Why SHOULDN'T I join the John Birch Society?

From the 1964 issue of American Opinion (JBS publication):

"The control rests absolutely and undividedly in the hands of the U.S. president ... They [the people who run the Federal Reserve System] are agents of the government, not corporate officials with the proprietorship rights and powers customarily of stockholders of corporations. The Federal Reserve System is not, nor has it ever been, a "private banking institution" that is busily filling the pockets of the bankers, nor is it the evil product of an international conspiracy of foreign bankers ...."

Since JBS_PR insisted we go back to 1958 and look at their accomplishments, I did. The Fed has a complete stranglehold on the US. All other issues pale in comparison. When I say an organization keeps people busy putting out "brushfires", this is what I mean. If you don't stand up against the heart of the problem when it counts, then nothing else you do matters. JBS can fight NAFTA, TTC and any other "symptom" all day long, but it won't matter unless they use there resources to go after the root problem.

I won't buy into it for a minute. If you see a large organization going mainly after "symptoms", then they are either ignorant about the real problem, or are part of it.

I looked at JBS years ago, but I didn't join because of their stance on intelligent design. At the time I looked at them, they were pushing for it.
It doesn't look like this is the case ATM, but I didn't look very hard just now.

If they're members quit hating on atheists, I will reconsider.

My Shelfari page

Was about an hour ago on the Eric WhoRU show on www.WTPRN.com. Check the archives tomorrow (Fri. 08/22 show).

Oh yeah, and once in a while back in the '80's my liberal friends would label conservative looking strangers "John Birchers". That was the '80's though, and you could assume a lot more about people by dressed back then (not that you would always be right).

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http://www.dvds4delegates.com

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear."

~Ambrose Redmoon

How many of you have read Robert Welch's (founder of the JBS) book THE POLITICIAN?

"[The lost causes] are the only causes worth fighting for." Jeff Smith on MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON

I think you should join, spacehabitats! The one-worlders have their groups; the John Birch Society has been a thorn in their side since it started! :-) The Lewinsky scandal hit the news as the JBS was making headway in impeaching Clinton for treason involving China. (Surprised that the media-government baddies would resort to such a distraction?) The JBS has the clout to make a huge impact.

"[The lost causes] are the only causes worth fighting for." Jeff Smith on MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON

but that one had more influence on my childhood than anyone else outside my family.

My eighth-grade social studies teacher and football coach, Mr. Calvin, recommended that I read None Dare Call It Treason, which I did. In the back of the book was a list of organizations one could contact, including one labeled, "the positive approach." I contacted that one, the Foundation for Economic Education, and became a dyed-in-the-wool Austrian.

I am not (obviously) an Austrian anymore - I wrote a Critique of Austrian Economics in 2004, www.axiomaticeconomics.co... However, it was Mr. Calvin who first got me interested in economics, and I continue to pursue that interest today.

I learned another lesson from Mr. Calvin that I retained: One child's mother asserted that football taught teamwork. "No it doesn't," he explained to the team later, "it teaches you to hit people. When you go out on that field, the guy you line up across is going to be lining up across from you all morning. If you knock him on his ass that first play, you won't have to worry about him again. But if he knocks you down, no matter how many times you knock him down after that, he's going keep coming after you, because he hasn't forgotten that he beat you once."

Actually I learned a lot of lessons from Mr. Calvin - too many to repeat here. It is too bad that he got fired after only one year. But his strident anti-communism (Russia had just invaded Afghanistan), his strident free-market economics, the fact that he led the team in prayer before games and that he spoke to us so often about virtue rubbed some of the parents the wrong way.

Of course, this is anecdotal evidence to support the JBS. One can't judge an entire organization by the actions of one man. But I don't think that it is entirely a coincidence that the only JBS member I've known was also one of the best men I've known.

