Kazan Protest

* In his March 24 letter, Michael MacIntire completely missed the point of the protest against Elia Kazan and the academy. As one of hundreds of protesters against Kazan’s honorary Oscar, I will tell you quite clearly that those who sat on their hands were certainly not in “solidarity with Stalin.”

In fact, Stalin would have applauded the tactics of the House Un-American Activities Committee, which made people inform on their friends at the threat of losing their jobs. People were forced to reveal their party affiliations, as well as those of their closest friends and acquaintances. This ugly period in American history (which should be nonexistent because of our Bill of Rights), shows just how close the U.S. came to being a totalitarian, undemocratic society. Aside from party differences, Stalin would have stood up for Kazan.

DENISE MUNRO ROBB

Los Angeles