Beschreibung:

REAGAN, Ronald (1911-2004), President. Partly printed document signed ("Ronald Reagan"), a check in the amount of $50 written to "Americans for Democratic Action," Hollywood, CA., 14 April 1948. 1 page, an oblong (2 5/8 x 5 7/8 in.), a Bank of America check accomplished in Reagan's hand, cancellation slightly affects signature. ACTOR REAGAN SUPPORTS "AMERICANS FOR DEMOCRATIC ACTION" A check written by Reagan to support the liberal anti-Communist organization in the midst of Truman's campaign for reelection and the House Committee on Un-American Activities investigation of prominent members of the Hollywood community. In 1947, Reagan watched as the "Red Scare" swept across the nation. Although the B film actor publicly opposed Communism, he warned about the use of oppressive methods to contain it: "I never as a citizen want to see our country become urged...[to] ever compromise with any of our democratic principles through that fear or resentment" (L. Cannon, Ronald Reagan, p. 29). When asked to speak before the House Committee in that same year, Reagan, the President of the Screen Actors Guild, refused to identify anyone in Hollywood that might be a Communist. In the following year, Reagan campaigned for Harry Truman, but avoided any discussions of communism. Here, in his continued effort to support democracy in America, Reagan gives $50 to Americans for Democratic Action. The ADA had been formed in 1947 and immediately made an impact upon the political community by influencing the Democratic Party to adopt a strong civil rights agenda in its 1948 platform.