Masters of deceit : $b The story of Communism in America and how to fight itHoover, J. Edgar (John Edgar)
History
Masters of deceit : $b The story of Communism in America and how to fight it
Hoover, J. Edgar (John Edgar)
Communism -- United States
3. _The appeal stage_ (assuming that the defendant is found guilty): in
most cases a guilty verdict serves the communist purpose best. Otherwise,
little propaganda is left, except for a few self-congratulatory articles.
The communists use every device, inside and outside the courtroom, to
break down the American judicial system.
4. _The clemency stage_: this is probably best suited to agitation. The
Party operates a whole series of tactics. Here are a few:
Mass meetings. Rallies. Demonstrations. Picket lines. These, also used in
other exploitation stages, now become imbued with “gravity.” “John Doe
Will Die in 2 Weeks. Wire the Governor. Demand His Release.” “Save My
Boy, Please. He’s Innocent.” “Where’s America’s Conscience? This Man Has
Been Framed.”
Sojourns. Treks. Pilgrimages. Motorcades. Encampments. The convergence on
a selected spot, the state capital or Washington, D.C., of members and
sympathizers from all over the country.
They arrive by train, battered old trucks, rented buses, hitchhiking.
Get your tickets, meet at the station, don’t miss the Clemency Train.
Day after day the _Daily Worker_ pounds this theme. An operational
headquarters is set up, usually under a fancy Aesopian name such as
“Liberty House” or “Inspiration Center.”
This tactic—concentrated pressure—is reserved only for special occasions.
Teams visit offices of legislators, officials of the government, and
demand to see the governor or President. Make everyone think that
“millions” are demanding clemency. A cascade of telegrams, letters,
petitions, resolutions pours in, promoted by comrades back home. “The
city was stirred today by the _nation’s_ demand for clemency for John
Doe....” writes the Party’s press agent. Probably 250 communists and
their sympathizers were in town.
The hour of judicial decision or execution nears. The drama is
heightened. “Prayer meetings” are held by communists, who do not believe
in prayer. Then the super climax: a “vigil.” The comrades start a
marching line, twenty-four hours around the clock, demanding “mercy,”
“clemency.” One day, two days, five days, twelve days, the line moves
back and forth in front of the governor’s mansion, or more dramatic, the
White House. Placards read: “Mercy for John Doe.” “Mr. Governor, Don’t
You Have a Heart?” Any testimonials secured from prominent individuals
bob and weave in the marching line. Leaflets are handed out.
In two hours comes a new shift. Paraders walk silently, sometimes in
single file, at other times two abreast, usually six to eight feet apart.
This isn’t supposed to be a flamboyant affair, but sad and mournful,
designed to capture the emotions. Death is near! “Clemency _Now_—Only 12
Hours Left.” “Can America Allow an Innocent Man to Die?”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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