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Moe FonerMoe Foner
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Session:         Page of 592

Q:

Who were working during the strike.

Foner:

When I saw Andy, I said to him, “Andy, how do they sing?”

And he said, “Who told you?” That's an example of Andy Young.

I've told you about Coretta going from city to city. But I want to tell you about an interesting event that involved me and Coretta King. It was after Stanley's death, so I could no longer count on consulting with him, which I always would do in situations like this. What was his advice?

What had happened, Tony Scotto, of the Longshoremen, was up on trial for things that included murder, stealing of huge amounts from the funds and diverting them to himself, and his trial was taking place. They were trying to get character witnesses for him.

Cleve Robinson, of 65, knew him because 65 always knew the Longshoremen and the Teamsters, and Cleve Robinson called Coretta and asked her if she would appear as a character witness. Coretta called me and said, “Moe, what do you think?”

And I said, I remember, I said, “Coretta, from everything I've read, I don't think it's wise.”

She said, “Could you find out?”

So I said, “I'll call you back.”

I began to get phone calls. I must have gotten a dozen phone calls from Tony Scotto, which I wouldn't answer. I know they were, “Please call me. Very important,” that he was trying to influence me to get Coretta, and I thought maybe they'd go after me. But I wasn't going to agree.

So I didn't know how to get the information. I called Jack Newfield, who was covering the case. I said, “Jack.”

Q:

At Village Voice at this point?

Foner:

Yes. “Jack, do you know what the files are on Tony Scotto?”

He said, “I've seen the bios. The guy is totally guilty. Don't touch him. It'll bounce against you.”

So I called Coretta and I said, “Coretta, you can do anything you want. It's up to you. I'm just telling you what I just heard, and if I were you, I would stay away from this all the way.”





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