Henry Wallace Sees
End Of Capittalism
In Speech To NEA

Secretary Of Agriculture Calls
Capitalism, Communism, And
Fascism Materialistic

            Henry A. Wallace, Secretary of Agriculture, predicted the end of the road for capitalism in an extemporaneous address before an audience of 8000 educators at the sixty-filth convention of the National Education Association.

            Mr. Wallace said he thought that the capitalist system was "going to be modified. if we endeavor to escape by cheap temporary means, we will eventually suffer intense chaos and disintegration and there will be no escape." He continued, "while democratization can't accomplish anything material or lasting, though it may serve to get us off the hot spot for a time.'" This statement was published in the February 28 issue of the New York Times.

            Mr. Wallace said that his criticism was "exactly the same against capitalism as against communism and Fascism.

            "They are shot through with the same fundamental errors of materialism which eventually brings material destruction. They are all materialistic and Godless."

            In discussing topics pertinent to the United States, Mr. Wallace stated "Either we must write off our debts abroad or abandon our foreign market. American people still believe they can export large !quantities of goods without importing something. It can't be done. The American people are still completely incapable of acing upon this hard fact."

            He predicted that there would be much more opportunity to work for the Federal, state, and local governments in the future than in the past, although he recognized that many business men would decry that statement. He stressed the coming importance of having trained people undertake all the work of remodelling the face of the United States.

            "I think also," he stated, "that we will have more need for people trained in culture and recreation, and that if we put more people into this field the rest would have more." With our country filled up, factories built, and good schools provided, we finally will have to live–and, is it criminal to enjoy ourselves?"

            In dealing with the agricultural adjustment program. Secretary Wallace said, "I know that some of you teachers hold up your hands in horror at this program. The only really sound economic theory is to bring enough European products into this country so that the balance can be accomplished. If we try to escape by any cheap temporary means we will eventually have the most extraordinary chaos and disintegration."

            The Secretary then admonished the educators to cease preparing students for "opportunities which are gone."

"The new generation is disillusioned," he added. "It is a mistake to educate children as though the opportunities of the past were still there. I know that it seems heinous when so many are out of work to suggest that we teach to play. But we know that with modern industrial technique we he can consume with only two thirds of the population al work. I think we need peect ple trained to cater to culture, education, and play."

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May 20, 2004