is
quoting figures officially provided by the Crusade, they are correct.
People would infer that he discovered by brilliant investigation the
donations made to the Southern California School of Anti-Communism. The
truth is that he took them from the published audit. In keeping with our
custom, the Crusade funds are audited and published. We are proud of the
confidence of our friends and the growth of our work. The funds entrusted
to our care are invested most effectively in the battle for freedom. In a
recent letter we outlined recent special expenditures in the vicinity of
$200,000.
One would expect Mr.
Mosk to be accurate in his figures. Where he obtained the figure of
"$100,000 from Philadelphia" I have no idea. I ask Mr. Mosk to
justify this sum. Imagination apparently works strange tricks.
I invite Mr. Mosk to
attend the next School of Anti-Communism we conduct in California and to
base his charges upon knowledge, not prejudice.
Often we win friends
among those who investigate even when they are prejudiced in advance. Many
of our critics have believed the false information they have received.
Nevertheless, their natural honesty suggests they investigate for
themselves. One such individual is the pastor of the Piedmont Community
Church, Piedmont California. While he retains certain reservations
concerning the Christian Anti-Communism Crusade and our methods, his
report is basically honest and we appreciate this sincerely. We do not
object to criticism. We realize that perfection is still a long way off.
All we ask is that our critics employ the truth as the foundation for
their judgments:
Jack Pickett Answers
Following the furor created in San Francisco, Jack Pickett, Editor and
Business Manager of the California Farmer, 83 Stevenson Street, San
Fracisco, California, February 17, produced an editorial. He writes:
"We have decided
in our own mind that the time has come to stand up and be counted. It
seems to us that too many people are being cowardly about their label.
We refer to the label of left wing, right wing, middle of the road.
"For the past
four nights we have been glued to our TV set watching Dr. Fred C.
Schwarz conduct his Christian Anti-Communism Crusade. If Schwarz
represents the right wing, we gladly accept the label.
"Now, we do
not expect all our readers to agree with us on this matter but then
again we never ask that you agree with us 100 per cent. We do have one
request–if you are going to tackle us on this problem, we ask that you
listen to Schwarz and make your evaluation out of actual contact with
the man and his school.
"After
listening to Schwarz intently, we have been really intrigued at the
source of some of the criticism. For the life of us, we cannot see any
harm to the project Schwarz has undertaken. On the other hand we wonder
what motivates the people who attack a man who is dedicated to fighting
Communism.
"We just
wonder how many people felt as annoyed as we did at the Attorney General
for the way he attacked Dr. Schwarz.
"Taking a
stand on the right, middle or left is becoming quite an emotional issue.
We have decided in our own mind that if we err, we want our error to be
in right field and not in left field.
Thank you,
Jack Pickett"
Other Editorials
"The Daily Review
Hayward, California, Monday, February 5, 1962
Editorials
Anti-Red Work Continues
"Brave, not slave.
"This is one of the key thoughts left by a top speaker who addressed
the Bay Region School of Anti-Communism, just concluded at the Oakland
Auditorium.
"Brave, not
slave.
"Leaving behind
the wisps of controversy which no doubt heightened interest in the school,
the hundreds of dedicated persons who attended the sessions to gain more
knowledge of the enemy now are better prepared to continue the assault on
Communism.
"Books on
Communism sold by the hundreds, tapes of the speeches by such authorities
as W. Cleon Ckousen, Herbert Philbrick, Rep. Walter Judd, Sen. Thomas
Dodd, and Dr. Fred C. Schwarz will be taken back to homes, clubs and all
sorts of group activities for study.
"The knowledge
gained and refreshed will make the week-long sessions a continuing source
of inspiration long after the school faculty has departed temporarily from
the scene.
"Other thousands
who watched the nightly television shows from the school, in truth, also
got some education. They heard the opinions of top-flight speakers on the
prime topics of our day and world.
"The viewers
could make up their own minds on the subject matter and presentation.
"It was a school
in every true sense of the word. Information was imparted to audience who
listened of their own free will, free to evaluate and accept or reject
ideas advanced by the faculty.