First I would like to thank all of the people who responded to my original post for your thoughtful responses and the information you have shared about the JBS.
I would especially like to thank Bill Hahn AKA “JBS_PR” for the time and effort he put into responding to all of our concerns.
Here is my summary of what I hear in the way of concerns and criticism of the JBS:
1) It is an organization. (I guess this is enough to put off some people with an anarchistic bent. Not really a problem for me. In fact, I think any successful movement needs organization to succeed.)
2) Too religious / too Christian / too creationist etc. (Also not a problem for me even though I believe strongly in evolution. And I am a Christian. But most evangelicals would not consider me to be a Christian, because I’m a Mormon. Blah, blah, blah. If these kinds of things bothered me I would be having frequent arguments with myself. I just think they are wedge issues that should be dropped and/or ignored for the sake of the movement. On the other hand, the Conspiracy LOVES to see us fixate on such things.
3) Not anti-Zionist enough.
4) Too racist. (Looks like leftover smear propaganda to me.)
5) Too obsessed with conspiracy theories. (Aren’t we all? Seriously, I consider our attitude/ approach to the subject of conspiracy to be crucial to our movement. For anyone with a little time to kill, I would recommend my post “The Virtual Conspiracy”. There is no question that wild conspiracy theories have been used to distract and divert the freedom movement in the past. And I truly believe that some if not most of the craziest ones were started by The Conspiracy to discredit our movement and make us gun shy of even using the “C” word. As to the JBS, I think that they deserve a lot of the credit for uncovering the historical facts that prove that there has been and is a Conspiracy guiding world politics.)
6) “I heard bad things about them.” “My momma didn’t like them.” “I met some that were pushy.”
7) Their leadership isn’t trustworthy. (This is a toughy. “galenrog” posted a reply that sums up some of the things that I had heard. I know most people don’t get too excited about internal corporate politics, but this IS an important question. Apparently Robert Welch believed that an organization needed to have strong top-down leadership in order to keep on course and remain effective in the face of all of the misdirection, propaganda, and moles that they would inevitably be subjected to. I think that anyone who has seen the disintegration of the message on these forums and all of the tangents we are subjected to would have to agree that he was right. The question is, how do we know who to trust? I guess this would be as good a time as any to “confess” that I have some reason to believe that “galenrog” is correct. My own father-in-law, Don Fotheringham, was one of those caught and ousted during the JBS power struggle. I may not know all of the details of the junta, but I do know that Don is an honorable man, insightful, a true patriot, a talented writer, and a battle-scarred veteran with decades of experience defending the constitution. And he has also been very patient with his son-in-law who has remained so skeptical that he has not joined the breakaway organization, Freedom First Society, that he, former JBS president, Vance Smith, and other former JBS officers have formed.

So I guess I would say to any one else, go ahead and join the JBS. They have done too many good things for too long to give up on them yet. But personally I would need to watch their leadership and make sure they stayed in line.

And as for myself, I will at least be joining the Freedom First Society, and not just to maintain family harmony. I KNOW that their leadership is honest and that they are 100% committed to the goals that we all cherish.
That’s good enough for me.

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Freedom First Society

http://www.freedomfirstso...

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I went to Birch camp for four years and loved it. They did a great job with providing speakers. Head of the NEA and why he left, a defector from Russia, Marine Sargent speaking against the war crimes, authors of "Non dare call it treason", "The Unseen Hand", the "Creature from Jeckyl" Island etc. They really get you to look outside the box and for fifty years, never once have they told an untruth. It would be nice if everyone joined, we would have a major impact.

"Why shouldn't I join the Birch Society?" There is absolutely no reason at all why Ron Paul supporters should not join the JBS! The Society is the greatest defender of the Constitution and best source of truth to know just what is happening to our country today. By subscribing to The New American one will be more informed than by reading tomorrow's newspaper. Ron Paul has endorsed the JBS and has spoken at many Birch Council dinners. He will be the key note speaker at 50th anniversary in October in Appleton, WI. His beliefs so much coincide with the philosophy of 'less government and more responsibility' which is what the Birch Society has been preaching for 50 years. Go to jbs.org and learn for yourself that it is the best organization of all to bring our country back to limited government and personal liberties.
Tim Urling
Idaho Falls, ID

