The McCarthy Series: Volume II

Loyal readers may recall a few days ago I wrote a post in defense of Senator Joseph McCarthy. His actions, while indeed wild and not always following the most ethical paths, were ultimately vital to the uncovering and closing of vast underground conspiracies by traiterous American Communists. The subject is indeed a touchy one, and many on both ends of the spectrum would rather it be buried and forgotten.

Well trust me folks, any attempts to do so will be for naught. Furthermore, the McCarthy days hold many valuable lessons for current and future politicians, as well as their critics. For example, in a press conference at Key West on March 30, 1950, President Harry S Truman reacted to Senator McCarthy's demands for him to act in response to his list of "disloyal" State Department employees. The following is taken from the transcript of the interview:

Q. Do you think that Senator McCarthy can show any disloyalty exists in the State Department?

The President. I think the greatest asset that the Kremlin has is Senator McCarthy.

[... later in the conference ...]

The President. With a little bit of intelligence they [Republicans] could find an issue at home without a bit of trouble!

Q. What would it be, Mr. President?

The President. Anything in the domestic line. I will meet them on any subject they want, but to try to sabotage the foreign policy of the United States, in the face of the situation with which we are faced, is just as bad as trying to cut the Army in time of war. [emphasis added]

This is quite an interesting comment. Not only does Truman leave unanswered the question of the truthfulness of McCarthy's allegations, but he accuses McCarthy of playing political games with State Dept. employees' careers. Then, in the emphasized portion, Truman basically declares foolish any criticism of American foreign policy. Boy, to see the look on liberals' faces if Bush said anything remotely similar to the press!

This is true as much today as it has been in past times; when confronted with damning evidence, confront it head on, but DO NOT skirt the issue. Senator McCarthy simply played the hand he was dealt, and as a member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, that meant investigating the government. In return he was vilified and investigated. However, due process wasn't used in his case. Rather, his office was bugged and spies were placed in his midst. Is this what an innocent government does to its own?!