The doctrine that America is “imperialistic” is believed and proclaimed by the overwhelming majority of the organizations and individuals who make up the so-called “left.”  It unites all the sects of communists, anarchists, and cultural revolutionaries into a movement for the destruction of the United States.

            The doctrine of “imperialism” teaches that America is a thief who practices armed robbery with violence against other nations particularly the underdeveloped countries.  The products of “imperialistic” thievery are distributed to the American people including the workers so that the wages received by American workers are higher than in other countries.

            A clear statement on this is given in the basic document of the Weatherman who consider themselves armed urban guerrillas as war with the United States.  They boast of their responsibility for many of the bombings.  Before going underground, they were official leadership of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS).  Their basic document is entitled “You Don’t Need a Weatherman to Show Which Way the Wind Blows.”  The document states:

            “It is in this context that we must examine the revolutionary struggles in the United States.  We are within the heartland of a world-wide monster, a country so rich from its world-wide plunder that even the crumbs doled out to the enslaved masses within its borders provide for material existence very much above the conditions of the masses of people of the world.  The US empire, as a world-wide system, channels wealth, based upon the labor and resources of the rest of the world, into the United States.  The relative affluence existing in the United States is directly dependent upon the labor and natural resources of the Vietnamese, the Angolans, the Bolivians and the rest of the peoples of the Third World.  All of the United Airlines Astrojets, all of the Holiday Inns, all of Hertz’s automobiles, your television set, car and wardrobe already belong, to a large degree to the people of the rest of the world.”  Page 52.

            This theory originated with Lenin, who in 1916 wrote the book “Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism.”  This book is probably the most influential book throughout the world today.  It claims that the process of capitalism creates monopoly in business and industry and the accumulation of capital.  Ultimately this capital falls into the hands of banks and becomes “finance capital.”  He states:

            “Finance capital is capital controlled by banks and employed by industrialists.”  Page 73.

            Discussing the role of banks, he says:

            “As banking develops and become concentrated in a small number of establishments, the banks grow from humble middlemen into powerful monopolies having at their command almost the whole of the money capital of all the capitalists and small businessmen and also the larger part of the means of production and of the sources of raw materials of the given country and in a number of countries.”  Page 45.

            Lenin argues that “finance capital” must be invested profitably.  In order to secure maximum profit, it is exported to a foreign country.  When capital goes to a foreign country, it exploits the local population by paying low wages to the national workers and extracts the mineral or agricultural wealth which is transported back to the United States.  Within the United States the raw material is processed and sold at a huge profit.  Sometimes the underdeveloped countries become markets and their own processed products are sold back to them at inflated prices so the robbery is compounded.

            Following this doctrine of Lenin, the revolutionaries believe that America is the leading “imperialist” nation today.  This is because American foreign investments are much greater than those of nay other country.  They claim that American foreign, diplomatic, and military policies are designed to protect American overseas investments and that this is the reason for the wide distribution of American military bases throughout the world.

            If any government threatens American investments, it is usually subverted from within or overthrown by military invasions.  The favorite example given is American intervention in the Dominican Republic.  The war in Vietnam is likewise treated as a simple manifestation of American imperialism.  This is in spite of the fact that no one has yet been able to discover the investments which would justify such an expenditure of American blood and treasure.

            This doctrine of imperialism is not confined to revolutionary circles within the United States.  It is taught in most universities throughout the world.  The students are led to blame the United States for the poverty in their own country.  They assume that if American imperialism could be destroyed, prosperity would soon be the lot of all mankind.

“Imperialism” Analyzed

            Is this argument true?  There are elements of truth in it.  No error ever seduces a large number of people without an admixture of truth.  Error devoid of truth is as unappetizing as an unbaited hook.

            Tennyson says:

“A lie that is half a truth is the wickedest lie of all,

            For a lie that is all a lie can be met with a fought outright,

            But a lie that is half a truth is a harder matter to fight.”

Logical Error

            Selected facts, combined with impeccable logic can produce absurd conclusions.  To illustrate this, I present the argument that an increase in pregnancy reduces the population.

            Selected fact No. 1:  Pregnancy causes death.  This is indisputable.  Infant and maternal mortality are grim facts of life.  Taking the figures for 1968 provided by the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, there were approximately 77,000 infant deaths and 1,000 maternal deaths, a total of 78,000 deaths due to pregnancy.

            Selected Fact No 2: An increase in deaths reduces the population.  This is unarguable.

            Conclusion:  An increase in pregnancy reduces the population.

