How did the Red Scare shape American life?

Most Americans never knew the first fact about either subject, except what appeared in the newspapers. Americans were firmly in favor of whatever politicians did, but they really did not want to have to keep track of anything. They wanted the government to take care of itself, and would not tolerate any complaints, right or wrong. One of the first talk shows on tv was "Dan Smoot Reports", a whistleblower program reporting waste and boondoggles. It was sponsored by Dr. Ross Dog Food. People simply stopped buying Dr. Ross and the company folded. Dan Smoot toned down his act and switched to a newsletter format by mail.