Meaning: The quote you provided is from John T. Flynn, an American journalist and author, known for his critique of communism and big government. The quote highlights the infiltration of Communists into positions of influence within the labor union movement in the United States. To fully understand this quote, it's important to explore the historical context in which it was made.

During the early to mid-20th century, the labor movement in the United States was gaining momentum and power. Labor unions were formed to advocate for workers' rights, better working conditions, and fair wages. However, as the labor movement grew in strength, it also became a target for various political ideologies, including communism.

The quote suggests that within the growing labor movement, a significant number of Communists had risen to positions of great power. This was a cause for concern as it indicated the influence of communist ideology within the movement. The "crack in the wall" mentioned in the quote refers to the vulnerability or weakness within the labor movement that allowed Communists to enter and exert their influence.

John T. Flynn's perspective on this issue aligns with his broader criticism of communism and its potential threat to American society. Throughout his career, Flynn was a vocal critic of communism and its spread within various sectors of American life, including labor unions. He saw the rise of Communists within the labor movement as a significant development that could have far-reaching consequences.

The quote also alludes to the idea that the power and influence of these Communists within the labor movement were only going to increase. This prediction reflects concerns about the potential for communist ideology to shape the direction of the labor movement and, by extension, impact the broader socio-political landscape of the United States.

In the context of the time when Flynn made this statement, the United States was deeply engaged in the ideological struggle of the Cold War, with communism being portrayed as a grave threat to American democracy and capitalism. The infiltration of Communists into influential positions within the labor movement was viewed as a manifestation of this broader ideological conflict.

The concerns raised by Flynn and others about the influence of Communists within the labor movement led to increased scrutiny and efforts to combat the perceived threat. This period saw the rise of anti-communist sentiments and the implementation of measures aimed at rooting out communist influence from various sectors of American society, including labor unions.

In conclusion, the quote by John T. Flynn sheds light on the infiltration of Communists into positions of power within the labor movement in the United States. It reflects broader concerns about the influence of communist ideology and its potential impact on the socio-political landscape of the country. Understanding the historical context surrounding this quote provides valuable insights into the ideological struggles of the time and the efforts to address the perceived threat of communism within American institutions.