McCarthyism: Past, Present, or Future?

So to start off a quick explanation of what McCarthyism is and when it happened.

During the Cold War there was a period of time called the Red Scare. It was a time charaterized by a wide spread of fear of communism in the Untied States. Many people were afraid that communism would take root in the United States and end the democracy that many of them supported and loved. They were afraid that communist already in the United States would use nefarious means to over throw the existing government. This fear was not necessarily inspired by any single group but was definitely fueled by many groups with in the States.

So during this period Joe McCarthy was elected to the senate. He then went on a crusade to 'exterminate' communists from the government and from prominent positions in the American public. Not all of his actions were what we would call today 'constitutionally legal' but many people went along with the witch hunt supposing it to be a necessary evil. Eventually people did come to realize that what McCarthy was doing was, to say the least, too extreme. Not everyone went right along with McCarthy though and there were many good people whose opposition put an end to his actions. Edward R. Murrow was one of those individuals. He was a famous journalist and used his influence to expose many of the inconsistencies in McCarthy's actions.
    Good Movies about this era:  The Majestic, Good Night and Good Luck

So I was thinking about this time period and I was wondering whether there were any other times like McCarthyism. I made a quick list.

The Inquisition
Robespierre and the Reign of Terror
Salem Witch Trials
Japanese Internment Camps
Arrest of Kevin Mitnick

There are many more but I am sure that you get the idea. So the next question is whether this still goes on today. I can think of many things that might fall into this categories but I will be the first to admit that they are mostly my opinion.

The real thing that we need to do as citizens is to pay attention to the things that are going on and decide for ourselves what is right and wrong. Even more than that we own it to our fellowmen to protect them if they are placed in that situation. So its up to you; is water-boarding justifiable?

PS Read 1984.