Truman Denounces Opponents Of ‘Fair Deaf Reform Plans

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23043, 6 September 1949, Page 5

Truman Denounces Opponents Of ‘Fair Deaf Reform Plans

(N.Z.P.A. —Reuter—Copy light.) (11 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Sept. *. The American people wanted his programme of “Fair Deal” social reform legislation and 'he did not care if his enemies called it socialism or any other “scare words.” said President Truman yesterday.

The President recalled the response of the American people to his “Fair Deal” election campaign and denounced the efforts of "forces of reaction and special privilege” to block his programme of legislation in Congress. He said the votes of the people who elected him to the Presidency showed they wanted his kind of programme and thev were not misled by newspapers and magazines which tried to convince them ' thev did not.

“People want public housing for lowincome families. Selfish interests are opposed to this because thev think it will cut down their own incomes so they call it ‘collectivism.’

“People want fair laws for labour. Selfish interests are against these laws because thev fear their profits will be reduced so they call that ‘statism.’

“People want a fair programme for farmers, including an effective price support system. Selfish interests fight against it because it keeps them from profiteering at the farmers' expense, so they call this ‘socialism.’

“People want a better social security system, improved education and national health programme. Selfish interests are trying to sabotage these programmes because they have no concern about helping the little fellow, so thev call this a ‘welfare State.’

“We don't care what they call it. It is hard, perhaps, for people in comfortable circumstances to see the need for improving the well-being of the less fortunate.

“Furthermore thev are always being stirred up and misled by spokesmen and lobbyists for organised selfish interests. There are many paid agitators, promoters and publicity experts who make a fat living by frightening people in the higher group about forwardlooking legislation and by organising campaigns against it.”