            The edifice of nonsense is constructed by selecting 2 per cent of reality and ignoring 98 per cent.  It concentrates on the subtractions and ignores the additions.

            The edifice of nonsense known as “imperialism” is constructed by selecting one portion of reality and ignoring other parts.  It ignores the benefits added by foreign investment to the country where the investment takes place.

            The investment of capital in underdeveloped countries frequently confers great benefits upon the people in whose country the capital is invested.  To illustrate this, I present the results of investment of American capital in Australia. Although Australia is not exactly an underdeveloped country, it is still an alleged victim of “American Imperialism.”

            Recently extensive deposits of minerals, including iron ore, have been discovered in Australia.  “American Imperialism” is in the process of “robbing” the Australians of these valuable natural resources.

            Iron ore has been discovered in Northwestern Australia.  The area is desolate and isolated.  There is scarcely a blade of grass or a drop of water within hundreds of miles.  The climate, with searing high temperatures, is unfit for man or beast.

            At great expense to Americans, a railway is constructed to service the area.  Wells are drilled to secure water.  Houses and industrial buildings are constructed.  With water from the wells available for irrigation, the land is tilled and lawns and trees planted.  The necessary equipment is transported to the site and the operation commences.  All this development has not cost Australians one cent.  The “imperialists” need labor.  To persuade Australian workers to leave the cities, there must be considerable rewards.  Wages must be much higher than those available in civilized areas.  If an individual words for a year and saves his income, he can  have quite a sum for investment.

            The processed ore is transported and sold, hopefully at a profit.  Taxes are paid to the Australian Government.  The stockholders in the American firm receive their dividends.

            Australia has lost a hill in the desert.

            Australia has gained: 1) National income, 2) A garden in the desert, 3) High wages for workers with resulting benefits in nutrition, health, and housing for men, women, and children.

            Surely Australia has gained much more than she lost in the process.

            To come closer to home, consider “American Imperialism” as it operates in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.  This is a rapidly growing Mexican city across the Rio Grande from El Paso, Texas.

            The terrain is inhospitable desert.  Nevertheless, the population is growing by leaps and bounds.  On a recent visit to El Paso, I was informed that Juarez was the largest border city in the world; a claim which I have not checked.

            What accounts for the phenomenal growth of Juarez?  American firms have built factories there to take advantage of lower Mexican wages.  The products of these factories are usually transported to the United States and sold at considerable profit.

            What are the results in Mexico?  Mexicans from a wide area have converged on El Paso hoping to secure employment in the factories.  They come because income and conditions provided by factory employment are superior to those they previously endured.  Many are successful and many are disappointed.  Housing is inadequate and hygienic facilities are non-existence for some so that large shanty towns come into being.  Some live in holes in the ground.

            Nevertheless, large numbers of Mexicans are living far better than before.  Houses with running water and electric lights are being built, education and medical care are being provided, and the material quality of life is improved for many.  The net result is advantageous for many Mexican citizens.

            This is not to state that the situation cannot be improved.  There are doubtless individual instances where investments work to the disadvantage of the local inhabitants.  Such cases should be considered on their merits.  Generally speaking, however, foreign capital investment improves material well-being for many.  It is obviously wrong to assume that investment of foreign capital in an underdeveloped country is essentially evil.

American Prosperity Due to Foreign Investments

            The claim that American prosperity is based on income secured from investment in underdeveloped countries is easily disproved by the facts.  Here are some official statistics for 1969 as supplied by the Department of Commerce:

Total US assets and investments abroad,                                   $146,143,000,000

Total assets and investment of foreigners in the U.S.A.,  $81,000,000,000

Total income from U.S. foreign investments,                              $8,838,000,000

Total payments by U.S. to foreign investors,                              $4,463,000,000

Wages paid to U.S. employees in 1969,                                    $564,300,000,000

            If every cent earned by foreign investment was paid in wages to American workers, it would pay less than 1 per cent of the American wage bill.

            Distribution of U.S. investment in foreign countries:

            Canada                        30 per cent

            Europe             30 per cent

            Latin America   18 per cent

            Asia                 8 per cent

            Africa               5 per cent        

            Australia           5 per cent

            Only 30 per cent of American foreign investment is in the underdeveloped countries of the Third World.  This is probably one reason they remain underdeveloped. They could profit considerably by an increased investment.

