Communists have always advocated the overthrow of a government, using all means including violence. McCarthy would have a better reputation today if he had gone after hidden communists in government and business but the problem there was not visible. The experience of the British was the wake-up call for many people although our own agencies surely knew of problems by then. In other words, I agree with Don Firth on much of his argument. As an opportunist McCarthy chose an easy, visible target; there were known communists in the group. That the accused were not treated fairly according to the Constitution can be deplored now, but at the time a Congressional committee's limits were not as clearly defined. Booking agencies and performance venues refusal to consider tainted performers is difficult, even now, to curb. It all comes down to what they believe the audience wants and will pay for.