Knees bend! (1950)

From the July 1950 issue of the Socialist Standard

In our propaganda activities we often point out that education is subordinated to needs of capitalism.

The vast sums of money spent on universities and education in general are spent, in the main, to ensures steady supply of efficient wage slaves.

Recently, in Glasgow, at a conscientious objector’s court, during a hearing given to a young doctor who was opposed to becoming part of the military machine, evidence was supplied by a Professor McRobert of the Glasgow University, which helps to substantiate our assertions.

The doctor who had registered for military service on first taking up medicine, had changed his views on the army somewhat by the time he had qualified six years later, in, 1950, with the result, he registered as a Conscientious Objector when he became a doctor.

Professor McRobert who was in the court during the hearing made the following comment to the doctor, “If you had not registered for military service you would have been rejected. You kept out another man who would have been willing to do this work ” (Glasgow Evening News, May 1, 1950). When this statement is examined it is obvious that the democracy the tribunals are so fond of reminding C.O.s about, does not exist in the university. An applicant for admission to the medical profession could be most capable in every respect, but unless he bows the knee to the state his entry is barred.

What better proof could be offered against those apologists for capitalism, who say that the clever and the industrious are assured of success and that this wonderful system makes for the survival of the fittest.

BEE VEE

Blogger's Note:

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that 'BEE VEE' was a one off pen-name for Glasgow Branch's Bert Vallar. The giveaway is the quotation from the Glasgow Evening News.