HE’S FROM MISSOURI

Recent writings about Harry Truman tend to emphasize his “down-home, old-fashioned, plain-spoken” virtues.

The essence of Truman is that he went against the position of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in ordering the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Further, McCarthyism started with the ridiculous, repressive Truman “loyalty oaths.” And when railroad workers went on strike during the Korean War, Truman, instead of addressing their grievances, threatened to draft them into the Army.

While calling Truman “an outspoken advocate of human rights,” Robert Dallek’s review of David McCullough’s “Truman” fails to mention (the President’s) refusal to allow the magnificent African-American singer Marian Anderson to perform in Independence Hall or the White House. Nor could he bring himself to enforce fair housing in structures built with and ensured by federal funds. . . .

On some matters, Truman can be credited with seeing how the wind was blowing and then responding. But he should not be glorified.

MOLLIE SIEGEL

MANHATTAN BEACH