I would like to add to the comment i already posted by saying that i beleive the jbs was the closest most organized group of people that i know of than the ron paul meetup groups in the freedom movement. i have been called by them to attend a local meeting which i appreciate and i would have liked to have attended but due to the price of gas i declined for the moment. i very will may join up soon.
my comment about the article above was not that i beleived it but simply to say that the vastmajority of the criticism about the jbs is mostly heavily emotional laden name calling. and if the person that wanted both sides of the story was looking for a "good" article that was written by someone who seemed to have done their homework and also appreciated the freedom movement that was it. if they did not do their homework but lied and made up bogus qoutes and sources i really would appreciate the pr person from the jbs to say that if they are familiar with the information in the article. he said the article or someone who considers it or both i dont know which one or none are "certifiable". thats fine but if their anfamiliar with the article but as someone who appreciates the jbs and is a potential member I would kind of like to see a more thought out , lengthier reply than that if possible. some people may consider "certifiable" as ducking the issue or or slamming the messenger instead of the message. its a minor red flag but i would like to see a better reply as i have kept this post to a non- name calling ,inquiring tone. Thank You and THANK YOU for the work the jbs has done for everyone.

Thank you for asking the question. As the Public Relations Manager for the Society, it's very interesting to see the varied responses. You can see that we have our work cut out for us as far as maintaining a consistent positive image. The old rehashed smears that continue to rear their ugly head are very damaging and continue to taint good minds. I haven't met all of the tens of thousands of members (who possibly could?), but I can tell you that anyone who is known to us to harbor or espouse hate are not considered for membership. And if a member shows that this is in their character, their membership is immediately and indefinitely revoked.

The John Birch Society will indeed be at the Rally and have a double booth. I invite all of you who are attending to stop by and say hi. We will be giving away copies of Overview of America and offering a free 3-issue trial subscription to The New American magazine for new subscribers.

The booth will be staffed with JBS employees and volunteers who will be happy to answer your questions to the best of their abilities. JBS President John McManus will also be in the booth and walking the Rally. He wrote and narrated Overview of America and has been with JB since the 1960s. He and Dr. Paul are good friends.

There were a few comments regarding past leadership and JBS employee terminations. In my opinion, this is neither the time nor place to air one's dirty laundry. If there are concerns regarding leadership direction of the Society or any other organization, all you need to do is to see what activities are currently taking place. Then make your own decision based on what you see and not through hearsay.

I was hired roughly a year and a half after the leadership change, so I do not personally know what it was like, nor would it be appropriate for me to comment either positively or negatively. I can tell you what it is like under the current leadership and point to the projects we have worked on, most of which you can see for yourself at www.JBS.org, including an awareness campaign exposing the NAU/SPP/NAFTA Superhighway that resulted in the distribution of more than a million copies of The New American NAU issue (which can still be downloaded at www.TheNewAmerican.com) being sent to elected leaders, national and local media, business owners and other opinion leaders and the introduction of 22 state resolutions denouncing the NAU. We also are a proud member of The Coalition to Block the North American Union along with 70+ other organizations. The combined efforts created great pains for Robert Pastor and his pro-SPP/North American Community supporters, so much that the name of the SPP had to be changed and Pastor had to leave his university job to work full-time pushing this CFR agenda item. Plus, our web sites have undergone a tremendous remodeling. We are now able to facilitate direct communication through the sites via blogs, commented news feeds and chat forums. Our method of organizing was updated to include Meetups, which are continuously being built. If you visit Meetup Alliance, you'll see JBS.org Freedom Campaign as number three. Our alliance page is www.meetupalliance.com/jb....

We have sent out dozens of legislative alerts through a system known as Capwiz that is rather expensive for us, but free for you. Sign up to receive these email alerts and if you click on the alert to take action, it directs you to a page that allows you to submit either a pre-written letter or a customized letter of your choice to your elected Congressman. The software does the rest of the work by figuring out who your Congressman is and locates the correct contact info. It's a fantastic service that helped us to generate substantial support against amnesty in 2007.

We have planned hundreds of activities on a local level thanks to our hard working and highly dedicated field staff and volunteer leaders across the country. We are the only organization of its type with a full-time field staff dedicated to organizing volunteer leaders who create membership chapters and run educational events based on issues of concern to the Republic. This statement may not be entirely accurate anymore once the Campaign for Liberty establishes itself. We are excited that the C4L will be standing shoulder to shoulder with us in the liberty fight. Many of our members are also pledged members of C4L. We see this as only a positive to help reach new audiences with the freedom message and have a larger impact on getting Congress to act Constitutionally. The JBS has been in this fight since 1958. We welcome C4L to the front lines.

