Category: Communism
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Commies for Kefauver?
During the 1956 campaign, the Communists published a report that appeared to endorse the Democrats, and Kefauver in particular. it caused a stir… but why didn’t it dominate the campaign?
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Free to Be You and Me: The Story of the “Freedom Manifesto”
In 1949, a Memphis newspaper editor proposed a statement of principles for democratic societies. With democracy under threat today, what can we learn from it?
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Reds vs. Rights: The Great Cold War Debate
Espionage trials, loyalty oaths, and textbook investigations were common during the early years of the Cold War. Supporters claimed they were needed to combat the Red menace… but what about our Constitutional rights? In 1949, Kefauver stood up for the First Amendment against a prominent anti-Communist Senator in a nationally broadcast discussion.
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All’s (Not) Fair in Politics and War: Kefauver Proposes a Congressional Code of Conduct
Kefauver used congressional investigations as a route to fame. But he also understood how they could be abused. And he tried to do something about it. But as usual, Congress couldn’t be bothered to act.
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Red and Green Don’t Mix: When the American Legion Declared War on the Girl Scouts
In the 1950s, right-wing groups like the American Legion were dedicated to rooting out Communism and world government everywhere they found. Even when they found it in… the Girl Scout Handbook?
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Conservatives vs. The Warren Court, Part 2: LBJ Saves the Day
A couple of dangerous conservative bills aimed at crippling the Supreme Court appeared to be on a path to passage… until Lyndon Johnson pulled off some impressive legislative moves.
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Conservatives vs. the Warren Court, Part 1: The Forgotten Revolt
In the late 1950s, a cross-party coalition of Congressional conservatives joined forces to try and muzzle the Warren Court. What got them so angry, and why have we forgotten this chapter of American history?
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Duck and Cover: America’s Troubled History with Civil Defense
After World War II, America tried to develop a plan for civil defense in case of a nuclear attack. Why didn’t it work out, and who’s to blame for its failure?
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Mad Man: William Gaines’ Troubled Testimony on Comics and Delinquency
During the infamous comic book hearings, the publisher of EC Comics volunteered to defend the honor of his industry. It went… poorly. But the story is more complicated than it’s usually told.
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Campaign 1954: Keef vs. the “Wild Swinger”
Kefauver’s first Senate term made him nationally famous… but controversial at home. To win re-election, he’d have to face a hyper-ambitious young Congressman who just wouldn’t… stop… talking.
Estes Kefauver for President 