The 1950s were an era of dull conformity. Lots happened but survival depended on doing what the crowd did in the 50s. McCarthy extended it one step further. He saw communist spies everywhere and was determined to root them out no matter what the cost.
Civil Rights, (the first 10 amendments of the constitution) were bashed like a rag doll being swung against a stone wall -- especially the 1st and 4th ones. The only defense was the 5th. Many people used it which only made McCarthy angrier. McCarthy took no prisoners and the more famous the person, the more his background was scrutinized.
Skip forward to today. I think if you look at the immigration policy applied to the US southern border you will see similarities. These people have often put their life savings on the line to get from Mexico to the US either legally or illegally. Vetting really shouldn't be as big a problem as it is turning out to be.
