Still seeing Red

I find it infuriating that so many prominent people and institutions in America see nothing amiss about honoring those who have been supporters of the Soviet Union and communism through much of their lives.

In this instance, it’s Jules Dassin, a very skilled film director who left the U.S. in 1952 because he was identified as a communist by some of his Hollywood pals (“Celebrating the Crimes and Capers of Dassin,” April 11).

It is gross and quite shameful when the Los Angeles Times assigns Susan King to do a very friendly write-up of someone who reportedly had been an avid supporter of the Soviet Union and communism in much of his life but has also done a thing or two in the movies that may be quite admirable.

Why is there this ridiculous nostalgia for a regime that murdered some 20 million human beings and that betrayed all of its own ideals of equality and compassion toward the downtrodden of the world?

One need not disparage the films of Dassin (I especially liked “Rififi”) to nail him for his stupid, vicious politics. When we chase down Nazis who have managed to hide after their perpetration of horrible deeds against Jews, we do not care about how nice they may have been otherwise, be this in some science, art or business. We recognize that none of that exculpates them, not a whit. So, let’s be as just as we can about this and show no kindness and acceptance toward pro-Soviets either.

Tibor R. Machan

Silverado