I Shook the Hand of the "Most Dangerous Man in America"

Okay, so I'm burning some music to I-Tunes so I can give under utilized CD's to Goodwill to de-clutter my crib. Of course, I'm digging into some craft brew. Tonight's selection is from Middle Ages Brewing and it goes by the name of Black Heart Stout. Dark as molasses with a very satisfying malty finish. I highly recommend it.
So what do I mean by the headline? I've known about the career of Buffalo actor and labor organizer Manny (Emanuel) Fried for years. He came to my attention after I found out he appeared in the film Buffalo 66. He's the donut clerk who interacts with Billy (played by Vincent Gallo) toward the end of the film. I learned from a colleague that he was called before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in Buffalo to answer charges in the 1950's. He gave the Committee hell and they never bothered him again. Although the F.B.I. was on him for the nearly the rest of his life. He's 94 now and is still a delegate to the AFL-CIO. Anyway, he's in a one man show from Road Less Traveled Productions called Boilmakers and Martinis. It documents his life as he reflects on his marriage to a local socialite. Fried discusses the ensuing conflicts between his union position and the toll it takes on his relationship and the lives of his children. It's a truly fascinating story! The headline is in reference to a story he told about a Catholic priest who tried to warn the working faithful that Fried was nothing but a "low life" Commie. Given Fried's age, this could be his swan song so I cleared my calendar.
I had the pleasure of interacting with him. He was using a walker due to recent hip surgery and was talking to a few people in the lobby (the Market Arcade is loaning space to RLTP). He finally announced that he would see them later. He made his way over to a bench. I tried to get into the theater but was told that seating wasn't available just yet. I sat on the bench next to the old gentleman. I thought it was him, but I wasn't sure. Finally, I asked him if he was Manny Fried. He said yes. "Wait a minute, this is your show and you can't get in?". He chuckled and explained that he enters after the audience because the Market Arcade doesn't have a traditional backstage area. I told him that I was excited to see him on stage because I had never done so. He talked about his last appearance in "Tuesdays with Morrie". He was very gracious.
After the show, a Q & A opportunity arose so of course, I raised my hand and stated that he'd been called before HUAC in Buffalo and asked why he didn't address this directly in the show. He said that he had but it would take 2.5 additional hours to discuss so the producers asked that he didn't. He explained that he questioned the validity/legality of HUAC's existence. He asked that he be indicted so he could test his theory. This made the Committee nervous and they didn't bother with him directly. An enlarged letter of encouragement from Albert Einstein during this time period appeared as part of the sparse stage set. He explained that the letter was in reference to his HUAC appearance. After the show, I asked him to sign my program so I could donate it to the Library. He obliged and I thanked him for sharing his story and shook his hand. He is one righteous dude and I'm so glad I had a chance to see him.

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