"There was the
promise of more to come. Plans are being made by the sponsoring committee
to have another School of Anti-Communism in the summer, probably at the
Cow Palace.
"The subject of
the school — anti-communism — will be brought again and again to the
attention of the American public who, in increasing numbers, are showing
an eagerness to learn."
"Mosk’s Flight with Fancy"
Attorney Gen. Stanley Mosk’s charge of ‘fly-by-night’ against the
School of Anti-Communism must be viewed in its true perspective of
political hoakum.
"His implication
that the school’s backers were interested mostly in fleecing the public,
gathering in all the money they could and slipping off like petty thieves
in the night is rather shabby when examined closely.
"Right in the
middle of the citizens group sponsoring the school were Alameda Count
Dist. Atty. Frank Coakley and Alameda County Sheriff Jack Gleason.
"As chief law
enforcer of the State of California, shouldn’t Mosk, in doing his
minimum duty, pounce on legal wrong or investigate possible fraud if he
has reason to believe it exists.
"Mosk didn’t
pounce. Why?
"It’s clear
that Mosk was talking in the main role he has played as attorney general,
that of a vocal political spokesman for the Democratic Party.
"The attorney
general had questioned the finances of the school and its chief
schoolmaster Dr. Fred Schwarz. The attorney general was invited to look at
the books. He declined.
"It doesn’t
take much to figure out why he declined.
"It would seem
reasonably clear that the district attorney and the sheriff already would
have determined what kind of company they were keeping on the steering
committee.
"And the last
night of the school’s television sessions the district attorney sat on
the speaker’s platform as the attorney general again was invited to put
up or shut up.
"Just who is
‘fly-by-night’?"
FRESH OFF THE PRESS
Many clubs, organizations, and business firms have recently started
Americanism and Anti-Communism study discussion groups using this book as
their study guide. The response to these study groups has been amazing!
The public is gravely concerned and anxious to learn more about this
threat to our way of life. A number of groups are reselling the book to
the general public and to the firms and industries in the locale.
Prentice-Hall has
just announced that they will publish a 50 cent paper bound edition of
"You Can Trust the Communists". For quantity prices contact our
office, 124 E. First St., Long Beach, California.
OMAHA, MAY 7-11
Omaha is the city in which we anticipate one of the very finest
anti-Communism schools we have yet held. The dates will be May 7-11. A
fine committee of outstanding citizens is being formed to sponsor the
school. Those desiring further information concerning this school or
participation in it, write to Mrs. Truman Wood, 5410 Seward Street, Omaha
4, Nebraska.
THUNDER ON THE RIGHT
The CBS network has now joined with various national magazines and
segments of the press in an effort to discredit the Christian
Anti-Communism Crusade and to publicize "the big lie" that the
Crusade is an extremist right wing organization. I have to admire the
thoroughness with which they developed their smear. They sent a team under
the leadership of Bill Leonard to St. Petersburg, Florida, for the entire
week of the school. This teem took approximately 50,000 feet of 35MM film.
They also sent a representative to Oakland, California, who filmed crowd
scenes and interviewed students. From this vast quantity of film, they
were able to select and combine small portions to present their
preconceived picture showing me as a "pitchman" without giving
any hint of the message or work of the Crusade. I dispatched these letters
to Bill Leonard and the president of CBS.
"Mr Bill Leonard
C.B.S.
485 Madison Avenue
New York City, New York
Dear Bill:
My confidence in my judgment of character is severely shaken. I have seen
the CBS Reports television program "Thunder on the Right" and it
did what so many of my friends warned my it would do. Whenever they warned
me to be careful, I replied that I had met and talked with you and that,
if the presentation was not objective and fair, I was the world’s worst
judge of character. I consider the program the most effective forgery by
film that I have ever seen.
