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The great
majority of the programs presented on television are selected by the three
major networks: CBS, NBC, and ABC. The power possessed by these networks far
exceeds that of any newspaper of publishing house in the United States.
The Christian
Anti-Communism Crusade has experienced the censorship of the television
moguls. When we conducted our anti-communism school in New York City, we
found it almost impossible to buy television time on any channel. After
considerable difficulty, we were able to purchase a little time on one
independent channel.
In Washington, D.C. it
was even worse. We were unable to purchase with the money one minute of time
at any hour of the day or night on any television channel that could be seen
in the Washington D.C. area during the entire period of our school of
anti-communism.
This censorship power
has recently revealed itself in its crudest form when the CBS Television
Network censored the musical spectacular "Up With People" off the
television stations owned and operated by CBS.
A large number of
television stations are affiliated with CBS Television Network, and a few
are "owned and operated" by CBS. The network can advise the
management of affiliated stations concerning programs, but it can dictate to
"owned and operated" stations.
The program "Up
With People" is a "sing-out musical" which presents the
ideology of patriotism and morality. The entertainment value of the program
is high. It has been enthusiastically endorsed by such American as John
Wayne, Walt Disney, and Jack Warner. The mast of ceremonies is Pat Boone.
The program is produced by Moral Rearmament and sponsored by the Schick
Safety Razor Company.
The reviews of the show
and the editorials have been practically 100 per cent favorable. The
outstanding exception to this is the review of the communist
"Worker."
The program was
scheduled for presentation on three stations owned and operated by CBS: KMOX
in St. Louis, WBBM in Chicago, and WCAU in Philadelphia. The authorities of
CBS Network proceeded to overrule the management of these stations and
forced them to cancel.
The reasons given for
this action are illuminating. They claimed to have a general policy that no
sponsored program can be of an ideological or editorial nature. Interpreting
this policy, they regarded a letter from a G.I. in Vietnam expressing
patriotic sentiments as editorializing. They objected to a song being
dedicated to Mr. Patrick Frawley, and they felt that the Moral Rearmament
per se could be classified as ideology. They also considered one portion of
the program to be anti-foreign aid.
The claim that no
program can be ideological is too ridiculous to be taken seriously. It is
impossible to present any intelligent program which does not present an
ideology. I remember viewing one program of "The Defenders"
presented by CBS. It was an ideological presentation of the virtues of
abortion and the abortionist.
The CBS policy resolves
itself into an authorization to censor any ideology with which the faceless
censors disagree.
Their attitude revealed
ideological support of foreign aid, reservations about the government policy
in Vietnam, personal animosity to Mr. Frawley, and hostility to Moral
Rearmament.
The Crusade has
recently experienced the power of the "faceless censors" at CBS
headquarters. We desired to present a series of four hour-long educational
programs on communism in San Diego. The featured speakers were:
Ex-Congressman Dr. Walter Judd; Herbert Philbrick; Serafin Menocal; and Dr.
Fred Schwarz.
Television Station KFMB,
Channel 8, in San Diego is a CBS affiliate. The local management was very
interested in the presentation of this series after viewing a video tape.
Before they agreed to a contract, they contacted the attorneys of CBS
Television Network in New York City. These attorneys advised against their
permitting the programs to be shown and we were censored from this channel.
We are happy to
announce that this policy did not prevail with the ABC Network, and the ABC
affiliate, XETV–Channel 6, showed the programs and the San Diego School of
Anti-Communism was held with outstanding results.
It has been well said,
"All power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." This
power in the hands of the hidden censors at CBS is a fearful thing.
This power must be
limited. This monopoly must be broken. All freedom is in jeopardy. Letters
to CBS Network, the Federal Communications Commission, Senators and
Congressmen, and even the President are in order.
MUSIC FOR MORALITY
The communists are unhappy that the forces of
freedom and morality have at last awakened to the power of music and have
commenced to use it effectively. The communists have been using music for
many years.
The Young Communist
League of London recently raised money for medical aid to the Vietcong by
presenting Phil Ochs, the American "protest" singer. Ochs was one
of the participants in the first Vietnam Day in Berkeley in 1965 and
frequently performs at communist-backed functions in the United States.
Another Berkeley
singer, Barbara Dane, has written to the communist "Worker" to
explain the role of "protest" singers in the advancement of
revolutionary goals. "We are not attempting to present what is commonly
called ‘entertainment,’" Miss Dane wrote.
