Rosenbergs' Son Story aired: Wednesday, June 18, 2003
He was born Robert Rosenberg, but after his parents were accused of espionage and executed 50 years ago, six-year-old Robert and his 10-year-old brother Michael became Meeropols, adopted by Anne and Abel who wrote the anti-lynching anthem "Strange Fruit."
"Interesting" doesn't begin to describe Robert Meeropol's life. To read his new memoir is to see him wrestle with his parents' fate and its impact on him. He's at first stunningly confused, then secretive, then furiously supportive of their innocence.
In the end, Robert Meeropol concludes that his father probably passed some intelligence to the Soviets, his mother did not, and that none of the information concerned the atomic bomb.
He has also decided that his destiny is to help other children of parents who are imprisoned or take a public stand. He calls the Rosenberg Fund, based in Easthampton, Massachusetts, his constructive revenge.
Guests:
Robert Meeropol, activist and creator of "The Rosenberg Fund"
