The people's voice., 1950-03-17

L
the rehabilitation of German heavy
industry, to support of Chang Kai-
Shek, etc. In short, any disagree
ment with the Subversive Activities
Control Board on foreign policy
would put an organization in jeo-
pardy. What dictatorial power to
put into the hands of any three men!
Its domestic policies, likewise,
could be used to destroy almost any
dissenting organization if the board
saw fit. Any political party could
easily be classified as Communist
political organization" under this
test if it takes policy positions which
"do not deviate" from certain poll
cies of the Communist Party-such
as against race discrimination, for
national health insurance and for
federal housing. Labor organiza-
tions which became too militant for
repeal of the Taft-Hartley Act, for
the extension of social security, ETC.,
could be wiped out as Communist
front" organizations.
Another test for branding an or
ganization Communist" is that it
fails to disclose" it's membership, or
'its meetings are secret. Under
this the board would hold life and
death power over every labor union
or other organization which keeps
private.
Obviously the bill makes possible
the destruction of innumerable or
ganizations working for social or eco
nomic changes. The bill defines an
organization as GROUP of persons"
permanently or even temporarily
associated together for joint action
on any subject" whatever. Thus
any civic activity by citizens comes
under the scrutiny and possible ban
of the Subversive Activities Control
Board. What becomes of our con-
stitutional right of free assembly?
Failure to register entails a fine
up to $4,000 on an organization. Of
ficers may be fined and imprisoned
up to years. Conviction may mean
a LIFE SENTENCE because each
day of failure to register, or each
name omitted, constitutes
a separate offense.
An accused organization or indi-
vidual may demand hearing before
the board, with the right to summon
submit evidence and cross
examine. However, the accused is
denied the right to trial by jury and
is not guaranteed information in ad-
vance as to the specific charges.
Since hearings may be held cat any
place in the United States" the ac-
used may be put to the expense and
train of a series of widely scattered
learings.
Though decisions of the board are
ubject to review by the Court Of
Appeals and the Supreme Court, the
ppeal court must accept the findings
f fact of the board if supported by
the preponderance of the evidence"
he accused is not held innocent un-
il proved guilty beyond reason
BILE doubt, but is convicted on
1ere preponderance of evidence!
'ROVISIONS PENALIZING
This section makes it unlawful for
ny person knowingly to
gree with any other person any act
rhich would substantially contribute
0 the establishment within the Unit
d States of totalitarian Dictator
hip under the Control of any for
ign government, foreign organiza-
ion, or foreign individuaP', under
enalty of fine up to $4,000 and
Imprisonment up to 10 years.
Moreover, since the bill lays down
ne dictum that the Communist" pol
ical and front organizations are
ctually endeavoring to establish
lch a dictatorship, it follows that
NY cooperation, even by a non
with a Communist or
on ANY issue would be
'iminal. For eaxmple, signing a
stition circulated by Communist
'ganization" in behalf of stronger
mt control or federal housing;
,reeing to support common candi-
toe for Off;oa. ~. oon+r;b,,+;,oo.