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.