Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1935-11-14
WAR, FASCISM
LIVING REALITY
SO Said Professor Donald Lester, Min
nesOta University, Speaking at
Anti.War Rally.

the D. B. S. hall in Askov Sunday
evening, under auspices of the local
branch of the League Against War
and Fascism, Professor Donald Lester
of the Sociology Department, Univer-
sity of Minnesota, said that war and
fascism are no longer academic ques-
tions, but living realities. He said
that war and fascism have been taken
out of the realm of debate. The two
are inseparable and constitute the big
question of today, for there is less
democracy in the world now after the
World war. which was heralded as
war to end wars, or to make the world
safe for democracy. Mr.. Lester said
that the world is an armed camp to-
day and historians agree that a Sec
ond imperialistic war is impending.
Japan has successfully waged three
wars since the World war.
Dwelling upon the black shirt or
ganization in Italy, the speaker went
on to say that Germany is a modern
country inhabited by intelligent and
aggressive people, and yet, Hitler
came to power. Fascism is ruthless
and is return to the dark ages.
America Not Isolated.
Going on the speaker said that the
ocean cannot isolate us from the trOu-
BILE and wars of other countries and
that the present conflict is not just
a small situation in east Africa. We
cannot ignore Mussolini for if he is
successful in Ethiopia he will go on.
Mass pressure must be brought
against the Italian campaign
Mr.. Lester said it was tragic that
in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson,
former University head, did not
know what the war in Europe was
about and asked that question. He
wanted an explanation of reasons for
the war and yet in 1917 he plunged
America into the war to end wars.
The speaker said that war is the
result of international rivalry, and
that the answer of capitalism to a de-
preston is fascism. Capitalism fur
Their reduces the standard of living
during depression times. TIE dump
ing of surplus commodities on other
capitalistic countries brings on trou-
BILE. Therefore war and fascism are
inevitable tendencies where cap
italism is on the way to decay.
Like Seeks Like.
Birds of a feather will flock to-
gether said the speaker when he pic
tured the Liberty League and the
Citizens Alliance, adding that Hearst,
the powerful newspaper man, and
lawyers of the Liberty League are not
concerned about the civil liberties
of the masses.
The task of the farmer, worker,
professional man, the ordinary bust
ness mantle masses in general
said the speaker, is to organize senti-
ment for strong peace movement
and the maintenance of democracy,
adding that there is nothing futile or
hopeless about the situation. Italy
could not carry on for 4S hours with
out the sanction or approval of wes-
tern powers. They need food and sup
plies from other countries. American
capitalists are hungry for profits, as
we'll as the capitalists of other coun-
tries, and they do not mind their ill
gotten gains as result of the misery
and destruction of the Ethiopians.
Courage is Required.
There is need for watching the
home front-fascism must also be
fought here in America. Those who
are sincerely against war must fight
it openly said the speaker. and if they
are afraid to be called Reds, Com
munists, Bolsheviks, or the like, they
had better join the Liberty League.
Citizens Alliance, or such other or
CARNATIONS, or hibernate, for they
can expect to be called anything if
they come out openly and fight war
and fascism
The speaker stated that people in
all walks of life from different organ
izations and of different political
faiths, are members of the American
League Against War and Fascism.
The evenings program included
also some readings by Mrs. Irene Paul
of Duluth. and puppet show pictur-
ing William Randolph Hearst dictat-
ing the news and editorial policy of
his newspapers to his editors. Two
songs were sung by the audience and
refreshments were served after the
program. H. R. Buck was chairman
of the meeting. The speaker answered