WHAT ABOUT THE BLACKLISTEES?

When a member of the Academy Awards suggested they devote a segment of the ceremony to the blacklist, he was told in concise terms: “‘The Academy’s policy is to remain totally non-political and…any mention of the motion picture industry cooperation with the House Unamerican Activities Committee constitutes a political statement.'” Political or not, history is inescapable and a part of the present. Shouldn’t the Academy “pass a simple resolution honoring the anonymous blacklistees, those who were denied work and recognition at the time? The question is not whether such a resolution may constitute a political statement. It’s the decent thing to do.” – The Nation 04/03/00