Nearly all those investigated by HUAC either confessed it all, naming everyone who was also a member of the suspect organizations (e.g. Burl Ives) or they refused to testify,citing the fifth amendment to the U.S. Constitution which prohibits self-incrimination. Pete, on the other hand cited the first amendment, to wit:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

The result was the same, as Don pointed out. He was blacklisted and could not perform in public for about ten years.

How did he survive? He performed in schools! Now if you really wanted to prevent someone from spreading their "communist poison" wouldn't schools be the first place you would stop them from playing? Oh, well, that's how our government works.

Bev and Jerry