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Title: An Inspiring Example Author: Alexander Berkman Date: 8/15/1916 Language: en Topics: World War I, anti-militarism Source: Retrieved on October 27th, 2020 from “Life of an Anarchist: An Alexander Berkman Reader” Notes: Written in Volume 1, #17, of The Blast
The stand of Carl Liebknecht, of Germany, against the continuance of the
war, is highly significant. An act of physical bravery in ennobling. A
deed of moral courage is an inspiration. Liebknecht, daring to be true
to his ideals in the face of a powerful government and the still more
powerful public warmadness, is a great inspiration. Moreover, back of
Liebknecht is an intelligent minority in Germany of which he is merely
the emphatic spokesman. In every warring country of Europe there are
these intelligent minorities, opposed to the slaughter of their fellow
men and courageous enough to act up to their beliefs. If all the
revolutionary elements of Europe had the sincerity and courage of
Liebknecht, there would have been no war. As it is, in every country
there are numerous rebels killed and imprisoned because of their
opposition to human slaughter. At this very moment our Comrade Guy A.
Aldred, editor of the London Spur, his co-workers Henry Sara, Allan
McDougall, and numerous others, are tortured in the “black houses” of
English prisons because of their loyalty to their ideals. The new
English Military Service Act excuses from service men having
conscientious objections to murder. In spite of it, our anti-militarist
comrades are forced into the army or navy and, if objecting, subjected
to imprisonment, degradation and torture.
But the example of these valiant protestants is compelling the respect
of thinking men and women, and rousing the people to the true character
of militarism and government.
May the workers of this country not fail to learn the lesson. Militarism
and conscription are about to be foisted on the people of the United
States. This country is to be turned into an armed camp, like England,
Russia and Germany. Only the immediate active opposition of the workers
can save us from the fate of Europe. On this most fundamental issue all
revolutionists, rebels, radicals of every shade can and must immediately
get together, and in co-operation with the more intelligent element of
labor, help to crystallize and organize the scattered anti-militarist
sentiment of this country and rear an effective barrier against the
power of tyranny and greed.