Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1935-03-21
WOULD OPPOSE HEARST
Editor ASkOv American:

Editor ASkOV American.
w. B. Johnsens reference some
time ago to the root meaning of the
word radical" set me to thinking.
A careful examination of the real
meaning of number of words ban
died about nowadays, especially by
the daily newspapers, would be valu
able.
The word "reactionary," l believe,
has some unpleasant cOnnOtations
which restrict it's use in the daily
press. 1t is nevertheless an apt word
to describe various ultra-conservative
forces. To react" means literally ito
drive back from point reached
Reactionary means then 'favoring a
former state of affairs, as after re-
form, change, etc" A reactionary is
lone who seeks to hinder progress or
undo political advancement"
conservative" differs from 'reac-
tiOnary" only in degree. It's root
meaning is ito keep together" Con-
servatism means naturally opposed
to change or progress" A cOnserva-
tive is one who stands in the way
of progress; one who uphOlds the en-
listing order. the status quo, and is
opposed to change"
| admit that the conservative press
has attempted to build up in our
minds slightly different cOnnotatiOns
as well as denOtatiOnS of these words.
Nevertheless, / submit these as the
correct definitions taken from stan
dard dictionaries.
Liberal comes from the Latin
word liber free. Liberals advocate
liberty Of thought, speech, and action,
and are opposed to conservatism" A
liberal is one who is disposed to a
democratic rather than aristocratic
or conservative form of government;
a progressive
The adjective radical means "hav-
ing to do with, or proceeding from.
the root, source. origin, or foundation;
forming part of the essential nature;
not accidental; fundamental" A rad
ical is one who goes to the root to
the real causes, of things. A radical
is one who holds the most advanced
or progressive views; who aims at
thoroughgoing reforms in govern
mental methods. and a wide extension
Of popular rights and privileges A
radical is one who believes i'm exam
lining social. economic. and political
theory from an Intellectual point of
view, examining them for their basic
consistency, sOundness, and prac-
ticability.
A few words might be added as to
the use and abuse, of certain other
expressions or ideas Tor Lack of them
as exhibited by the daily press. l re-
| fer to such well-worn and oft-repeated
| phrases as red" Communist" sal
legged communistic leanings." direct
| from Moscow" Moscow gold" sub
versive activities and so on ad in
finitum- These rubberstamp mouth
ings have lost their original mean
ings (if, indeed, they ever had any
long ago for most intelligent readers
But We cannot ignore the fact that
they still have sinister connOtations
in the minds of thousands-yes, mil
|
dolph Hearst waves the he'd her
ring" thousands respond by buying
the sensational smut, and, what is
more important. thousands of unin'
formed voters are swayed.
The power Of the yellow" press i:
not to be scoffed at. 1t is the concern
of every liberal as well as radical t.
combat that power. The history of the
Hearst press is one of shamelessness
of malicious and sinister influence
The Hearst press was one Of the mos
influential causes of the Spanish
American war. Ii advocates a rabit
nationalism and does all it can t.
prevent international peace and good
will. Lately Hearst has been foster