Yip Harburg
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Tomorrow, April 28, the USPS issues another in it’s “Communists on Stamps” series tomorrow with the stamp celebrating the accomplishments of lyricist “Yip” Harburg. Harburg is famous for penning the lyrics to some of the most recognizable songs in America, including “Brother, can you Spare a Dime” and “Over the Rainbow”. He is also famous for being a communist, as demonstrated by his penchant for anti-capitalist social commentary in his lyrics. Harburg was eventually called in front of the House Unamerican Activities Committee to testify to his behavior, although he never admitted to any involvement with the communist party (who would?). As a result, Harburg was blacklisted in Hollywood, and is now recognized by the liberal establishment as a martyr to the cause and a poster child for the evils of Mcarthyism. Although his Marxist views were deplorable, Harburg also did much to advance the cause of civil rights through his lyrics and activism, which redeems him somewhat in my book.
