Citizens! Before I delve into our topic, allow me to make a few preliminary remarks. Today, our continent is experiencing a real epidemic of strikes, and there are general calls for wage increases. This issue will be discussed at our conference. You, as leaders of the International Union, must have a firm stance on this important matter.

As for me, I considered it my duty to examine the issue thoroughly, even risking putting your patience to a tough test. One more preliminary remark about citizen Weston. He has not only developed opinions that, as he knows, are not at all popular among the working class, but he has also publicly defended these views, believing that he is doing so in the interest of the working class.

We must all appreciate such a manifestation of moral courage. Despite the uncensored tone of what I am about to say, I hope in the end it will be clear that I agree with what seems to me to be the foundational thought in his positions, which I, however, cannot help but consider theoretically flawed and practically dangerous in their current form. And now I will get straight to the point.