Describing a November
Washington "peace" demonstration, she declared, "All of us
who participated are serious communicators with a point of view. We know
that while a speaker usually needs 15-20 minutes to make his point, a song
can often do it in 3-4 minutes, and that, because of its very essentialized
form, the idea often comes across with greater force."
The ideas of freedom
can be expressed most effectively by song, Our musical director, Janet
Greene, is not essentially an "entertainer" although her singing
is delightfully entertaining. The message conveyed is the important thing.
My daughter Rosemary is
a medical student in Sydney, Australia. She accompanied me on one speaking
tour of the universities during which I spoke on the theme "Communism,
Fascism, and Extremism." My speech usually took an hour to deliver.
With the candor of a daughter, Rosemary informed me that I would do better
by introducing Janet to sing the song "The Fascist Threat" since
she conveyed the essentials of my message more effectively in three minutes.
The influence of these songs is illustrated by extracts from letters
recently received:
"Dear Mrs. Greene:
"I am truly delighted that the Anti-Communist Crusade has produced
such a fine series of recordings. They will appeal ever so much to the
high school kids as this type of music is very popular indeed.
"I gave my
records to the sisters who conduct my annual summer school here. I intend
to use them again in class work during the scholastic year. Please produce
more of a similar type.
"May I suggest
that you write to the various Roman Catholic rectories in America and to
the superiors of the Roman Catholic schools. Many sisters are sure to
appreciate your recordings.
‘Cordially, Father J.C. Hunt, I.C. Pastor"
Another letter comes from a young
teenager:
"I
am a teenager, 15 years old, and I want to know about the things I can do
to help the cause.
" Janet Greene’s
records are very useful and it sure puts the word across to people. I
learn them and sing them a lot. I sang them once at a United State’s Dad
function and at a fire department and might sing at a legion convention
this summer."
"UP WITH
PEOPLE"
A magnificent musical spectacular called
"Up With People" has been sweeping the country. The program is
presented by a group of about 150 college students who have dedicated their
time and talents to bringing a message of freedom and morality to the
American people. The group is recruited, organized, and presented by Moral
Rearmament. It is an inspiring experience to see and hear them. Concerning
this program, John Wayne says: "This is a program you’ll love from
start to finish. There’s power in it which makes you want to get to your
feet and start doing something for your country."
Pat Boone says:
"These are songs you’ll never forget. I’m proud to have performed
with young Americans who simply won’t stand until they build a new
tomorrow for the world. And what talent!"
Walt Disney says:
"The happiest most hard-hitting way of saying what America’ all about
that I have ever seen or heard."
This program has been
presented nationally on television by the Schick Safety Razor Company with
the enthusiastic endorsement of its chairman, Patrick Frawley.
The Communist Party is
most unhappy about this as shown by the review of their television critic,
Ben Levine, in "The Worker" of Sunday, July 17.
"TV News
"Sound of Slaughter
"By Ben Levine
"Pat Boone and a bevy of young singers of fold songs have been conned
into being the unwitting salesmen of world slaughter. That is the sad truth
about the variety hour, "Up with People," recently put out on
Channels 11 and 5 and being offered in a widely advertised album.
"The program looks
and sounds as enticing as the Sirens that sang to the sailors of Odysseus.
"‘Fifteen Years
on the Erie Canal’ and ‘Wait for the Wagon’ lure the unwary, and there
follow words of wisdom as well as the lines of Brotherhood like ‘Black or
brown or yellow or white, every man is a saint in the good Lord’s sight,’
and there are tributes to Paul Revere and Joan of Arc.
"The first glimpse
of the cloven hoof comes with the singing of a song in honor of the program’s
sponsor, Patrick J. Frawley, president of Eversharp, Inc., which runs the
Schick Safety Razor Co.
Frawley, who with his
family was given a close-up introduction to the TV audience, was the sponsor
who a year ago withdrew a big ad contract from the network that permitted
Howard K. Smith to interview Alger Hiss.
"After bowing in
reverence to their ultra-Right patron, these singers went on to their next
foul assignment. They did an ugly parody of anti-war folksingers,
representing them as a pair of beatniks of indeterminate sex moaning:
"‘I don’t want
freedom.’
"‘Why do they
have to fight?’
"‘I want my
Willie.’
"‘Willie every
night.’
"After which, the
chorus broke in with a singing call to march to Vietnam.
"This plug for
war, paid for by a corporation under the guise of commercial advertising,
was so arrogant a use of money-power that it was rejected by CBS to whom it
was first offered.
"The program has
the fervent endorsement of big names like Walt Disney, John Wayne and Jack
Warner.