When you first
contacted my, I told you that I would cooperate fully if the desire was to
be objective and factual but that I had no interest if conclusions had
already been reached and selective material was required to illustrate
these conclusions. You assured me this was not the case. Apparently the
decision had already been made that we were an extremist right wing
organization and should be thus reported. When the decision was made to
concentrate on me as a pitchman, I do not know.
I am happy to see
that you were not the major commentator. I would like to think that your
responsibility was limited. As far as I am concerned, the only honest
portion of the entire film as it relates to me was the part where you
questioned me concerning the accusation that our anti-Communism schools
gave indoctrination, not education.
I was presented in
the film in various scenes. As I recall them, they were:
1. Selling books.
2. Bragging about the results of the Los Angeles school.
3. Talking about taking an offering. No hint of the purpose of the
offering was given anywhere. Apparently this may have destroyed the
image it was desired to create.
4. Teaching how to spell "dialectical."
5. Speaking via television to the students of the high schools in the
area. It is my impression that the message I was heard giving was not
the message I gave on this occasion. Could you let me know if this is
correct as I do not wish to misjudge.
6. Answering your question concerning education or indoctrination.
Nowhere was there any
intelligent presentation of the message which consumes the great majority
of the time at the schools. This I consider dishonesty.
In spite of this, I
am glad that the program was presented. I am hopeful that I will be able
to secure a copy of the film and utilize it as an example of the use of
the techniques for dishonest purposes.
If I have been harsh
in my judgements, I hope you will enlighten me concerning any facts of
which I am unaware.
Yours very sincerely,
Fred Schwarz
President
Christian Anti-Communism Crusade"
"The President
CBS Television
485 Madison Avenue
New York City, New York
Sir:
I viewed your program ‘Thunder on the Right’ with astonishment tinged
with reluctant admiration. I consider it the most effective ‘forgery by
film’ I have seen. By the process of selection and elimination, an
entirely false picture of the Christian Anti-Communism Crusade and my
message was presented.
The Christian
Anti-Communism Crusade was classified as an extremist right wing
organization. No evidence was submitted for this classification. The
message of the Crusade was completely ignored. The practical worldwide
projects of the Crusade for which the offerings are received were not even
mentioned.
I apply for equal
time on your television stations to dispel the false image you created.
Could the Christian
Anti-Communism Crusade purchase a 16 MM film presentation of the program?
I would like to use it at our anti-Communism schools to illustrate great
technical proficiency in the service of dishonesty.
Yours very sincerely,
Fred Schwarz
President
Christian Anti-Communism Crusade
FCS/ed
P.S. I have enclosed a copy of this letter to the Federal Communications
Commission, Washington, D.C."
HONEST AND DISHONEST
CRITICISMS
A Candid Commentary Printed ‘in toto’ from a Pastoral Letter
The most difficult thing in the world is to try to look at a thing which
runs against established perspectives and prejudices with a fair mind.
The Christian
Anti-Communism Crusade is a case in point. In my mind this whole business
has been suspect from the time I first heard of it. It disturbed me to
find that some of our most intelligent people were taking serious interest
in this business.
But I resolved to
make my own study of the matter.
Although eight
prominent religious leaders, whose integrity is beyond question, had sent
a strong word of caution to the constituency of their churches, I wanted
to make my own evaluation. I became a little dubious that the leaders had
done their homework with their usual thoroughness. And I noted that the
articles in the pater that spoke condemnation of the crusade were
notoriously lacking in careful documentation. Everything seemed to be
couched in hunches and generalities. Not much to go on.
Therefore, last week,
I took time to do some thinking on my own about this school. I went to a
press conference, where it was supposed the eight religious leaders were
to talk to Dr. Schwarz. They did not appear for reasons which I would not
question. They had no obligation to respond to this sort of interchange;
but in any case I didn’t learn much in that situation. Then I listened
to a discussion on television on Friday evening, January 26th.
The following morning I went to a breakfast where Dr. Schwarz was the
principal speaker. He outlined the objectives of the Anti-Communism
School. On Saturday evening I had an hour of conversation with Dr.
