Gilbert C. Fite (1918–2010)

4986. George N. Peek and the Fight for Farm Parity, by Gilbert C. Fite (read 23 Dec 2012) This is a biography of George Peek, who was born 19 Nov 1873 in Polo, Ill,, went to work for John Deere, and in the 1920's became extremely interested in improving income of farmers. He became attached to the idea behind the McNary-Haugen bill, which eventually passed Congress in 1927, was vetoed by Coolidge, and was again passed in 1928 and was again vetoed by Coolidge. The effort to get the bill enacted takes up the major portion of the book. The theory behind the bill was to increase farmers' income, but Peek was against any restriction on production which would have meant the surpluses would have increased if the bill had been enacted. Peek then became a Democrat and was avid against Hoover and for the Democrats. When FDR won Peek became head of the AAA but could not get along with Henry Wallace. Peek was very stubborn and became a Republican again and very much against FDR and his domestic and foreign policies. Anyone with an interest in farm policy in the 1920's and 1930's will find much of interest in the book, and the history of the time is of interest. I would have preferred more attention to the interesting politics of the 1920's but the book tells Peek's story well and is very fair and balanced, pointing out both the good and bad in Peek's views and actions.… (more)

3580. Opponents of War 1917-1918, by H. C. Peterson and Gilbert C. Fite (read 14 May 2002) I thought this might tell of the 56 Senators and Representatives who voted against entering World War One, who have always interested me. But instead it is an account of the people who continued to oppose the war after we entered, and the frightful time they had, with First Amendment jurisprudence in its infancy. I found it timely since there is a similar mentality existent since Sept 11: that observance of the Bill of Rights is less important now. In 1917 and 1918 the legal system seems to have surrendered to public passion and the things endured by dissidents are spelled out in gruesome detail. I realize the authors are sympathetic to the dissidents, but the record was very bad. Teddy Roosevelt's statements are the height of intemperate and illogic, whereas Senator Hardwick of Georgia was a hero and was rewarded by being defeated for renomination in 1918. A good book.… (more)