370: Does “McCarthyism” mean what you think it means?

The boys drink and review Local 1605, a red ale from Antietam Brewery, then discuss McCarthyism.

Since “The Crucible,” we tend to associate the Salem witch trials with Joseph McCarthy and his work with the committee on anti-American activities. After doing a show on the Salem Witch trials (see episode 367), P&C wondered if it’s appropriate to link witch trials to Joseph McCarthy and his anti-communist crusade.

The analogy works in some respects and not in others.

* There were false accusations in both cases.
* In both cases, to be accused was bad enough.
* In both cases, you could get out by accusing other people.
* “Justice” was corrupted by mob hysteria in both cases.
* However, there were no witches or witchcraft in Salem, but there were communists in the United States.

The “red scare” was legit. There was a fight to the death between communism and the west. But that doesn’t justify McCarthy’s methods to root out that threat.

P&C provide a brief review of McCarthy’s life, then examine his methods and tactics and what we should learn about it today.