Let me tell you about Men

[AtheistCrusader]

47. The Drumhead.

That was an EXCELLENT episode. What he was just about to say is very good stuff.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard: You know, there are some words I've known since I was a schoolboy: "With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censured, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably." Those words were uttered by Judge Aaron Satie, as wisdom and warning. The first time any man's freedom is trodden on, we're all damaged. I fear that today...

Admiral Nora Satie: How dare you! You who consort with Romulans, invoke my father's name to support your traitorous arguments. It is an offense to everything I hold dear. And to hear those words used to subvert the United Federation of Planets. My father was a great man! His name stands for integrity and principle. You dirty his name when you speak it! He loved the Federation. But you, Captain, corrupt it. You undermine our very way of life. I will expose you for what you are. I've brought down bigger men than you, Picard!

And with that little outburst, she destroyed her own authority.

It was modeled perfectly on McCarthyism, and the show trials before Congress, red scare, etc. Salted with anti-Japanese American fears from WWII/Internment.
It applies to much more though.