McCarthyism and Mammals

Alison and I watched Good Night and Good Luck this weekend. It is the film set in the mid 50's around the time when McCarthyism was dominate and - according to the movie and the "DVD extra interviews" - people lived in fear of voicing their opinion on Communism. It seemed to be a pretty scary time, where people could be brought to trial without the evidence being seen by the jury, and yet be convicted. Those who stood up to the method of uprooting Communism were called Communists themselves!

My favorite part of the movie came in a news broadcast by Edward R. Murrow on March 9, 1953 where he said some profound things that have impact for today.

No one familiar with the history of this country can deny that congressional committees are useful. It is necessary to investigate before legislating, but the line between investigating and persecuting is a very fine one... We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine, and remember that we are not descended from fearful men -- not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate and to defend causes that were, for the moment, unpopular.

I suppose I especially like his line about not confusing dissent with disloyalty. It is an important concept not only for America, but even moving forward with unity in the church.

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On a lighter note...I've been enjoying squirrel watching recently. Our cat is...well...large. Our vet recommended a new diet food, and a bird feeder outside to keep her mind active. Well the birds come, and so do the squirrels.

Each day, kitty and I sit at the back window and watch the squirrel come and eat the sunflower seeds off the deck. We'll sit there with our noses against the window and the squirrel will watch us right back, standing on its back legs. It's quite fun!