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KGB, CIA, JFK, FYI...

Santa Monica, Calif.; Olivebridge, NY

Max Holland's comparison of Jim Garrison to Joseph McCarthy ["Letters," Sept. 2/9] shows he lacks a fundamental understanding of McCarthyism. The essence of McCarthyism was that a member of Congress or a witness before a witch-hunting Congressional committee could throw accusations around about Communists and spies in the State Department or in Hollywood or in labor unions without ever having to produce any evidence. They were not accountable, because they were protected by Congressional immunity. Those accused did not have the right to scrutinize the evidence or to confront or cross-examine their accusers. In other words, McCarthy never operated under the rule of law.

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