The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1962-10-25
Listen americans!
...by Dr.. George S. Bensoe
eNsslnEssg - NATIONAL soUcATIoM SaoeaAM
Saapay, Askaas00

Must the various leave action against the Com
munst menace up to Washington? Is there nothing back
home to do Louisiana believes there is and what she has
done to combat Communism all the 40 other states could do
The legislature of the State of louisiana recognizing the
existence Of "a clear and distinct danger to its
cury and to the webeng of its citizens has this year
up its own legislation to regulate and control Communist
propaganda 1t has also revised and strengthened existing
State laws relating to control of Communists and their
spracy.
These laws passed following hearings conducted
last March by THE Joint Legislative Committee I'm
American Activities State of Louisiana with Representa-
tive James II. PfSter New Orleans, chairman and Jack
N. Rogers Baton Rouge, counsel The Committee
cuded that the danger arose from the nfitraon of sgnf
cant amount of Communist propaganda well as the fact
that the State shipping point for sending dangerous
material to other states and foreign countries.
Attacks by propaganda they reasoned can be just
dangerous and therefore subject to legislative remedy
as narcotics alcohol ponogaphic literature or kidnapping
Moreover federal legislation the subject either in
adequate effectively enforced in view of the large
quantities Of unabeed and unidentified material entering
Louisiana particularly from Mexico and other foreign
tries They also found that the u s. mails being USED
extensively especially the favorable bulk mailing rates, to
send this material to LOuisiana's citizens"
The law makes generous exceptions for students of
foreign POLITICAL systems and bona de research projects
But such material entering legally will have to be labeled
in red ink Communist Propaganda With these exceptions
Communist propaganda materials defined in terms similar
to those of federal laws considered illicit and contra
band 1t becomes felony "to knowingly wlfuy and nten
ionay deliver distribute disseminate store such mat
ter in louisiana Vioaors of the act be fined $4,000
imprisoned six years. or both.
The other Legislation recognizes additional nfitrave tao
tics of the Communists It is meant to provide full surveillance
and control of Communists in the State well their
The legislation enacted calls for the annual registration
under oath and fngepntng of Communists and members
of Communist front organizations with the Department of
Public Safety It also the Communist Party from
appearing election ballots, disouaes Communists and
knowing members of front organizations from public
office public employment outlaws subversive organza
tons and makes felony with stiff penalties for to
carry activities in subversve organizations.
In short, Louisiana is having sympathy toward
Communist person. organization activity The wonder OF
is not much that state at last has said NO to
Communism but that SOVEREIGN state in the Union could
delay this long in giving it's firm to the sinister
CHALLENGE of Communism. But Lousana's action is a fine
example that ought stir 40 other states to declare
themselves.