The Truman

I. F. Stone is not a big fan of Harry Truman or his Cold War Policy. Truman was a Democrat but far to the right of his predecessor. Truman was a "conservative" Democrat. He had no patience for Stalin or Communism. In the previous works that I have read of I. F. Stone, I would say that Mr. Stone "hides" his personal feelings and political leaning behind a wall of exhaustive investigative journalism. This book is slightly less so. It may be the time period (McCarthy, Cold War, and rabid outspoken anti-Russian, anti-communism and anti-socialism) but Stone lets his hair down in this volume of "A Nonconformist History of Our Times." The style is similar but the point of view seems to me more personal and philosophical. On the political level he brings up and directs the spotlight on many popular figures - Allen and John Foster Dulles, Henry Wallace, Alger Hiss, Whittaker Chambers, Ed Sullivan, William Z. Foster, Chiang Kai-shek, Mao, Justice Douglass, and many others. He delves into his views on socialism, communism, fascism and totalitarianism. This volume by Stone is not only a wealth of historical political information and insight; it also presents the man and his personal search and philosophy. I would say that this volume gives the reader more insight into I. F. Stone's personal political views than any of his other works that I have read thus far. It is the most outspoken, in my opinion. In 1953 I. F. Stone moved on to his "Weekly" which he sold directly to his subscribers. This volume on The Truman Era may provide the insight for that decision. It is clear that he is, at this stage of his career, a critic and "advocate." He now has opinions and answers - and his opinions and answers are not those of the ruling class or the popular majority. He is now unabashedly a radical and a nonconformist. His leftist, radical views, his opposition to war and Truman, the Cold War, his sympathies towards socialism and Russia and the pursuit of peace are now too leftwing for the right-leaning press and conservative America. If he wants to be read, he will have to sell to his own audience - and he does. Books written by Richard Noble - The Hobo Philosopher: "Hobo-ing America: A Workingman's Tour of the U.S.A.." "A Summer with Charlie" Salisbury Beach, Lawrence YMCA "A Little Something: Poetry and Prose "Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother" Novel - Lawrence, Ma. "The Eastpointer" Selections from award winning column. "Noble Notes on Famous Folks" Humor - satire - and facts.