The Voice of Reason

People’s lives were ruined
When McCarthy hollered “Red!”
Fanning flames as paranoia
Reared its ugly head.

Blacklists made the circuit
Keeping many out of work.
Neighbors spied on neighbors
Seeking where’d the commies lurk.

Finally, a prudent voice
Spoke out against this fool,
When Edward Murrow told the public
Reason had to rule.

I’m too young to remember
But I’m honoring that speech
When Murrow rallied all the world
To fight McCarthy’s breach.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
March 10, 2014 at 5:50 PM
that Mcarthy ruined so many lives. What a heel!!! even suicides occurred over his with hunt. Great topic, Ilene.
Johnson Avatar
March 9, 2014 at 2:16 PM
Great reiteration of a message that needs to be resounded in our souls. Sadly, with the turmoil with Russia now. I'm just hoping, as Paul Callus wrote, that dialogue rules the day. Peace. :)
Callus Avatar
March 9, 2014 at 1:52 PM
And may reason always prevail! Long live dialogue!
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