Reply #25: In my opinion, in order to

[H2O Man]

understand the 1960s and early '70s, and what Hoover represented, it is vital to read the March 4, 1968 memo from "the Director" regarding his goal of "maximum effectiveness of the Counterintelligence Program." J Edgar was intent upon "prevent(ing) the coalition of militant black nationalist groups. In unity there is strength; a truism that is no less valid for all its triteness. An effective coalition of black nationalist groups might be the first step toward a real 'Mau' in America, the beginning of a true black revolution."

Hoover then focuses on the need to "prevent the rise of a 'messiah' who could unify, and electrify, the militant black nationalist movement. Malcolm X might have been such a 'messiah'; he is the martyr of the movement today." He goes on to identify Stokely Carmichael, Elijah Mohammad, and Martin Luther King, Jr as posing the greatest threats to unify black "militants." He shows a particular hatred for Martin, who he believes has "abandon(ed) his supposed 'obedience' to 'white, liberal doctrines' ... and embrace(d) black nationalism."

A couple books are worth reading for a fuller understanding of this. "Malcolm X: The FBI File," by Clayborne Carson is fascinating. The introduction to the book, by Spike Lee, should be required reading for all progressive democrats.

"Agents of Repression: The FBI's Secret Wars Against the Black Panther Party and the American Indian Movement," by Ward Churchill and Jim Vander Wall, is an important book. I think if people were to read it, they might understand some of the reasons why Ward became a target of the right wing in recent months. It doesn't matter if one agrees with his opinions or not; the book is very well documented.

The third book I would suggest is Peter Matthiessen's "In the Spirit of Crazy Horse." The book was "kept off the shelves" for eight years, as a result of one of the "most protracted and bitterly fought legal cases in publishing history." Any time the government goes to court to keep you from reading a book by a respected author, I say read that book!

Together, these three books show the very negative potential that Hoover set as the agencies' goal. He was a vicious man, who was willing to punish anyone who opposed him .... including those in government and in the FBI.