The Emotional Factor

            Since the argument is so obviously fallacious, what is the explanation for its appeal to so many.  It is not difficult to understand that those living outside the United States accept this argument because it provides a scapegoat on whom they can place the blame for the poverty and misery that surrounds them.  The doctrine is especially valuable to demagogic politicians as it enables them to promise people an almost immediate deliverance from poverty.  Prosperity, they allege, can be achieved by nationalizing American-owned industries and distributing the profits going to Americans to the local people.  The arguments is persuasive, but the promised prosperity proves elusive and never follows the expropriation and nationalization.

            Why does it appeal to educated American youth?  The Weathermen are the products of the wealthiest homes and most prestigious universities.  Most of them were first-rate students.  Their whole program is based upon this fallacious doctrine.

            Where passions are deeply stirred, reason is frequently the victim.  Convictions tend to be in tune with the emotional vision.  The Weathermen are enraged and need an object on which to vent their rage.

            They are enraged with life.  They have been surfeited with material goods and deprived of true love and personal affection.  They have embraced material philosophy and this has robbed them of any hope for the continuity of life.  Life becomes absurd and futile.  There is no worthy cause to which to dedicate their keen intellect and immense energy.

            Loss of faith in the future life produces loss of meaning in this life.  This has always been acknowledged by great thinkers.  St. Paul says, “If the dead rise not, we are of all men most miserable. . .  Let us eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die.”

            Tennyson writes:

            “My gift of life doth tell me this

            That life shall live forever more

            Else earth is darkness at the core

            And dust and ashes all that is.”

            The modern translation is: “If you are traveling in the Titanic, you may as well go first class.”

            In the book, “You Can Trust the Communists (to be Communists)”, I listed the four factors that combine in the recruitment of a communist.  They are: 1) Disenchantment with Capitalism, 2) Materialist Philosophy, 3) Intellectual Pride, and 4) Unfilled Religious Need.

            The doctrine of “imperialism” disenchants with capitalism.

            Materialist philosophy destroys faith in God, hope for the future, and meaning in the present.

            Intellectual pride insists that something significant must be done to destroy the intolerable and hated environment.

            The need for religious fulfillment remains and a substitute is found in communion with a fellowship of like-minded peers in the worship of destruction.

            The doctrine may be refuted by the frenzy will not abate till faith in God is restored and peace reigns within.

CUBA, SEX EDUCATION, AND HOMOSEXUALITY

            The communists have a double moral standard.  They desire to strengthen the character of the community they control and to weaken the moral fiber within the areas under capitalist control so that conquest may be easier.  In this light, the attitude of Castro and the Cuban Communists to sex education and homosexuality is enlightening.  Their attitude was stated in the Declaration by the First National Congress on Education and Culture held in Havana, Cuba, on April 23-30, 1971.

            Their decisions are:

1. There will be no special course on sex education
2. Homosexuality is pathological and will be discouraged in every possible way

“The general opinion is that coeducational teaching should be extended, with the exception of those courses which by their very nature make it impossible, and that opportune and adequate information on sexual relations and the process of procreation should be given, in which true and scientific answers to the children’s and adolescents’ questions would be given both in school and at home.  To do away with ignorance and prejudice in the matter, the facts dealing with this subject must be taught in the course of general teaching, without it being necessary to establish special courses.

“The social pathological character of homosexual deviations was recognized.  It was resolved that all manifestations of homosexual deviations are to be firmly rejected and prevented from spreading.  It was pointed out, however, that a study, investigation and analysis of this complex problem should always determine the measures to be adopted.

“A study was made of the origin and evolution of this phenomenon and of its present-day scope and antisocial character.  An in-depth analysis was made of the preventive and educational measures that are to be implemented as well as of the curative measures to be put into effect against existing focuses, including the control and relocation of isolated cases, always with an educational and preventive purpose.

“It was decided to adopt the following. . .

“Appropriate sexual education for parents, teachers and pupils.  This work must not be treated as a special subject but as one falling into the general teaching syllabus, such as biology, physiology, etc.

“A campaign of information sex matters should be carried out among teachers and parents to help them answer, in a proper and scientific way, the questions asked by children and young people.

“It was resolved that it is not to be tolerated for notorious homosexuals to have influence in the formation of our youth on the basis of their ‘artistic merits.’

“Consequently, a study is called for to determine how best to tackle the problems of the presence of homosexuals in the various institutions of our cultural sector.

“It was proposed that a study should be made to find a way of applying measures with a view to transferring to other organizations those who, as homosexuals, should not have any direct influence on our youth through artistic and cultural activities.

“It was resolved that those whose morals do not correspond to the prestige of our Revolution should be barred from any group of performers representing our country abroad.

