POLITICAL LABELS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 16, 19 January 1938, Page 6

POLITICAL LABELS.

"FASCIST," A TERM OF ABUSE. (To the Editor.) It was pleasing to read the letter signed "Don John" in -which the writer condemns the slovenly use of the word "Fascism" in -political controversy. As a result of Communist propaganda, which endeavours to split the community into two warring faction?, this word is now merely a term of abuse. Im--iediately one 'brings an argument to bear against Communism somebody howls "Fascism." and everything becomes obscured by Mussolini's chin. The ranting and raving of the average Communist on the subject of Fascism is, perhaps, excusable, since he "lacks both the knowledge and mental discipline to form a balanced judgment. In the case of some of our "intellectuals," however, it Is inexcusable, since they should know better. Vet we have the spectacle of pale pink professors and parlour Bolshevik* giving prestige to the Communist movement in speeches and articles, and ranting as madly about Fascism as any ignorant proletarian. The function of universities is to provide* informed men with the capacity for balanced judgment and a love of truth, not intellectual anarchs engaged in propaganda for its own sake, or for the vulgar publicity which attends it. Some of our "intellectuals" seem to have forgotten the fact. LONG JOHN".