Only 50 years ago in America - plus ça change....

[Mairead]

In March, {Paul} Robeson becomes the first American banned from TV when NBC stops his appearance on "Today with Mrs. Roosevelt." Under the new Internal Security Act, which allows the detention of subversives during national security crises, Robeson is asked to give up his passport after he denounces the Korean War. He refuses. State Department officials tell him he can keep his passport if he swears he is not a Communist; again he refuses, filing a suit against the State Department demanding the return of his passport.

[RichM]

1. Robeson was a fascinating figure, & a very courageous man, who

suffered the kind of abuse that is meted out to anyone who dares to speak too much of the truth about America.

[Mairead]

2. Not only that, but a brilliantly capable polymath, too

Heartbreak at home, but 15 varsity letters in sport at Rutgers, elected to all the honor societies including Phi Beta Kappa, valeditorian of his class, qualified lawyer, internationally acclaimed actor, singer, social activist....

And victim of US racist fascism.

[lumpy]

3. I had the pleasure

of experiencing his brilliant acting in a production of Othello as well as twice in concert. The many talented performer included his personal political views in his final singing performance. He was a magnificent & powerful man.

[Mairead]

4. Oy! I envy you. I've only ever heard recordings of him singing folk song

[DemBones DemBones]

5. . . . plus ca meme. C'est vrais. Et

"C'est la vie, say the old folks,
It goes to show you never can tell."

--C. Berry

:evilgrin:

(Sorry, watching wingnuts on "Crossfire" made me punchy.)