Read "TREASON", by Ann Coulter. All you know about McCarthy has come from biased, anti-McCarthy folks and you've bought the lies as whole cloth.
Well, here we go again. You are the only one who knows the truth. The fact that I lived through the McCarthy era and formed my own opinion seems meaningless to you because you read "Treason".
I can tell you this about Ann Coulter; she is an articulate, passionate Conservative, but she also has the capacity to err. I saw and heard Ms. Coulter [I believe on Hannity & Colmes] call the people of NYC "cowards". Well, my friend, I am from NYC originally and saw my city of birth brutally attacked by Arab terrorists and respond to those attacks with extraordinary bravery. Firemen were attempting to rescue people from the World Trade Center knowing that they were risking their lives for total strangers. Many, many brave acts were performed by the citizens of NYC on that day and I am offended that Coulter would label them all with the broad brush accusation of "cowards" But, then again,that is what got McCarthy into trouble, the broad brushed labeling of people.
So, if you think you are going to change the opinion of some one who lived through the McCarthy era by citing Ann Coulter, after those remarks by her, you are quite mistaken.
Lastly, the discussion last night of McCarthy was hindered by a severe lack of civility. Most of us here on Free Republic are Conservatives. We joined to learn more, and to associate with like minded persons. Name calling or ridicule is not productive. We are not here to prove who is the "best" Conservative or to make ourselves look better at another's expense.
You said I was not educated without knowing the level of my education. You said I had fallen for the lies of others; well, I am a 22+ year retired USAF/ANG veteran with some service in Viet Nam and I have never been accused of being naive. Forgetful, mess up a few facts, maybe. But, I do not base my opinions on one source no matter how hallowed.