You’re reading a story from Sidelines 100, a project showcasing a century of student storytelling at Middle Tennessee State University. Sidelines 100 plans to highlight 100 stories from the newspaper archives this fall and spring.
This story originally ran in the Feb. 24, 1954, edition of Sidelines. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of all things Sidelines 100.
There exists today an explosive topic that is being argued throughout the nation – and in the political parties of America. The word “McCarthyism” takes on many different meanings – chief being that of an extensive search to uncover subversive elements within the United States and its territories.
The much discussed topic of McCarthyism found expression once again in an Inter-collegiate Debate Conference when the Tennessee Forensic Tournament met at MTSC on Feb. 11, 12. The topic received heated oration in a series of extemporaneous speeches given by the representatives from each of the eight Tennessee Colleges of Universities.
MTSC’s William Cain, as a participant in the extemporaneous contest, produced from his memory file some interesting innovations on the McCarthy subject. Other less assailing speakers took stands, while still others expressed McCarthy as the “man of the hour” in American history.
During the past week, a survey was made as to the opinion students and faculty members held in regard to Senator Joseph McCarthy’s investigations of the State Department, the schools and institutions of higher learning and personalities including the Church of the United States. The question was asked, “What is your opinion of Senator Joseph McCarthy and the methods he employs to ferret out subversive elements in the United States?”
The answers given in no way reflects one way or the other towards the policy held by Middle Tennessee State College. It is merely an issue of much controversy deserving the opinions of individuals who have contributed statements expressing what they think of McCarthyism.
“What is your opinion of Senator Joseph McCarthy and the methods he employs to ferret out subversive elements in the United States?”
“No fear here,” says Dean Beasley – “If I were a citizens of Wisconsin,” quipped Dean Beasley, Dean of MTSC, “I couldn’t imagine myself voting for Senator Joe McCarthy.”
When asked if he thought that any rights were being denied the American people through McCarthy’s investigation, Beasley answered, “I don’t believe that any teacher or administrator should refuse to give an unequivocal ‘yes or no’ answer to the question. Have you ever been a Communist?”
“McCarthy may have caused fear in this country, but I have not observed it in this college,” continued the Dean.”
“The methods that Senator McCarthy employs, however,” conceded the Dean, “are in some ways unfortunate.”
McCarthy an opportunist – “I think McCarthy is perfectly justified in being alert to Communism,” confided Lane Boutwell, Speech department, “but I do, however, disagree with the manner in which his investigations are being conducted.”
“McCarthy,” he ventured,” is too much a sensationalist, an alarmist and an opportunist.”
Supports McCarthy – “I am pro-McCarthy,” revealed Joan McKinstry, “but do not necessarily agree with all of the Senator’s actions. This country, “she continued, “needs someone who is not afraid to do what he believes in, and I feel that is just what McCarthy is doing.”
“He is not just saying that something should be done about Communism,” she contended, “he and his committee are actually attempting to do something positive about the infiltration of Communists in this country.”
“Great men,” said McKinstry, “are rarely recognized until they are dead.”
Country Better Without McCarthy – William B. Cain, sophomore and war veteran, attacked McCarthy with the forceful conviction.
“No patriotic American would deny that the objectives that Senator McCarthy professes would be of great benefit to this nation.”
“However,” objected Cain,” in view of Senator McCarthy’s conduct in attempting to reach his objectives, one is inclined to doubt his sincerity of purpose.”
“He has used his position, contended with the scholar and his appeal with many Americans for his own political purposes. I don’t trust McCarthy,” stated Cain. “The country would be better off without his presence in the Senate.”
Prophet in the dark – “McCarthy,” claimed student Charles Abel Jr., student librarian, “is a prophet in the dark. It is about time that we, as Americans, woke up and supported every action that Senator McCarthy takes against Communism. His past record indicates that he has been far from wrong in all his investigations.”
“He is a wonderful statesman,” warranted Abel, “and Divine Providence has given him to the American people.”
McCarthy ear-marked dangerous – W.B. Bowdoin, Director of Student Teaching (secondary level), expresses that he thinks McCarthy an opportunist.
“His means,” said Bowdoin, “set a dangerous precedent – these ends might well service to restrict freedom as we have come to know it.”
Presidency McCarthy aim, says Crowe – McCarthy is building up support for himself for the 1960 presidential election,” predicted J.C. Crowe, Social Science Department, “but he will falter in the stretch. The methods he employs, however, stimulates discussion on the issue of American liberty.”
Room for opinions in America – Edwin B. Howard, English Department, said that “Senator McCarthy’s greatest danger lies in his belief that the end, the eradication of Communism, justifies the means, the gradual distrust and eventual denial of democratic judicial process.”
“In a democratic country, such as America,” Howard reasoned, “there should be room for more than one opinion on any national issue.”
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