Quote:
Originally Posted by Txjake
"Using new information obtained from studies of old Soviet files in
Moscow and now the famous Venona Intercepts — FBI recordings of Soviet
embassy communications between 1944-48 — the record is showing that
McCarthy was essentially right. He had many weaknesses, but almost every
case he charged has now been proven correct. Whether it was stealing
atomic secrets or influencing U.S. foreign policy, communist victories
in the 1940s were fed by an incredibly vast spy and influence network"
Most-hated senator was right |
"Joe McCarthy had been a Marine air gunner, an amateur boxer, a county
judge and towards his end, under constant attack, he began to drink
heavily. Herman said he certainly was over his head and his
fall came
about after sweeping attacks on General Marshall and the Army."
Right, McCarthyism is what is known as a witch hunt. There are plenty of historical models. Started out with a kernel of truth, and in the end he's accusing the entire army and its commander.
Salem witch trials, Spanish Inquisition, ect. All events in which extremist views were rewarded, and those that objected on grounds of moderation or reason were lumped into the heretic camp.
McCarthy proved that he could limit the concept of free speech and freedom of expression which are American ideals through fear.