McCarthy Era

Re “Recoloring Past Makes Present More Pleasant,” by James Pinkerton, Column Right, Oct. 29:

Anti-communists of the 1950s were not more right than wrong. The correct response to the Russian espionage would have been careful investigation and appropriate prosecution under the principles of law. Instead, Sen. Joseph McCarthy and his defenders used the communist threat as an opportunity for sickening demagoguery and political advantage. During this period of hysteria, hundreds of people had their civil liberties trampled and their careers and lives destroyed. This witch hunt poisoned the press, our universities, the arts and many other professions.

Pinkerton is trying to rewrite history and rehabilitate all the reckless demagogues of this dark period because of his own ideology.

MICHAEL K. FINNIGAN

Encino