2. _Fear of being a “stool pigeon.”_ This false belief, inspired by Party discipline, is today keeping many lost souls silent. Our agents asked one Party member, “Suppose a criminal gang kidnaped one of your children. What would you do?” The answer: “Call the FBI.” “Would you want the FBI to make inquiries to locate the youngster?” “Yes.” “Would you expect citizens having pertinent knowledge of this criminal conspiracy to give that information to the FBI?” “Certainly,” he said. The communist member furnishing information to the FBI is also doing his moral and patriotic duty in helping crush a criminal conspiracy. To remain silent is to assist the Party. Communism, like a criminal gang, thrives when people able to combat it refuse to do so. “Stool pigeon” is a Party-defined term used as a weapon to enforce communist discipline. The Party is enabled to reach into men’s minds, censor their thoughts and words, and thereby buttress tyranny. 3. _Fear of personal safety and reputation._ Some members fear the rabid hatred that the Party spews out at members leaving the movement. A West Coast communist, though disillusioned, didn’t break with the Party. He feared that his communist friends would ostracize him. Finally, though hesitantly, he said he was now willing to “risk” being with the majority of Americans! Party members should not fear the hostility of their former Party associates. To be denounced by communists is an honor. Remember, the example of a Party member breaking with the Party may influence others to do likewise. 4. _Fear of disgracing their families._ Many members trapped in the Party dread that their loved ones will know of their involvement. One man, asked if his wife and children knew of his communist background, began to cry. Another said he would do anything to keep his young son from knowing. Not long ago our agents contacted a Party member. “Don’t talk to me at home,” she said. “I don’t want the children to know. Call me on the phone.” Her wishes were respected. To remain silent is not to improve the situation. There is no way in which such cooperation will injure the family. One member, very thankful that he had cooperated with the FBI, said he was happily married and simply would not allow his communist background to injure his innocent family. 5. _Fear of not being received as a loyal American._ The answer lies largely with the Party member himself. It is within his power alone to break completely with communism. He will be judged by his actions, not alone by his words. The biblical advice holds true: “... by their fruits ye shall know them.” In addition, patriotic Americans must do their share to help these Party members. Many are driven back into Party tyranny by the inexcusable ignorance, rancor, and pride of noncommunists. Moreover, it does not help when the truly reformed communist is characterized as a “renegade” and “traitor”—terms which would normally be used by communists themselves and not by good Americans.