(10 of 10)
Its ability to grow and expand along with a constantly growing nation was the real measure of its strength. If it grows in 1951 only as fast as in 1950, the gross national product will reach an estimated $310 billion. By stepping up the work week from 41 to 48 hours, the nation could get a windfall of 1,000,000 more workers, thus produce more goods than in 1950. If the production target was set high enough, American productive genius would do the rest. A summation of that genius had been well stated a quarter-century ago by a rising young politician who counted himself an expert on capitalism. Said he:
"American efficiency is that indomitable spirit which neither knows nor will be deterred by any obstacle, which plugs away with businesslike perseverance until every impediment has been removed, that simply must go through with a job once it has been tackled."
The speaker was Joseph Stalin.