I'm from the generation that did the "duck and cover drills" in grade school. I watched my father plan escape routes from my hometown of Oklahoma City in case the Soviets finally dropped the "big one." The Soviets never dropped the big one, I spent much of my childhood afraid of something that never came to pass, and I see the same things happening again today. At that time, it was Joseph McCarthy's voice that provided the soundtrack for our lives - be afraid, be very afraid. Now it's the current administration - be afraid, be very afraid. Twenty-first century fear has evolved into color coded terrorist alerts and the misnamed Patriot Act. In addition to giving listeners a historical perspective, Brian Bull draws parallels between then and now. Soundclips from that time are included as are interviews with people today who, surprisingly, think McCarthy was a wonderful patriot. This piece is put together well, timely, and worth a listen.
Most people remember *something about Senator Joseph McCarthy. But Brian Bull's reporting and use of archival tape give us a much more complete sense of who the man was and what his legacy is.
This is more than an "anniversary" piece.
It includes timely elements: how scholars assess
McCarthy's "Red-Hunting Crusade"; the comparison between The Cold War era and post 9/11 America;
and the prospect of a film later this year
which will focus on the confrontation between Senator McCarthy and Edward R. Murrow.
Comments for End of a Red-Hunter's Crusade: The Censure of Joseph McCarthy
Produced by Brian Bull, WPR
Other pieces by Wisconsin Public Radio
Rating Summary
2 comments
Deborah Astley
Posted on June 15, 2005 at 04:29 PM | Permalink
Review of End of a Red-Hunter's Crusade: The Censure of Joseph McCarthy
I'm from the generation that did the "duck and cover drills" in grade school. I watched my father plan escape routes from my hometown of Oklahoma City in case the Soviets finally dropped the "big one." The Soviets never dropped the big one, I spent much of my childhood afraid of something that never came to pass, and I see the same things happening again today. At that time, it was Joseph McCarthy's voice that provided the soundtrack for our lives - be afraid, be very afraid. Now it's the current administration - be afraid, be very afraid. Twenty-first century fear has evolved into color coded terrorist alerts and the misnamed Patriot Act. In addition to giving listeners a historical perspective, Brian Bull draws parallels between then and now. Soundclips from that time are included as are interviews with people today who, surprisingly, think McCarthy was a wonderful patriot. This piece is put together well, timely, and worth a listen.
Tripp Sommer
Posted on May 29, 2005 at 12:59 PM | Permalink
Review of End of a Red-Hunter's Crusade: The Censure of Joseph McCarthy
Most people remember *something about Senator Joseph McCarthy. But Brian Bull's reporting and use of archival tape give us a much more complete sense of who the man was and what his legacy is.
This is more than an "anniversary" piece.
It includes timely elements: how scholars assess
McCarthy's "Red-Hunting Crusade"; the comparison between The Cold War era and post 9/11 America;
and the prospect of a film later this year
which will focus on the confrontation between Senator McCarthy and Edward R. Murrow.