By Johnhp on 8/17/2004, 5:25am PT  

(NOTE: Guest blogged by johnhp)

As a serious leftist there are few politicians in this country one can look to for inspiration. Many of them, long dead, have been forgotten as we pursue dreams of milk and honey. One of these politicians is Bob LaFollette of Wisconsin. As one of the 56 members of congress who voted against entry into the First World War, Senator LaFollette, like many of the radical left, was villified during the time of war fever and red baiting. Speaking not only for himself but for the average person who resisted the war, and knowing full well of the graves of the nameless to be filled, Bob LaFollette adressed the Senate in the following words:

The purpose of this campaign is to throw the country into a state of terror, to coerce public opinion, to stifle criticism, and suppress discussion.

This statement is as poignant today as it was 87 years ago.

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