Schwarz. Monday evening I went to the Oakland Municipal Auditorium and
heard Dr. Schwarz and Congressman Walter Judd. Following the evening
meeting, I drove Dr. Judd to the San Francisco Airport.
My attitude as of
this moment is that the critics of the Anti-Communism School have drawn
their conclusions without having studied the situation fairly. Dr. Schwarz
is not of the John Birch society stripe. He is an intelligent man, with a
fine sense of humor. He is a little too ready to strike out at his
opponents with blanket declarations of their unworthiness, but he has had
provocations that would make any spirited may react. He may get over his
tendency to equate his position with the persecution that Christ endured.
I don’t know exactly what an opportunist is, but I must say in fairness
that I do not think Dr. Schwarz is that! He is a showman. (How could he
undertake such a business if he weren’t!) Undoubtedly he has developed a
deep personal involvement in the Crusade, but I suppose that anyone who
starts any kind of organization–business, social, religious,
educational–can be said to be deeply involved in the welfare of his
brainchild.
Personally, I have no
taste for the hoop-de-la that surrounds this sort of mass program. But the
political rally atmosphere of the School should not cause us to draw hasty
conclusions. Dr. Schwarz is a teacher and an able one. The build-up for
the school, which has some distasteful qualities to all of us refined
people (that includes me!) is not a part of the mood of the teaching
program itself. Dr. Schwarz knows his subject and he makes his listeners
do some brainwork as he analyzes Communist aims and intentions.
In a half a dozen
opportunities to sense the spirit of the Crusade, I have found no evidence
of a desire to turn neighbor against neighbor in suspicion and mistrust.
If that should occur as a direct or indirect intention of this program, as
the week progresses, I would renounce the whole program with all the vigor
I could summon. One of the reasons, I am sure, that many disapprove of the
program is that some of the supporters of the Crusade seem to have an
ability to project suspicion and distrust of American for American. I have
met and talked to a few who are convinced that the University of
California is almost completely peopled by Communists, that all foreign
aid is a direct result of Communist success in getting us to bleed
ourselves poor by giving away all our money, who are sure that everything
which smacks of what is derisively called ‘do-goodism’ is a
capitulation resulting from the softening-up process that the Communist
have been carrying on in our midst. With such thinking I have no sympathy.
I do not understand
what motivates men to go on this sort of a campaign, but that isn’t the
point. Personal judgments concerning motives are rarely valid. I do not
think that the United States is about to capitulate to Communism from
within, and I do not think Dr. Schwarz believes this. But who can doubt
the gravity of the contest that confronts us? I dare say that the
Anti-Communism School will cause some serious thinking about the nature of
the greatest threat to peace and freedom of the twentieth century.
I do not feel that
the person who does not attend or support the school should be thought of
as suspect–nor vice versa. The one who does not attend may have his own
ways of studying and contending with Communism.
My own taste
doesn’t run in the direction of "mass evangelism" of this
sort. I’m not much for cheering, hissing and clapping at public
meetings.
Any person who is
willing to expose himself to this business can learn something from the
program; no doubt about that. He can learn while at the same time
criticizing particular perspectives and disagreeing with various
interpretations. He can, obviously, take vigorous exception to the whole
business.
I don’t respond
much to the "anti" attitude. I do not like the idea of
establishing anti-Communism week in the cities.
I certainly do not
believe that everyone who disagrees with Dr. Schwarz is anti-Christ.
I suspect that there
are some who might attend all the sessions of the School and conclude that
there is something sinister in it. I have not found this sinister quality
(although I expected to). The leaders of the school seem to have a purpose
quite other than discord and disruption. I have felt some of this tendency
in the response of some of the people who have been stirred by the
program. This, I believe, is the basis of much of the opposition to the
Crusade.
In our free society
we can afford to take a good look at a program of this sort without
hysteria. I do not intend to go to every session, but I shall view a few
more of the programs, either on TV or at the auditorium.
I shall not join the
Crusade, as I would join the Church. But I shall see what there is to be
learned from those who may have more reason than I to know the nature of
the Communist threat.
