Ring Reds

Indiana seems to be disturbed and a little confused about the courage and prowess of American athletes. Traditionally the very core of Americanism, it has shown that its faith might be slightly insincere. Fancying itself a bulwark against communist infiltration, the Indiana Athletic Commission has proclaimed that professional boxers and wrestlers must take a non-Communist oath before stepping into Indiana rings. Already new license applications are being issued.

At first, the state's reason seems worthy, noble and American. In the words of the executive secretary of the State Athletic Commission, "We do not feel a state government department should further the livelihood of a Communist." But this idealistic attitude is subversively invidious.

If Indiana is American, why should it care if two communists get into the ring and smash each other to bits? On the contrary, if the state is worth its steel mills, it should promote such activity. Furthermore, if a Commie is put into the ring with an American, and if what our government tells us is true, the American should roundly beat him. If he doesn't, we want to know the reason why.