Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-07-29
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Would Batter
Industry
Order Example Of. Lack
Of Proper Planning

I Unless we soon get some
~ kind of efficient overhead
command, control and co-ordina-
ton for this mammoth economic
war in which we already are
engaged to the hilt, there is
going to be hell to pay in this
country.
From every point of the COM
pass are signs of volcanic dis
ruptions in the ways of life and
labor by which breadwinners
feed their families.
For example. no official with
a single responsibility like price
control should be permitted to
order so drastic step as so
per cent reduction in auto
mobile production without con-
sultation with other chiefs of
our economic effort.
II amounts to arbitrary pa
ralysis Of system upon which
millions depend for their living
employers, employees and their
dependents.
THE sudden embargo on Japan
was perhaps wise and
justifiable but what study was
made of the effect on American
requirements-both military and
civilian-of the sudden cessation
of supply of such an essential
commodity as silk? And what
provision was made TO soften
the shock?
Arbitrary aifotments Of many
basic materials and of trans
portation. storage, power and
even many such apparently UNI
important things as corrugated
cardboard for shipping con-
tainers. threatens TO choke or
destroy tens of thousands OF
small business enterprises.
All right. if that is necessary,
but where sits any authority 10
make sure that il is necessary,
or the authority 10 study and
compose the justice Of conflict
ing needs?
Financial and economic COM
mentators. not under the various
compulsions of official positions
in competing government bu-
reaus, are almost unanimous in
the opinion that the seeds OF a
realty dangerous price IMITATION
are sprouting everywhere.
THAT could be one OF the
Il greatest burdens that could
be bound on the backs of the
whole people-worse than crush
ing taxes and mountainous debt.
There has been a lot of talk and
gestures. but what really effec-
tive action has been taken 10
check that possible catastrophe
You can't control rising prices
without controlling rising wages
and prices of food
This administration seems 10
lack the stomach for that for
fear of labor and agriculture.
And yet price control is as
necessary TO protect people in
those two fields as il is TO pro-
tect other people.
What agency is studying this
vital complex as whole and
reporting frankly and honestly
TO the American people on this
problem?
The new tax-bill is another
evidence of lack Of government
tai CUTS. 1t is positively vicious
in its adherence 10 the old Huey
Long formula Of Soak the
Rich
That Is all right.
i have yet TO hear a complaint
from people in the higher
brackets except as TO the Gym
ically unjust compulsory JOINT
return which vastly increases
taxes on some heads of families
If their wives happen to have an
income, too.
DUT the cowardice OF the tax
- bill is that il doesn't broaden
the base of taxation and make
everybody pay some part Of his
income. be IL ever so small, 10
the great national effort.
There is apparently no fear Of
soaking the not-so-rich by OK
else and other hidden taxes that
are much heavier but for which
no politician fears TO be blamed.
But courageous admlnistra
ton seeking unity through justice
and with an efficient economic
general staff working to balance
all these burdens would lose M
time in frankly and courageousl!
all such things as are
IN this column and a
least trying TO get our American
economic motor clicking on all l.
cylinders.
II will have to be done event
ually but why do we have to suffer
all the inconvenience, useless sac
rifice and possible danger of dis
aster by not doing il in time-bN
not recognizing the executiv,
side of government for efficien
co-ordinated action right now?
by King Feature. synd.. Inc