It is a derogatory and misleading term, based on false premises. First, Senator McCarthy had nothing to do with the [[House Un-American Activities Committee]] or the Hollywood Blacklist. Second, and more important, it was not true that all McCarthy called to testify were innocent or that liberals were merely defending [[civil liberties]]. | It is a derogatory and misleading term, based on false premises. First, Senator McCarthy had nothing to do with the [[House Un-American Activities Committee]] or the Hollywood Blacklist. Second, and more important, it was not true that all McCarthy called to testify were innocent or that liberals were merely defending [[civil liberties]]. |