“Finally, it was agreed to demand that severe penalties be applied to those who corrupt the morals of minors, depraved repeat offenders and irredeemable antisocial elements.”  Granma, May 9, p. 5.

THE BLACK PANTHERS AND DEMOCRATIC CENTRALISM

            The Black Panther Party is an orthodox Marxist-Leninist Party.  They are guided by the teachings of Marx and Lenin.  At present the party is rent asunder by a conflict between the official leadership led by Huey Newton and a dissident group led by Eldridge Cleaver.

            In our newsletter of May 15, we published Huey Newton’s analysis of this conflict in the light of Dialectical Materialism.

            An article discussing the conflict in the light of Democratic Centralism appears in The Black Panther of May 8.  Democratic Centralism is the Leninist principle of party organization that teaches that every party member must give unquestioning obedience to every decision made by the highest party authority.  Significant statements from the article are:

            “There still seems to be a residue of uncertainty, confusion and apprehension surrounding the decisions made by the majority of the Central Committee surrounding the defection of Eldridge Cleaver and his clique from the ranks of our Party. . .Some comrades merely gave lip service to our philosophy and ideology, and to democratic centralism.  Some have become part of the treacherous cult of the individual, instead of adhering to our Party’s philosophy.  Still others have taken their criticism outside of our organization, thus adversely affecting our people, and have sown seeds of disunity within our ranks.

            “Eldridge’s minority clique has attempted to subvert and twist our Party into an instrument reflecting a myopic and reactionary position, by use of the tactic of slanderous demagogy.  However, in the main the adventuristic, reactionary policies as well as the insane lies of the Eldridge clique have been spurned by Party members, and our people as a whole.

            “Party members should know that our unity is based upon the principles of Democratic Centralism.  It is dialectical in appearance and in essence.  It is the pillar upon which rests our ability to survive, function and develop as a dynamic force, regardless of internal contradictions or external attacks.  Democratic Centralism applies to every member of the organization, community workers, Panthers, officers, and members of the Central Committee.  All must adhere to this principle.

            “In the final analysis, those who have with premeditation sought to usurp the power of the Central Committee and establish a dictatorship, these will be defeated.

            “To those who have been audacious enough, foolish enough to utter threats against our Central Committee or attempt to implement their threats, let them understand that there exists no asylums, no sanctuaries.  Take heed that the memory of our Party is as long as our reach, and that our retribution is cold and final.”  Page 15.

PRIORITIES OF THE CHINESE COMMUNISTS FOR 1971

            The Chinese Communists published a list of 32 slogans for May 1, International Labour Day, 1971.  These slogans give clear insight into their programs and objectives.  Some of these slogans are:

            “Hail the great victory of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution!

            “The danger of a new world war still exists, and the people of all countries must get prepared.  But revolution is the main trend in the world today.  People of the world, unite and defeat the U.S. aggressors and all their running dogs!

            “Warmly congratulate the people of the three countries of Indochina on their great victories in the war against U.S. aggression and for national salvation!  Firmly support and assist the heroic people of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in the war against the U.S. aggression and for national salvation!  U.S. aggressor troops and their vassal troops must completely withdraw from Indochina so that the people of the three countries of Indochina can resolve their own problems by themselves.

            “Firmly support the Arab peoples in their struggle against colonialist and neo-colonialist aggression, subversion and intervention!

            “Firmly support the African peoples in their struggle against colonialist and neo-colonialist aggression, subversion and intervention!

            “Firmly support the Cuban people in their struggle to oppose U.S. Imperialist aggression and safeguard national independence and state sovereignty!  Firmly support the Latin American peoples in their struggle to safeguard national independence and state sovereignty!

            “Firmly support the national-liberation struggles of the Asian, African and Latin American peoples!

            “Firmly support the just struggle of the American people against the U.S. Government’s policies of aggression and war and racial discrimination!  Firmly support the struggle of the working class and revolutionary people of various countries in North America, Europe and Oceania!

            “All peace-loving countries and peoples who are subject to aggression, control, intervention or bullying by U.S. imperialism and social-imperialism (the Soviet Union), unite and resolutely oppose the power politics of the two super powers!

            “Conscientiously study Marxism-Leninism-Mao Tsetung Thought!  Press ahead with the mass movement for the living study and application of Chairman Mao’s works!

            “Heighten our vigilance, defend the motherland!  Be ready at all times to destroy the enemy intruders!  We are determined to liberate Taiwan!

            “Long live the great leader Chairman Mao!  A long, long life to Chairman Mao!”