June 8 1949, the FBI released a report naming several
prominent Hollywood actors, writers, producers and directors as communists. One
of the accused, Edward G. Robinson, claimed: “These character assassinations
can only emanate from sick, diseased minds of people who rush to the press with
indictments of good American citizens. I have played many parts in my life, but
no part have I played better or been more proud of than that of being an
American citizen.” In a country founded upon political freedom, people were
sent to prison for refusing to divulge their political leanings and for
refusing to name others who might be communists. I’m reminded of the McCarthy
era when I hear about football players being called un-American for kneeling in protest.
Or about a president who says, “You HAVE to stand proudly for the national
anthem.” And, “Maybe they shouldn't be in the country.” Isn’t protest one of
the most American things we do?
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