JBS has shared a special relationship with Dr. Ron Paul for decades. Ever since our founding, we've had a policy of never endorsing political candidates or parties, so you will not see us backing a candidate no matter how much we may agree with the platform. That said, Dr. Paul will be one of our main speakers at our 50th anniversary celebration Oct. 2-4 in Neenah, WI, as will Rev. Chuck Baldwin. Visit www.jbs.org/index.php/abo.... We were thrilled when Dr. Paul came out and endorsed us in April. Now we are happy to be a Founding Father sponsor at the Rally for the Republic. Look for our booth, our video on the Jumbotron, our message on the electronic board at the Target Center and our full page ad in the program.

I also did see comments regarding some research of how JBS is a front organization designed to keep the freedom movement in check or something like that and that it also is financially supported by Rockefeller or those of that ilk. I find that certifiable. If that were the case, we wouldn't need to ask for donations, and I wouldn't be driving a ten year old car! Those of us who make a living at non-profit and not-for-profit organizations do so because we are dedicated to the cause of the organization. We are happy to be paid enough to raise a family, but we know we will never become wealthy. Our reward is being able to work full-time to help save, restore and preserve this great Republic, so all Americans have a chance at creating a better future for themselves and their kids and grandkids.

JBS' mission is "to bring about less government, more responsibility, and — with God’s help — a better world by providing leadership, education, and organized volunteer action in accordance with moral and Constitutional principles." This is what JBS members, employees, and supporters are all about. For us, everything else pales in comparison.

So no matter whether you join JBS, C4L or any other fighting-for-freedom organization or just decide to support the movement with your time, money or efforts, in the end, you'll have helped save the Republic. By the way, anyone can sign up for free to be a JBS online member, which gives you access to Capwiz, our monthly Bulletin, and allows you to participate in our forums. Just visit www.JBS.org.

Hope to see you in Minneapolis.

Bill Hahn

Any time you have a large freedom oriented organization, you have plants working on the inside to make sure they are not too effective (NRA, ACLU etc.). In some cases they become so infiltrated they are nothing more than controlled opposition groups. The John Birch society is *no different*. This is not to say they don't do anything good. I love their 30 minute video on the history of America.

You can do more with as an individual or by joining a smaller local group of like minded people. Large organizations can waste your precious time by keeping you busy going after trivial matters and attending social functions.

If you do join, think for yourself and don't spend your time on something that you don't think will matter. Putting out brush fires alone is not going to win this battle.

When I first went to a Ron Paul Meet-Up group I was sitting with some older folks. A little old lady sat next to me and I was overhearing a conversation that was going on. They were talking about false flag events that have occurred in the recent past and how they are used to shape politics and policy.

I was shocked to say the least. The lady must have been 65 years old. I asked her about 9/11 and she said she had no doubt it was an Establishment sponsored attack. I was floored. In talking more she and too others at the meet-up said they were in the Birch SOciety.

I had always assumed the JBS was a Neo-Con group... I was completely wrong. Little did I know the "Truth" movement existed long before 9/11.

I have nothing but respect for Birchers. They are true Patriots!

The American Revolution 2.0 will not be televised... It will be downloaded!!!

OK, so, let's come to a rational and factual conclusion about JB because I would join them--thought about it--but I am skeptical.

First though, my point of view:

1. I refuse to be apart of any religion or cult.

2. Most "organizations" are political animals and politics ruin everything.

3. The above are so bad that I have to repeat them again.

So, how is JB any different that any other herd???

No reason at all. They used to be a very radical organization but the rest of us who love liberty and revere the Constitution have finally caught up with them so they aren't so far out there now.

I subscribed to The New American in May. It's the only magazine I've ever gotten that I consistantly read cover to cover. The articles are excellent. Don't know if I'll join the JBS though.

is not at all racist.

Their reporters that have been featured in the New American Magazine for years are the best in the business. The Society has a gigantic storage area of information and historical stuff to draw upon, a network of reliable contacts, excellent, reasoned and reasonable investigative journalists who are so careful that the Society just doesn't need to print retractions.

Their magazine was exposing the plans for the North American Union by at least the mid-90's. At the time such was the stuff of fevered conspiracy, but the reality of it has all come out in the wash. This is the track record of the JBS.

There has been an upheaval in the Society leadership in recent years which some say has lowered their quality and effectiveness. They may be trying to soft-pedal the Bush administration to appease the Republican membership, gain membership numbers.

