Mark Ruffalo reads Eugene Debs

Summary

In this powerful speech, Eugene Debs, a prominent socialist and labor leader, condemns the exploitation of the working class by the ruling elite, particularly in times of war. Debs argues that wars are declared by the wealthy and powerful, yet fought by the working class, who have no say in either declaring or ending them. He criticizes the use of patriotism as a tool to manipulate and control the masses, insisting that wars are fought for profit and power, not for democracy or the people. His message resonates with a call for workers to resist being used as pawns in the interests of the elite.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Eugene Debs was a prominent socialist and union organizer who spoke out against World War I.
• 🔒 His anti-war speech led to his arrest and a 10-year prison sentence, which was upheld by the Supreme Court.
• 👑 Debs criticized the wealthy and powerful for using patriotism as a cover for their self-interest during wars.
• 🏰 He likened the modern capitalists to the feudal lords of the Middle Ages, who sent the lower classes to war for their gain.
• 🤬 Debs accused the aristocracy of deceiving the masses by claiming wars were fought for democracy and freedom.
• 🛡️ Historically, wars have been about conquest and plunder, not the ideals they were said to fight for.
• 👥 The working class has always borne the brunt of war, fighting and dying for the interests of the elite.
• 🔕 Debs argued that the working class should have a say in declaring war, as they are the ones who suffer the most.
• 🌍 He highlighted the irony that those who fight the wars have no voice in starting them.
• 👊 The speech calls for the empowerment of the working class in matters of war and peace.
• 👏 The audience's applause indicates a resonation with Debs' message of anti-war and working-class empowerment.

Q & A

Who is Eugene Debs and what role did he play in the Socialist movement?

Eugene Debs was a railroad union organizer and leader of the Socialist Party in the United States. He was known for his vocal opposition to World War I and for advocating for the working class.

What did Eugene Debs risk by delivering the speech in Ohio?

Debs risked arrest and imprisonment, which indeed occurred after his speech, resulting in a 10-year sentence upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.

What is the main theme of Debs' speech that led to his arrest?

The main theme of Debs' speech is his critique of war as an endeavor driven by the ruling class for profit, where the working class bears the burden of fighting and dying without benefiting from the conflict.

Why does Debs quote Samuel Johnson about patriotism?

Debs quotes Samuel Johnson’s statement 'patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel' to argue that the ruling class often uses patriotism to manipulate the masses into supporting wars that serve their interests.

According to Debs, who declares wars and who fights in them?

Debs argues that the ruling class, or the 'master class,' declares wars, while the working class, or the 'subject class,' fights and suffers the consequences.

How does Debs describe the role of the working class in wars throughout history?

Debs describes the working class as the ones who make the 'supreme sacrifice,' shedding their blood and providing corpses in wars declared by the ruling class, without ever having a say in the declaration of war or peace.

What comparison does Debs make between feudal lords and modern capitalists?

Debs compares the feudal lords of the Middle Ages, who declared wars for power and wealth, to the modern capitalists of his time, whom he describes as the 'barons of Wall Street' who similarly benefit from wars without personally participating in them.

What is Debs' view on the concept of patriotism used by the ruling class?

Debs views patriotism as a tool used by the ruling class to deceive and control the working class, making them believe it is their duty to fight and die in wars that only benefit their oppressors.

How does Debs challenge the idea that war is waged for democracy?

Debs challenges the idea that war is fought to 'make the world safe for democracy,' calling it 'humbug' and a false pretense used by the ruling class to mask their true motives of conquest and plunder.

What solution does Debs propose regarding who should declare wars?

Debs argues that if war is justified, it should be declared by the people, not the ruling class, as they are the ones who bear the cost in terms of lives and suffering.