S8 Ep617: 7. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro reveals the origins of the House Un-American Activities Committee, involving Samuel Dickstein, a congressman later identified as a Soviet spy. The committee’s attack on the Federal Theater was fueled by Hazel
The John Batchelor Show · John Batchelor
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Show Notes
7. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro reveals the origins of the House Un-American Activities Committee, involving Samuel Dickstein, a congressman later identified as a Soviet spy. The committee’s attack on the Federal Theater was fueled by Hazel Huffman, a disgruntled WPA worker. Huffman provided misleading testimony to Congressman Martin Dies, falsely labeling various plays as communist propaganda. Although Hallie Flanagan was a mainstream FDR supporter, she was smeared without a chance to cross-examine her accusers. Dies successfully exploited emerging media like radio to turn public opinion against the project and its leadership. (7)
1923