"Sponsoring it
also is the Moral Rearmament Conference, notorious in the 1930's for its
campaign to appease Hitler."
Schick Safety Razor
Company has prepared a long-playing album of these songs. You should have
one and play it for your friends. It will serve as an excellent introduction
to the battle against communism. You may also donate one to a school,
church, or club. They are available from our office. The price is $2.95.
REBUTTAL BY THE PRINCIPAL
OF GARFIELD JUNIOR HIGH
In our newsletter of June 27, we drew
attention to a home assignment of the Seventh Grade History Class of
Garfield Junior High in Berkeley. This assignment was a series of
affirmative statements relating to communism which were submitted to the
students presumably so that they could write a report on them. Along with
the Senate Factfinding Subcommittee on Un-American Activities of the
California Legislature, we were highly critical of an assignment in this
form being given to students aged 11 and 12 years.
The principal of
Garfield Junior High School, Robert N. Rowe, has indirectly replied to this
article. He answered a letter from a Mr. James C. Wilmeth of Fort Worth,
Texas, and sent me a copy. The letter is as follows:
"Dear Mr. Wilmeth:
"It is encouraging to know that fellow teachers are interested in
obtaining the full story regarding vital issues. The California Senate
Fact Finding Committee on Un-American Activities did not find the facts in
the Garfield Junior High School situation. Actually the so-called fact
finding senators did not contact me or any other employee of the Berkeley
School District before they printed their report. Their information could
only have been based on idle rumor.
"The questions
quoted by Dr. Schwarz were presented to twelve-year-old students (some
were as young as eleven). However, Dr. Schwarz fails to mention the
preparation provided before the questions were distributed nor does he
state that his account is taken completely out of context and that the
responses of the children were evidence of democratic enlightenment. The
Garfield faculty believes it is far better to discuss issues in a rational
classroom setting than on a busy street corner.
"Dr. Schwarz is
guilty of perpetuating a foul deed. His condemnation of the homework
assignment is comparable to condemnation of Dr. Schwarz for writing a book
entitled "You Can Count on the Communists." Anyone who read the
title without delving further might be lead to believe that communists can
be trusted. Half truths, quoting out of context, guilt by association are
tactics often used by communists. Dr. Schwarz’ principles are contrary
to mine if he believes that ends justify all means. Let’s fight
communism with the truth.
"Thank you again
for your inquiry. If you come to the Bay Area, please visit Garfield. It
is a school of 1600 wonderful children of all racial, economic, and social
backgrounds. We are proud of our program although we always are receptive
to constructive, objective criticism. We will oppose irresponsibility
whenever it arises.
"Sincerely yours,
Robert N. Rowe, Principal
Garfield Junior High School"
Mr. Rowe
acknowledges that this assignment was given to children aged 11 and 12. He
contends that a presentation in this form is similar to my writing a book
entitled "You Can Trust the Communists (to be Communists)."
He raises a legitimate
point. Many people have criticized the title of the book on the grounds
that, if taken in isolation, it appears to favor communism. When individuals
have written to me critically along these lines, I have tried to answer the
issue they raise reasonably and not to descend to personal abuse.
The title "You Can
Trust the Communists (to be Communists)" was designed for an adult
audience. When the book was selected as a high school textbook, we changed
the title to "Communism–the Deceitful Tyranny."
The statement,
"Dr. Schwarz’s principles are contrary to mine if he believes the end
justifies all means," is an indirect smear. It is a total irrelevancy.
Nowhere in the article do I state or infer that I believe the end justifies
the means. It is a discredited technique to divert attention from the point
at issue–the wisdom of presenting an assignment in this form to junior
high school students–and to direct it to nonexistent attitudes of mine. It
is unworthy of a school principal.
I reprint the
assignment under discussion. It is not idle rumor that this was given to the
children.
7th Grade, Garfield Junior High–History, Berkeley, California.
Home Assignment, January 17, 1966.
Why It Is Important For Us To Study
Russia.
1. If we wouldn’t be so anti-Communist many of you in this classroom
wouldn’t have to serve in the armed forces.
2. A large share of our tax money goes into building useless bombs. By
laying down our arms this would be a good example for the Communists and
also save us money.
3. We shouldn’t hate or dislike the Russians. After all they are only
people like ourselves.
4. If we were more willing to give in to what the Russians want, we wouldn’t
have to worry so much about fighting a war.
5. We should stop opposing the Communists so that we would not have to
spend any more money on influencing underdeveloped countries such as
Africa to follow American thinking rather than Russia’s ideas.
