Toledo union journal. [volume] (Toledo, Ohio) 1942-current, 1946-07-05
Political
Action
BY
Clayton
Rusch
AhQlfn1Qn
of the
Political Action Committee

Political Action Committee
Three events of world-shak-
ing Importance took place this
week. These were the atomic
bomb test, the expiration OF
the Fair Employment Prac-
tices Commission and the ex-
piration of the OPA. Let us
consider the significance OF
each of these events.
The most spectacular was,
of course, the atomic bomb
test. This test graphically dem
onstrated the fact that the
atomic bomb is a most effec-
tive agent for either good or
evil. 1t is at one and the same
time a means to assure the
peace of the world and the
most destructive weapon ever
invented. 1t is the first weap-
on which can practically in
sure the destruction of civili-
zation. 1t is also the first
really effective argument ever
presented that could really
convince mankind of the ne
cessity for peace.
Atomic power is more than
a weapon. In all probability
it an be developed to replace
coal, oil, electricity and water
power as fuel for the engines
of the world. In short, proper
development and application
of atomic power can shorten
hours of work, increase living
standards and raise civiliza-
ton to a higher cultural level,
a level on which a greatly
shortened work week would
produce a good living stand
ard for all.
ORGANIZATION
Before such developments
can take place, a world organi-
zation to control atomic power
must be made effective. No
nation can keep the atomic
bomb as a threat, like the
Sword Of Democles, hanging
over the world. 1t Is also es-
sential that atomic power be
controlled by a civilian and
not a military committee.
The most convincing argu-
ment ever put forth in favor
of one world government was
presented July / at Bikini.
The second important event
which took place this week
was the expiration of the Fair
Employment Practices Com
mission.
Despite the efforts of Labor
and many progressive groups,
the reactionaries in Congress
had enough strength to pre-
vent an extension of FEPC.
Without an FEPC there is no
guarantee against racial dis
elimination in even so ele-
mental a right as the right to
work. In fact, the opposition
to continuance of FEPC is a
clear indication that there will
be racial discrimination prac-
ticed in this country. This is
an inditment of our legisla-
tive system. We must correct
it. This nation is the very cit
adel of democracy. The can
Ger of racial discrimination
must be removed.
We must demand that an
effective FEPC bill be re-en-
acted and we must see that its
opponents are retired from
Congress.
OPA DIES
Last but not least of the i'm
portant events this week was
the expiration of the OPA.
President Truman showed
the courage and judgment his
position calls for when he We
toed a price control bill which
didn't control prices. 1t is now
Squarely up to Congress to
either listen to the spokeSmen
for big business and let price
control stay dead, with the re-
sultant chaos, or bark to the
will of the people and enact
into law a decent price con-
troll bill.
If price control remains out
for even a few days, we shall
find available plenty of goods
which were supposed to be
scarce, but the price will be
terrific. The fact Is most op-
ponents of price control
wanted some concessions in
their own particular line only.
Only the extremely short
sighted can fail to see that
more goods sold at a lower
price means more overall
profit than less goods sold at
a higher price.
If price control remains out,
the people will take the big
gest wage cut in history, busi-
ness will stagnate, while the
value of the dollar goes down
and down.
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