With the recent suggestions by congresswoman Michele Bachman and four other members of Congress that there has been Muslim Brotherhood infiltration of our government, I feel we have entered into a new McCarthyism.
All that seems to matter to an increasing number of our political leaders, and to their constituents, is their belief in whether it is genuine or manufactured for political gain an expanding network of potential internal terrorists.
These terrorists just happen to be Muslim, or have Muslim affiliations, this time rather than communists or Russian spies.
And the new "bad guys" will stop at nothing to destroy our society, socially and physically.
Facts, evidence, data, scientific investigation don't seem to have much meaning; all that's necessary is to make the allegations, insinuations which the "National Security Five" call "questions."
But it is the repercussions from these "questions" which can do tremendous damage by upsetting lives, careers, and, most of all, cause distractions from the real problems and issues of our society and the world today.
Because of 9/11, I'm afraid this time McCarthy-style witch hunts will go much more unchallenged, taken more seriously, and indeed, cheered on.
All the more reason why teachers and parents have to encourage critical thinking in children and teenagers. How can these politicians get away with unfounded charges and allegations?
The fact that the "National Security Five" have refused to explain their "questions" on any television talk shows or submit themselves to cross-examination by journalists should be a red flag that should incite outrage.
Richard Sahn
Cogan Station
Submitted by Virtual Newsroom