6. The best way to fight Communism is to worry about our own problems at
home and let the rest of the countries of the world do the same.
7. What do we care if other countries become Communistic; after all
shouldn’t they make their own decision as to what they want to do?
8. Why should some people have more than others? Under the Communist
system everyone could have as much as the next person.
9. There are many inequalities in this country such as racial
discrimination, poor housing and unfair employment practices. Perhaps it
is time for a change as our way of life hasn’t solved these problems.
The Communists offer equality for all so why shouldn’t we thy their way
for awhile? (Pages 120 and 121)
If Mr. Rowe
will submit a selection of the responses of the children which show
"democratic enlightenment," I will gladly publish them in our
newsletter.
COMMUNIST PROGRESS
WITHIN THE UNITED STATES
While American servicemen are located in a
battle to the death with communism in the jungles of Vietnam, this same
communism is making remarkable progress in the United States. The evidence
of this progress is all around us. I will cite the following examples:
National Convention
The 18th convention of the Communist Party U.S.A. was held in
New York from June 22, to the 25th. The party emerged from its
semi-underground status and identified communist delegates elected national
officers and laid plans for a mass political party. They elected Henry
Winston as national chairman and Gus Hall as general secretary. Henry
Winston is a Negro who is blind. His position is largely ceremonial. The
real power resides in the hands of Gus Hall.
Youth Recruitment
Bettina Aptheker, youth veteran of the Berkeley Free Speech Movement and
a member of the party’s youth section, estimated that there are five times
as many young members as there were three years ago. Total party membership
is estimated at between 10,000 and 12,000.
The convention was,
according to Gus Hall, "Possibly the most youthful convention in
Communist Party history."
Popular Vote
Dorothy Healey is chairman of the Communist Party of Southern
California. She is a paid organizer of the Communist Party. She ran for
assessor of Los Angeles County and advertised her communist affiliation
during the campaign. She received 89,000 votes. Her appeal was specifically
directed to the Mexican Americans and the Negroes.
Herbert Aptheker is a
congressional candidate in the 12th District in Brooklyn, New
York. He is the leading American Communist theoretician. He outlined how he
intends to campaign while attending the communist convention in New York. He
said that he did not think socialism is "on the agenda in 1966, not in
Brooklyn." His campaign will focus on the war in Vietnam and its impact
on domestic life, on rats, brutality, and other aspects of ghetto life. His
appeal will be directed primarily to the Negroes.
Financial Support
The improved financial support the party is receiving is illustrated by
an article in "The Worker" of Sunday, July 17, Page 3, by Art
Shields:
"Joseph
Brandt, our business manager, was doubly happy when I bid him goodbye last
weekend. . . . He always smiles when money for The Worker comes in. He has
the responsibility of keeping our paper alive by paying its bills. And he
gave me good news as we said goodbye.
"The good news
was that The Worker fund drive is doing better than at any time in the
1960's. More than $60,000 has come in from press committees between
February 15 and June 30.
"I asked Joe how
this compares with the drive of 1964, when The Worker celebrated its 40th
year. Joe grinned triumphantly as he replied: ‘We are $15,000 ahead of
1964. We received only $45,000 by June 30 two years ago.’
"‘That’s
swell,’ I remarked, ‘but how was it done.’
"‘It was done
by enthusiastic readers.’"
An
underestimation of the significance of a trained scientific Communist Party
contributes greatly to communist success.
CONCLUSION
Most teachers are anxious to have effective
tools to teach the truth about communism. These tools are not generally
available. One state passed a law that a course on the errors of communism
must be taught in high school, but no textbook was provided for the
teachers. When one teacher was asked what teaching materials he was using,
he replied, "Newspaper clippings."
Excellent educational
tools are now available. These include:
1) The recorded lecture
series, "What is Communism." We have offered tapes of these
lectures to the university and college radio stations. The results have been
amazing. They have been accepted with enthusiasm by a majority of the
stations to whom they were offered.
The series and the
anti-communist songs of Janet Greene is on four long-playing records. These
are ideal for high school class use. The problem is to inform the high
school teachers of their quality and availability. This is a problem in
merchandising which we hope to solve.
A great service would
be rendered by anyone purchasing a set and donating it to a high school
teacher or a class in History, Civics, or Problems of American Democracy.
2) The book
"Communism–the Deceitful Tyranny" is most suitable for class
use. Many are submitting it to the educational authorities of their state or
district.
It is better to light
one candle than to curse the darkness. If each of us will light a candle, we
can illuminate the classrooms of America.
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