The Society is not "Christian", and was not founded by one, but there have been numerous Christians in the leadership and on staff over the years, Jasper, Eddlem, and Grigg (see below) as a representative of them.

Bill Jasper, Thomas Eddlem, and Will Grigg are the JBS type, although Grigg is no longer with the Society. You can check out their writings online. Griggs blog, Pro Libertate, is featured on Lew Rockwell, and I have seen Eddlem there, too. Good stuff.

If you buy a bunch of books from their book service, you will get a letter from a JBS recruiter. They don't leave their membership numbers entirely up to chance!

This video produced by the John Birch Society is absolutely the best presentation I have ever seen on how our Republic was formed and what the founders had in mind for us. I think every American should see this. And certainly all students. I'm 51 years old and I learned things I never did in school.

I may join the JBS just because of this video!

This link has the video:

http://video.google.com/v...

Pawnstorm, Seattle

While I like their basic philosophy and uncompromising principles.

I dislike
1. their religious bias
2. their unwillingness to criticize Zionism and Israel Lobby at face value
3. their readiness to call out Arab terrorists while not holding Israel to the same standards
4. too PC to tolerate racism
5. Alex Jones style "only Fascists, communists, NWO are bad and Satanic, Zionist Jews are OK" attitude.
6. Pro-creationist/anti-evolution bias.

try to recruit me at my states covention. A tad bit strange. Tried to get me to buy all kinds of health stuff and diet plans designed for my blood type too. Do'nt know if that was related or not. What was weird is the diet aid pitch was'nt very convincing. He was very overwieght and seemed to have a hard time getting around. I have read some of thier stuff on the net and enjoyed it though.

I've been a proud member for many years. They are the genuine article. Dr Paul is a huge supporter.
JC

I started to look into them when someone called RP a Bircher.

Now I think being called a Bircher is a good thing.

They work locally to promote liberty ideas. A new local chapter just started (mostly by Ron Paul supporters) and I was "heavily" recruited. Right now I could not join if I wanted too. But I am on there email list (free to join) and I have taken every action item them have emailed me.

I also have not met a Bircher who did not support Ron Paul.

They are a Founding Father donator for the Campaign for Liberty from the last email I got from them.

At this time, I will not join the JBS. While it has been a fine upstanding organization in the past, it's current President, John F McManus has decried the influence of Jews in what he believed were gatherings of like minded people. Granted, these particular meetings were not part of the JBS, but he was asked to resign his position by then CEO G. Vance Smith, which he did.

Arthur Thompson, the current CEO, was failing miserably as a development officer and was being considered for termination. When word of the pending action reached him, he began a wispering campaign aimed at the then current leadership. He was successful at toppling the administration and having himself appointed as CEO. Dissent is no longer tolerated in the Society. Opposing viewpoints have resulted in the termination of many hundereds of memberships, including many major donors who had been a part of the Society since the days of founder Robert Welch. When he learned what church I affiliated with, in a private meeting, he immediately became hostile to the point of red face and loud words. My membership was terminated without stated reason within six months of his appointment as CEO. No, I do not trust him. He should keep his biases to himself.

Many longtime contributors to The New American were terminated without notice. I recall many well researched articles by William Norman Grigg who was fired for being a bit too critical of the Bush Administration.

At least one of the National Council members was asked to resign due to his insistance that an outside auditing firm conduct a financial audit covering tenure of both the current and previous CEO's. When Art Thompson took over as CEO the Society was believed to be debt free. Rumors now have it heavily in debt.

No, I do not trust the current leaders of the JBS. They may be well intentioned, but I see a lot of bad signs out there.

Yes I have a jaded viewpoint. I am ok with that.

I am putting my energies behind the Campaign For Liberty.

check out the interviews on Youtube with Larry McDonald before he was killed!

check this link from the new american

http://www.thenewamerican...

Go to JBS.org - the have the Revolution as one of there books they are promoting- also Bastiats "The Law" and "A nation of sheep" by Napolitano -- All good reads - one thing that I don't like about them is that they are still fighting the cold war and they are in that mind set , also a little over the top in patriotism (atleast for my tastes, Ra! Ra! flag waver types)- They are very constitutionally minded, the group that I have gone to are good people.