If none of us ever read a book that was “dangerous,” had a friend who was “different” or joined an organization that advocated “change,” we would all be just the kind of people Joe McCarthy wants. Whose fault is that? Not really [McCarthy’s]. He didn’t create this situation of fear. He merely exploited it, and rather successfully.

Edward R. Murrow (1908-1965) American journalist

See It Now (7 Mar 1954)

On McCarthy’s accusations about Communists in the government.