“Space does not permit the citing of all the many examples of the utter hypocrisy of the white Communists which show the vast gulf between what they say and what they do.”
--Manning Johnson, Author
“Color, Communism & Common Sense”
It has been said that to understand today, one must be a student of the history of yesterday. History does have a habit of repeating itself. It has also spawned a saying, which is best summarized in the following manner: “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” “Color, Communism & Common Sense” by Manning Johnson may be an old book, but the work provides enough history and ground-laying work to give the reader an opportunity to understand ‘why’ things are happening the way they are from groups such as Black Lives Matter, Antifa and a variety of other groups.
“Color, Communism & Common Sense” (1958 & 2020, 78 pages, Stuyvesant Press Corporation & Martino Fine Books) is one of those short, power packed works, loaded with quotes, article clips and intrigue. Johnson, a Black man and American citizen in the early half of the last century, eventually joined the Communist Party and was able to rise as an operative. He saw things from the inside which eventually led to his being able to testify on Capitol Hill—and other places—concerning the lengths of which Communists (from Russia and other places) had not only infiltrated America but took pains to infiltrate and ‘turn’ Black organizations against the very communities they were formed to protect.
One of the more interesting notes of the work is the lengths by which Communist agents would seek to influence, bribe, and if need by compromise Negro (Black) leaders in the church, business, and other visible sectors. Much of what Johnson describes in his work is still going on today.
“My zeal, training, both theoretical and practical, combined with loyalty and willingness to sacrifice, change me from a novice into a dedicated red (Communist)—a professional revolutionist. Consequently, I climbed rapidly to the National Committee, the highest governing body of the Communist Party in America.”
--Manning Johnson, Author
Chapters include: “Subverting Negro (Black) Churches”, “Creating Hate” and “Modern Day Carpet Baggers”. Johnson named names—including institutions, organizations, individuals, and those who were ‘big’ in the party. Further, Johnson detailed how the Soviets developed their infiltration techniques into the Black community. However—also according to Johnson—Communists themselves were just as apt at practicing racism.
“While the white reds (Communists) were renting apartments and sub-letting them to Negroes to stir up racial bitterness and hate such as existed in Stuyvesant Town, in New York City, they carefully avoided living in a Negro community.”
--Manning Johnson, Author
The publication of this work came at a high cost, as it has been reported via Internet and written sources that Johnson died in a car crash about a year this book was first released in 1958.
“Color, Communism & Common Sense” by Manning Johnson may be found through your favorite electronic bookseller, or through Martino Fine Books.
Mike Ramey is a Minister, syndicated columnist, book reviewer and consultant. “On Line Reviews” is one of a variety of regular column titles which Ramey has in cyberspace from Barnstorm Communications International. If you care to drop him a line, or a whine, feel free to reach him at mgmikeramey@yahoo.com. ©2021 Barnstorm Communications International.
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