[hopespringseternal]

While I would certainly support investigating someone who was actively seeking to overthrow the government, I do not support interrogating those who simply considered themselves communists.

Congress can subpoena anyone they want to testify under oath, like a court. Unlike a court, you can't plead the fifth because it isn't a criminal trial and incrimination is not an issue. That is why so many witnesses use phrases like, "I don't know" and "I can't remember."

Of course, you can't lie without being charged with perjury, and if you refuse to answer questions, you can be held in contempt.

As far as whether these movie people were a threat, what you or I think fifty years later is moot. The House committee thought the matter was at least worth looking into. The silence of the ten about their political affiliation says a lot too.

[Your Nightmare]

Congress can subpoena anyone they want to testify under oath, like a court. Unlike a court, you can't plead the fifth because it isn't a criminal trial and incrimination is not an issue. That is why so many witnesses use phrases like, "I don't know" and "I can't remember."

I don't believe this is true. You can plead the Fifth if subpoenaed to testify in front of Congress (unless you have been granted immunity). Ken Lay did it. So did Oliver North.

[MEG33]

The transcripts are loaded with people taking the fifth.You could not use it for any purpose except that answering would tend to incriminate you.As to thehomosexual reference..I read it in the transcripts.Was he?He was taken from a public bathroom with another man to a magistrate where he paid his fine and that of his companion who he identified as a stranger.The Senator made it clear none of this would be made public.