Honolulu Record, September 2, 1948, vol. 1 no. 5, p. 7
We have observed another V-J Day. It is now three years since Japanese surrender. We have had three long years to build for reconstruction, peace and better people's livelihood everywhere.
Although many months have elapsed, there is actually no peace. Neither with Germany nor with Japan have we signed a peace treaty. Rather, these countries are rapidly becoming centers of a new international conflict.
Looking backward a little over three years ago, the world looked to the United States for leadership and cooperation in post-war rehabilitation and peace. But now in retrospect we see clearly that our present administration in Washington has drifted away from the course charted by President Roosevelt.
There are still wars going on in the world. These are struggles by the oppressed people for their liberation. During the fight against fascism, these people fought with us, believing implicitly that our common victory would enhance their liberation.
Actually what our administration did was to throw overboard the Atlantic Charter and intervene in the internal affairs of various nations. The administration has done everything to prop up reactionary regimes everywhere by sending them military and political advisors, by giving military and relief aids, by interfering in elections, by making loans, by economic pressure and through many other means.
Not only has the present administration veered away from Roosevelt's foreign policy but it has turned its back to his domestic policy. THE FOUR FREEDOMS which he cherished so highly are now subjected to violent attacks.
Today we have the Taft-Hartley "Slave Labor Act" in place of labor's Magna Charta — the Wagner Labor Relations Act.
Roosevelt's tradition is not dead, however. There are still people who are unequivocally fighting for Roosevelt's program. This struggle is gaining ground under the leadership of such a man as Henry Wallace. It raises the hopes and aspirations of the common man the world over who wants democracy and peace.
* * * *
LABOR DAY
Again this year the AFL and the CIO will march separately through the streets of Honolulu in celebrating labor's holiday.
No one feels happier than the employers to see such a situation continue to exist.
If we remember correctly, Mayor John Wilson pointed out this very fact in his speeches to both the AFL and CIO rallies held separately last year.
In times like these when the employers are moving into positions to carry out offensive drives to crack up unions, the need for unity is greater than ever. The sooner the rank and filers realize this, the sooner will they be able to influence their leaders to strive for working unity with other, unions.
In fact, the rank and filers of both unions should now commence by trying to find out why there is no joint Labor Day celebration this year.
In removing the obstacle, they will be able to pave the way for joint celebrations in the years to come.