As a young man, Charles Goldmark saw his father's political career blighted by accusations that he was a Communist. The father, John, a Washington State Democratic representative, won vindication in a notable 1963 libel suit. But he had already lost his seat in the Washington legislature, and he retired permanently from public life. His son Charles grew up to be a prominent Seattle lawyer and, along with his wife Annie, a respected community activist. They enjoyed a happy family life and an untarnished reputation. They had every reason to believe that the old accusations were at last behind them.
Apparently they...