an extraordinary letter from a victim of the blacklist

[WI_DEM]

I am writing a biography of Agnes Moorehead and I found in her papers a letter written by Robert L. Richards, who was a writer for the movies--including "Winchester '73" and who was not a friendly witness before the infamous House Un-American Activities Committee. It is dated 10/9/51 and I think what he writes is still pertinent:

Dear Aggie,
As you may know, I was called, and have appeared, as a witness before the House Un-American Activities Committee.

I was not a "cooperative" witness.

I think the main arguments for taking this stand are pretty well understood by most people, whether or not they agree with them.

But as I attended the hearings, waiting to be called, and as I was myself examined on the witness stand, I began to see other reasons which I had perhaps not previously considered as carefully as I might. It seemed to me no longer simply a matter of refusing to aid in the sacrifice of careers--careers of people whom I had known only as fine and decent and loyal Americans--in order to save my own.

The blacklist, it occurred to me, is only a means of creating fear. Fear is only a means of stifling opinion. And I could not escapte the terrible conclusion that in attempting to stifle opinion, this commitee was actively and knowingly serving those elements in this country who want to force us into war--Agressive war. There were repeated questions on Korea, the implication being all too obvious that any disagreement on this tragic affair, or with present foreign policy in general, constituted treason to one's country.

In my own case, for example, the assertion in as positive a manner as I was able to make it that I would defend my country against attack from any source, whatsoever, including the Soviet Union, was not considered sufficient by the committee. I was probed further. The phrase "preventive war" was not mentioned for obvious reasons, but again the implication was unmistakable that anyone who would not be wholeheartedly behind such a mad and unthinkable crime was also a traitor to his country.

I cannot help sincerely believeing, therefore that the persons who refused their cooperation to this committee, rather than being in any sense "disloyal", have in their small way rendered a distinct service to their country, and perhaps to the world.

I'm sure you know that many of the persons who took this stand at these last hearings literally do not know how they are going to pay the rent next month. Legal expenses have been necessarily heavy.

I am trying to raise money to defray some of these expenses. And I feel, considering all the circumstances, that I have a right to ask you for a substantial contribution to such an end.

I hasten to add that if, on any grounds, you should "decline", I think youknow me well enough to realize that such a declination could never in any way alter my feelings of respect and affection for you personally. I know you would not want to decline.

It is perhaps indicative of the work of this UN-American Activities committee that many people may justifiably wish to make contributions anonymously. I leave the methods of such anonymity to you.

I realize this sounds like a very stiff and formal letter. I am sorry. Perhaps it is because these seem like very stiff and formal times. In any event, along with the formality I send you my very best wishes and my love.

Bob Richards

[Karenina]

1. WOW!!

Thanks for that!

[itcfish1]

2. I Wonder

How she reacted to this request.

[WI_DEM]

3. that's what I'm trying to find out now