Paul W. Yinger
Editor: In contrast to Pastor Yinger’s commentary is the incredible
continuing dishonesty of The Rev. Martin Goslin, Pastor of the
Congregational Church, 6th at University, Seattle 1,
Washington. Below is a letter that he sent to Mrs. Marshall of Seattle:
"Dear Mrs. Marshall,
I do not wish to contradict you, or change your mind–since from your
attitude I know I could do neither successfully. But I would like to point
out two factors which cannot be held in any doubt.
First: Fred
Schwarz’s school was announced to Seattle by a letter sent thru the mail
to many thousands. This letter opens with a quotation from General George
Van Horn Moseley. It is a high-sounding quote. But do you know who Gen.
Moseley was? No, I am sure you do not. Dr. Schwarz knew, but figured we
would all forget. General Moseley is the only American General ever
condemned before the House Unamerican Activities Committee for being
out-and-out Fascist. He was directly connected with the German American
Bund and discredited in 1940. He died a year or so ago. This is the kind
of Patriotism to which Schwarz calls us.
Secondly, Fred
Schwarz ways he is not familiar with the John Birch Society. He has been a
student and teacher in the Harding College set-up in Searcy, Ark. and a
fellow teacher and lecturer with Rebert Welch on countless occasions. He
and Mr. Beagley and Benson and numerous other known "Birchers"
have been together on Boards of various "Front" organizations
for many years. If Schwarz "knows little" about the Birch
Society he is a very stupid man. His membership cannot be proven since the
list is a dark secret and so intended to be as were all Fascist
organizations. I think you might look a little farther–but I have no
hope you will.
As regards the
churches and religion, I find that those who take no part in the former
and have little of the latter are quite likely to do a lot of shouting
about both.
Of course, the F.B.I.
may be suspect by you, but J. Edgar Hoover has said that there is neither
Communism nor Communists among the Churches–despite the charges of
fundamental Baptist evangelists like Schwarz or Hargis who you may follow.
It is also
interesting to note that not one incident of any malicious defacing of
Church property occurred in Seattle until the week after both Schwarz and
Welch came to town. Since then, churches along Broadway and in W. Seattle
have had bulletin boards smeared with paint. We do not feel that either
man would condone this, but the radical fringe they stir up does commit
such acts. It is good to know who some of this radical fringe is–for
they flood the mails with letters and make all sorts of anonymous phone
calls–usually filthy, profane and threatening.
This is, in brief,
the kind of thing that you and Mrs. Brown seem to like, and it is nice to
know at least how two women in our community stand. I hope I have not
bored you.
Sincerely,
Martin L. Goslin"
My Comments
I have seldom seen so many incorrect statements in such a short epistle. I
will mention a few of them:
1. The letter containing the quotation from General
George Van Horn Moseley was sent out without my knowledge or
participation.
2. I had never heard of Van Horn Moseley.
3. I have never met Robert Welch.
4. As far as I know, I have never appeared on a faculty with him at
Harding College.
5. I am a member of the board of Christian Anti-Communism Crusade and of
the board of no other organization within the United States.
I could go on but this is enough. What crimes are
committed in the name of Christianity!
CONCLUSION
An effective technique in warfare is to divert the enemy into an area
where he can do little to achieve his objective. We must never forget the
objective of the Christian Anti-Communism Crusade, and we must beware of
efforts made to divert us into other fields. The enemy is the world
Communist conspiracy with its godless philosophy and its program of human
enslavement. We must focus our attention upon this enemy. Our motivating
power must continue to be the love of Christ shed abroad in our hearts.
To successfully
achieve our goal, we need continual guidance from God and increasing
endowment of His love and the support of many thousands of citizens and
Christians dedicated to the survival of freedom. As the attacks of the
enemy become more vicious and varied, we are confident of the sustaining
grace of our heavenly Father and the increasing generous support of His
earthly children. May I count on you as a loyal friend and co-worker?
Your very sincerely,
Fred Schwarz
President, Christian Anti-Communism Crusade
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