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Senator Thomas J. McIntyre was the greatest Democrat in the history of New Hampshire. In part, this is due to his advocacy for human justice, as shown by his leadership in passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964. One could also cite his leadership on arms control and national health care during the '70s, or his pioneering voice for alternative energy. When the John Birch Society declared him the worst Senator in America, McIntyre's responded: "I must be doing something right!"
In 1978, McIntyre published one of the early seminal works on the rise of the New Right. His book, "The Fear Brokers", is a prescient analysis of extremist efforts to undermine American values. He concluded with the following words (p. 339):
My final recommendation returns to the main theme of this book: that we must confront the New Right with courage and boldness.
The New Right must not be allowed to intimidate responsible citizens. They must not be allowed to use their perverted brand of Americanism to frighten other Americans into silence.
They must be confronted and challenged and questioned at every turn. They must be made accountable.
We must heed these words today.
Tom McIntyre served for 16 years in the US Senate. He was the first Democrat in three decades to win election to major office in New Hampshire, and he paved the way for Jeanne, Paul, Carol, John, Dick, and many others. Today, on what would be his 95th birthday, let us salute his memory -- and his courage.
