January 1946


Henry Hopkins died of stomach cancer, and the Whiskey Rebellion celebrated.  Calling him one less “communist pro-Soviet voice – struck down by God for his anti-American efforts.”  Hopkins was a very good man.  A strong Iowan, like H.A, and a staunch defender of the New Deal.  We was pro-American, not pro-Soviet.  He worked diligently to keep the Soviets in the alliance to defeat the fascists.  He had three sons serve in the war, and one died in action on a Pacific beach.  The Hopkins family are real heros.  Not the chest pumping, arm-chair warrior Whiskey Rebels. 

If Mr. Hopkins was a communist then the word communist has lost all meaning -- except for its pejorative value.  H.A. said, “The word ‘Communist’ is used so loosely nowadays that no one can say what the truth is.  Anyone who is further to the Left than you are – and whom you don’t like – is a Communist.”

Hopkins is not the only tragic news.

Dr. Edward Barsky and other leaders of the Joint Anti-Fascist Refugee Committee received subpoenas to appear before the House Committee on Un-American Activities.  The subpoena also required the delivery to the Committee of the names of all donors and recipients of aid.  They are refusing to cooperate and I fear they will be imprisoned for their political beliefs.

Much like the witch hunts of the dark ages, good people are going to be harmed from the anti-communist hysteria.  I fear that dark times are coming again. 

©  2013 Ron Millar