FDR's Tyrannical Actions: A Microcosm of Political Manipulation
Franklin D. Roosevelt is often hailed as a champion of the working class, but a closer examination of his actions during World War II reveals a complex and often tyrannical figure. Critics argue that his deployment of the U.S. Army against American workers during the Montgomery Ward strike and his issuance of the Smith-Connally Act demonstrate a deeper, more insidious agenda.
The Tactics of Government Overreach
During the early 1940s, the situation at Montgomery Ward came to a head. In late 1943, employees went on strike in seven cities across the country. Despite Wards' refusal to recognize these unions, tensions escalated. On April 26, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered U.S. Army troops to seize the company's corporate offices in Chicago. This action marked a significant overreach of government power, as the soldiers physically occupied the property and forcibly removed the chairman, Sewell Avery.
Roosevelt's justification for this action was twofold: his authority as Commander-in-Chief and the Smith-Connally Act, which was passed in June 1943. This act granted Roosevelt unprecedented dictatorial powers, but he initially vetoed it, claiming optics were more important than substance. When Congress overrode his veto, Roosevelt admitted to himself that he could now wield the power he had sought. This demonstrates a willingness to use state power for personal and political gain.
The Integration Crisis and thenist Tactics
A second example of FDR's political manipulation involves the Philadelphia Transport Workers Union. In 1944, the union struck due to the Philadelphia Transportation Company's decision to integrate its skilled positions. To handle this situation, FDR ordered the Secretary of War to seize the company and appoint a military general as CEO, deploying thousands of troops to manage the trains under the threat of military service.
These actions highlight the use of force to quell dissent, as well as the incitement of fear to maintain compliance. The targeting of business owners, particularly those who may have resisted unionization, was part of a broader strategy to reduce opposition to the union agenda. However, the ultimate goal was to maintain control and steer the country towards a more socialist direction.
The Historical Context and Its Lessons
These events from the 1940s provide a window into the tactics of political retrospect. FDR's actions during the Montgomery Ward and Philadelphia strikes were not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend of government overreach and manipulation of labor policies. The Smith-Connally Act was a tool used to consolidate power and silence resistance, paving the way for future interventions.
The parallels between FDR's actions and the current political landscape are stark. Just as FDR used the guise of emergency measures to expand his power, modern politicians often exploit similar tactics. Understanding the historical context is crucial to recognizing present-day manipulations and their potential consequences.
The Role of Unions in Modern Politics
Unions, like Montgomery Ward's workers, often find themselves in a precarious position, neither fully aligned with nor protected by the government. The tactics employed by FDR, such as threats and violence, are mirrored in contemporary labor disputes. Understanding these historical precedents highlights the importance of grassroots activism and informed citizenry in the face of political manipulation.
Ultimately, the story of FDR's actions at Montgomery Ward and the Philadelphia Transportation Company serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between government power and individual rights. It underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and education to protect against the encroachment of tyranny and uphold the principles of free enterprise and democratic governance.