Defending Democracy: A Statement Against Un-American Activities, 1947-11-04

Item — Box: 172, Folder: 9

Identifier: CAC_CC_014_5_172_9_0002

Staff Only

Defending Democracy: A Statement Against Un-American Activities, 1947-11-04

Helen Gahagan Douglas expresses her opposition to the Un-American Activities Committee and their hearings in Hollywood, which she considers to be a tragic farce. She believes that the Committee's actions violate individual rights and freedom of speech, and that combating communism should be done through addressing social issues such as poverty and ignorance. She criticizes the Committee for implying that Hollywood is overrun with communists and for attempting to dictate the content of movies. Douglas emphasizes the importance of upholding constitutional rights and opposing any infringement upon freedom of speech. She also references a resolution by the House of Bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church condemning the Committee's actions and calling for the protection of freedom of conscience.