SOCIALISM AND DEMOCRACY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21809, 4 September 1945, Page 2

SOCIALISM AND DEMOCRACY

Sir, —There does not seem to be any serious difference between “Humanity First” and myself; at least he does not challenge the statements put forward bv me. Dimitrov's opinion of fascism is, of coursq, only Dimitrov's

opinion and would be as unacceptable to one side as Goering's would be to the other. I cannot agree that nazism and fascism are the antithesis of socialism. The antithesis of all forms of dictatorship is democracy—and socialism is not democracy. “Humanity First” says socialism is a movement of the people for the benefit of the people. I disagree with both assertions. Socialism is a movement by the leaders of a certain school of thought who seek to appeal to the people. While readily conceding the sincerity of its advocates, I suggest that it remains to be proved whether it will be for the benefit of the people. I contend that it cannot be made effective except through the establishment of controls, that controls lead ultimately to dictatorship,. and that dictatorship, in whatever guise or however brought about, is harmful rather than beneficial to the ordinaly people. —IT. 11. BARKER.

Sir,—Mr. 11. II Barker in his carc-fully-worcled letter in an attempt to define fascism and socialism, has gathered together an amazing maze ot words drawn from human intelligence (I hold him blameless of plagiarism) He is trying to allude that socialism is the foundation of those atrocious ’isms we have just witnessed brought to the surface during the greatest calamity known to man. My definition of socialism would be a conscious purpose to extend the powers of the State for the public good under popular impulse (three elections have proved this) and in qualification of my definition that the public good in view generally involves a greatei distribution of wealth. Now to bring the preceding remarks into practice some persons are placed under control, namely the controllers of finance. Can Mr Barker refer to the foundation of socialism as he has referred to the foundation of the other ’isms or is it political expression foi a purpose? Capitalism, .fascism and nazism destroy, but socialism builds, strengthening the hand of the poor and needy, finding work for the unemployed, a more equal distribution of wealth—these are. but a few of. the products of socialism. There is < Great Hand guiding the bunding of the new world order and the destiny of our nation, the future holding for us greater things because God .keeps His promises to man.—HEXTONIAN.