The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1941-07-24
OUR IMMEDIATE OBLIGATION


objective is political and social revolution. This
was made plain to the nation in recent defense
strikes under Communist leaders. Because the
invasion threatens by way of the labor move
ment, heavy responsibility rests upon RESPONSE
bic labor leaders and equally upon rank and file
membership. Treachery is the Communists
method and against treachery the whole mem
bershp insult be alert.
Communist invaders usually deny party mem
bershp, in accord with Moscow orders. Persons
on special mission are relieved Of cards. But
they are always on guard, driven by the ferVOr OF
Jealous, always urging aggressive action, pro-
noting diSSensOn, always dScredtlng the lnte2-
rty of persons in places of responsibility and seek
ing to overthrow existing institutions and prac-
tices.
The American Federation Of Labor has been
the buIwark against Communist activities in this
country.
In order to keep their pernicious propaganda
under control we vigorously opposed diplomatic
or trade relations with the Soviet government
When section Of the Federation seeded
unwilling to abide by majority rule-the Com
munists seized upon tins opportunity, togethef
with useful W-traVelerS, to get INTO American
unions, where they have been active and vocal IN
carrying out party policies.
The results were unmistakable on the strike
bound Pacific Coast and in unions under irrespon-
sibe leadership in mass production Industries.
Lax administration Of the immigration laws
and failure to depolt known Communists have
contributed to present difficulties Strikes in de
Tense production, continuing in defiance Of all at
tempts to negotiate agreements and to mediate
differences, have increased the menace to the
cause of democracy and human freedom.
Meanwhile, the head Of the dual labor move
ment, which has given Communists their oppol-
tunity and which offers sanctuary to all rebels
from American Federation Of Labor discipline, is
raising funds to defeat deportation of Harry
Bridges, the alien who has been diSrupting unions
on the West Coast. The representative Of that
dual movement who suspended those responsible
for the strike in the North American Company
takes time out to testify ON behalf of Bridges and
to deny that the men he suspended are COmmun-
iSt party members.
Such qubbline to establish technical differ
cnce between Communist card members, those
who follow the Communist party line and fellow
travellers is Of no practical Importance when Al.
seeking to disrupt American life and to make
way for a totaIitaIjan order.
Against the COmmunist-line invasion Of oul
unions, American labor has its first call to War
Here is q major danger that threatens our way
Of life. The final consequences are obvious III
the use Of the Army at the North American plant
As we value or inherent right to strike and the
liberty which is born under democracy let Us
fight the enemy in our midst.
An American attack against the enemy boring
within our unions should follow these lines:
CD No Communist should be permitted tc
act as an officer Of any union affiliated with the
American Federation Of Labor.
(2) No delegate from CommunSt-olicercC
union or amy person advocating Communism
should be accepted by a central body or State Fed
Grafton Of Labor.
CD Every union member should realize his
personal responsibility for doing his part in keep
ing his union American and that duty consists in
these essential acts: CAP attending union meet
ings, (b) following and understanding what is
done (c) getting full reports from all persons tt
whom union work is delegated, cd challenging
any proposal or any policy that does not conform
to democratic principles and constructive meth
ods.
CD Mass meetings should be held and repre-
sentatVcs should appear at appropriate commun
ity meetings 70 keep the public advised of labor's
desire to render constructive service in this ma
tonaI emergency. Preservation Of democracy is
peculiarly abor's cause.
Membership in a trade union is a way Of life
When entering this way Of life the worker tool
an obligation. 1t implies acceptance by the indi
vldual OF responsibility for ordering his life IL &C