Askov American., 1941-04-10
Dictatorial Complex
Shows Up

If the proposed radio talk by Sena-
tor George H. Lommen of Eveleth,
had been given as per schedule over
WCCO on April 1st, it might not
have received much notice. Perhaps
excerpts of the talk would have
taken up eight or ten inches, single
column, on an inside page of the
daily press But, the ambitious gov
ernor, Harold E. Stassen, who de-
mandS to rule the rooSt, and who ap-
parently wants to be the only one
to talk on state finances, got hold
of copy of Senator Lommen's speech
that afternoon, sent a telegram to the
senator to the effect that he erred
in his figures, and the governors Of
flee got very busy with the radio
station. The result was no speech by
Senator Lommen, barred by the radio
station.
In other words, regardless of how
suave, democratic, or cooperative a
person may appear in speech, if he
has dictatorial complex, it is bound
to show up now and then. 1t re-
calls to mind an incident in the last
campaign. The governor gave his
keynote speech without interference
Several days later gave my keynote,
and Immediately upon its conclusion,
the governor jumped on the radio
again. He would not permit his op-
ponent to have free play over the
radio one evening and free play in
the newspapers next day on what
was said. That kind of conduct in
public office here in Minnesota is
sure to soon retire such person to
private life.
Is there any sound reason for the
governor of the state to be the only
person permitted to talk on state
finances? A state senator or any
other citizen, who so desires, should
be privileged to talk or write on the
subject.
Certainly no one advocates the
issuance of incorrect statements ano
no one would argue that the COVER
nor is always correct. There is plen-
ty of duplicity in his makeup.
The Fairmont Daily Sentinel call:
it "The Governors Big Boner." The
editor, Major Nelson, though con-
servative, is independent and at times
very outspoken. Here is what Major
Nelson wrote about the episode:
Senator Geo. H. Lommen, brilli-
ant Farmer-Labor firebrand from the
Iron Range, hired radio time for g
blast at Gov. Stassen and his admin
stration.
"At the last moment the radio peo-
pie cancelled the contract for use
of their facilities.
"It is clearly stated this was done
at the request of Governor Stasser
personally.
Sometimes the request of an ex-
ecutive is an order.
people of all shades of opinion
rebel at thing like that.
"It's too much like the quaint
crude, but effective shutting of their
mouths by looping off their heads
with a dull and rusty broad Az"
Major Nelson goes on to state that
his paper ''is no admirer of Senator
Lommen, his politics or his princi-
Piles. Quite the contrary"
Nevertheless, the Sentinel editor
wrote Senator Lommen as follows
"We note with indignation the action
of Gov. Stassen in causing cancella-
ton of your reservation to address
the people of Minnesota over certain
radio stations While in no sense
sympathetic with your political prin-
ciples or methods we do believe in
the fundamental American doctrine
of free expression. Therefore the
columns of this newspaper are open to
you for any reasonable use you may
care to make thereof"
The Sentinel goes on in its editorial
to state that "The incident has caused
terrific furore and the result OF
the governors indiscretion is hun
dred times more publicity for the
undelivered Lommen blast than there
would have been had it been harm
lessly released over the radio"
Major Nelson concludes with this
parting shot: Looks like dashing
young Sir Galahad has committed
the prize boner of his career-so far y
The fact that the governor is afraid
to let others talk on state finances
looks very suspicious. Certainly he
need not fear that he would not
share space with the senator in the
press if he desired to refute state
ments made by the senator. So far
the governor has Jared very well in
the press, but from now on-with his
trying to choke free speech-his
claims of saving and less expenditures
may undergo some careful examina-
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