How did McCarthyism directly impact the american public

The Texas vs. Johnson Supreme Court case was one that focused on the first amendment right of freedom of speech. In this case, Gregory Johnson was punished for burning the American flag. Almost all states had laws against this act. However, when brought to the Supreme Court, a majority of judges ruled in favor of Johnson. Flag burning is now considered a form of protest and is protected under the first amendment right of freedom of speech.