Neo-Neocon And Paul Robeson

Via Roger L. Simon, (whom she met with yesterday) “Neo-Neocon” is the name of a blogger who calls herself the proverbial “lifelong Democrat mugged by reality on 9/11”. In her latest post she looks at Paul Robeson and concludes, “a mind can be an impossible thing to change“.

We’ve blogged a little about Robeson as well–click here and here. And this quote of Robeson’s that The New Criterion unearthed in late 2003 as Robeson was posthumously receiving his commemorative stamp by the US Post Office is staggering:

“Suddenly everyone stood – began to applaud – to cheer – and to smile. The children waved. In a box to the right – smiling and applauding the audience – as well as the artists on the stage – stood the great Stalin. I remember the tears began to quietly flow. and I too smiled and waved. Here was clearly a man who seemed to embrace all. So kindly – I can never forget that warm feeling of kindliness and also a feeling of sureness. Here was one who was wise and good – the world and especially the socialist world was fortunate indeed to have his daily guidance. I lifted high my son Pauli to wave to this world leader, and his leader. For Paul, Jr. had entered school in Moscow, in the land of the Soviets… In all spheres of modern life the influence of Stalin reaches wide and deep. From his last simply written but vastly discerning and comprehensive document, back through the years, his contributions to the science of our world society remain invaluable. One reverently speaks of Marx, Engels, Lenin and Stalin – the shapers of humanity’s richest present and future.

Yes, through his deep humanity, by his wise understanding, he leaves us a rich and monumental heritage. Most importantly – he has charted the direction of our present and future struggles. He has pointed the way to peace – to friendly co-existence – to the exchange of mutual scientific and cultural contributions – to the end of war and destruction. How consistently, how patiently, he labored for peace and ever increasing abundance, with what deep kindliness and wisdom. He leaves tens of millions all over the earth bowed in heart-aching grief.

But, as he well knew, the struggle continues. So, inspired by his noble example, let us lift our heads slowly but proudly high and march forward in the fight for peace – for a rich and rewarding life for all.”

Keep in mind, Robeson is gushing about a man who had by 1945 had killed at least 20 million people–and had a few more years to go. As Sullivan wrote, “Would anyone who had written such things about Hitler in 1945 now be celebrated on a postage stamp?”