Leon Trotsky: Investigate the U.S. Fascists

December 12, 1938

[Writing of Leon Trotsky, Vol. 14, New York 1979, p 806]

Dear Friends:

It would be well to begin the biweekly Socialist Appeal with a detailed investigation throughout the country of the fascist, semi-fascist, and reactionary organizations in general. Possibly the Stalinists have already tried to do something of the kind. However, the situation changes, the old organizations disappear and new ones arise. In any case, it would be an excellent job for our local organizations, particularly the youth.

Of course, it would be good to involve not only our party branches but also the local trade unions, sympathetic organizations and so on. We must instil in the vanguard of the proletariat an understanding of the growing threat of fascism. It is the best weapon with which to demolish the prejudices of Americanism: "democracy," "legality," etc.

With a biweekly the question of a systematic political campaign will become even more important than now.

Comradely,

Hansen [Leon Trotsky]