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Oscar
Ameringer (1870-1943)
"Politics is
the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the
rich by promising to protect each from the other"
American socialist
politician, writer, columnist, labour organizer, publisher of the Oklahoma
American Guardian, losing Social Democratic candidate for governor of Wisconsin
in 1914, author of Life and Deeds of Uncle Sam (1909), If You Don't Weaken
(1940) and other works
American Socialist writer and editor,
born near Ulm, Germany. He migrated
to the U.S. when he was 15, and
traveled through the country, earning his living as an artist, musician,
and factory worker. He became attracted to the Socialist and labor movements
and in 1886 was an organizer for the Knights of Labor. He rose to prominence
in Socialist circles, attracting attention through his colorful and earthy
pamphlets, editorials, and other writings. In 1910 he went to Milwaukee
where he lectured, wrote, and campaigned for the election of Victor Berger
(q.v.) to Congress. Following Berger's election he was made Socialist state
organizer and later Milwaukee County organizer. Ameringer was also editor
of Voice of the People and an editorial writer and columnist for the Milwaukee
Leader. In 1918 he was unsuccessful Socialist candidate for Congress from
the 2nd district. Following the election, he left Milwaukee to become active
in the Socialist movement in other American cities. O. Ameringer, If You
Don't Weaken (New York [1940]); O. Ameringer, Socialism, What It Is and
How to Get It (Chicago, 1930); Milwaukee Sentinel, Nov. 7, 1943. [Source:
Dictionary of Wisconsin biography]
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