Listen now | A conversation with Gerald Horne about the political persecution of actor/singer Paul Robeson, and the similar tools of repression used against other radicals and dissidents, including Julian Assange.
“Every artist, every scientist, every writer must decide now where he stands. The artist must take sides. He must elect to fight for freedom or for slavery. I have made my choice”
My God! And to think that the US puts itself forward as some sort of arbiter of freedom and democracy. I knew that Paul Robeson was a remarkable person but I didn't realize how remarkable nor did I understand the lengths that the United States would go to to punish someone, not for something they did but for something that they thought. All the while negating all that we as a country proclaimed that we stood for in our Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Rather ironic I think.
“Every artist, every scientist, every writer must decide now where he stands. The artist must take sides. He must elect to fight for freedom or for slavery. I have made my choice”
Paul Robeson, 1937
Thank you for bringing Robeson to my and your audience's attention.
Excellent mic levels!
+1 Paul Robeson & Gerald Horne!
And the men who hold high places. Must be the ones to start
To mould a new reality. Closer to the Heart
The Blacksmith and the Artist. Reflect it in their art.
Forge their creativity. Closer to the Heart.
Philosophers and Ploughmen. Each must know his part
To sow a new mentality. Closer to the Heart
You can be the Captain. I will draw the Chart
Sailing into destiny. Closer to the Heart
Thanks very much for this incredible essay.
An excellent companion to Gerald Horne's work is "The Undiscovered Paul Robeson" a two volume biography written by his late son, Paul Robeson, Jr.
My God! And to think that the US puts itself forward as some sort of arbiter of freedom and democracy. I knew that Paul Robeson was a remarkable person but I didn't realize how remarkable nor did I understand the lengths that the United States would go to to punish someone, not for something they did but for something that they thought. All the while negating all that we as a country proclaimed that we stood for in our Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Rather ironic I think.
Thank you for this informatuve, enlightening report on a really great man. Paul Robison surely deserves to be recognized this way.
Interesting conversation, thank you.
Can't we say that MLK was also assassinated? Great episode. Paul Robeson, what a supreme human being.
Great report on life of Paul Robeson.
I love these interviews.