The New McCarthyism

What is McCarthyism? Sen. Joseph McCarthy was the head of a right wing movement in the post WWII era that began by purging communist sympathizers in sensitive government positions. It turned into a vast right wing conspiracy persecuting and purging leftists, liberals, books, artists, actors, followed by all Democrats, all political opponents, and anyone from any quarter that disagreed with them. They systematically eroded civil liberties and subverted the FBI, the CIA, and countless branches of government and other public institutions into instruments for framing, intimidating, silencing and destroying any political opponents from the right or left.

The difference between politics and McCarthyism is the systematic corruption and use of the non-partisan machinery of government to silence and persecute those who disagree with you. It is what separates democracies from non-democracies.

Why do I bring this up now?

Bush plans to purge disloyal at CIA
Bush corrupts scientific advisory boards
Bush purges FBI
Bush to non-profit organizations: watch your mouth
Bush Admin threatens to fire staff for telling truth on Medicare Bill costs
Bush seeking to gag or punish social service organizations that challenge the party line
Gore accuses Bush of using 9-11 as pretext to consolidate power
Bush allies lead purge of Democrats from lobbying firms
Bush erodes civil liberties
Etcetera