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Missouri Information Analysis Center report demonstrates need for local control of police departments The John Birch Society’s “Support Your Local Police” campaign helped free local police departments from federal control

APPLETON, WIS. — March 20, 2009 — In an action The John Birch Society classifies as asinine, the Missouri Information Analysis Center released a strategic report on February 20, 2009, called “The Modern Militia Movement.”  In it, the center equates supporters of the U.S. Constitution and third party candidates and those against abortion and illegal immigration with white supremacists, Neo-Nazis, so-called “rightwing extremists” and domestic terrorists.  This poorly written report was released to those law enforcement officers and agencies, intelligence agencies and Department of Defense organizations operating in Missouri.

The 8-page report briefly describes the unsavory and immoral actions of violence-embracing militia groups pre and post 9/11/01.  It does not, however, provide detailed or even accurate accounts of federal intervention at Ruby Ridge, Waco or Oklahoma City, merely broad brushing the examples as reasons why militia membership flourished.

Its repeated use of the phrase “rightwing extremists” is never fully defined, but readers are led to believe it is anyone who opposes gun control, abortion, taxes, illegal immigration, a Constitutional Convention, the North American Union, the New World Order, forced conscription, and citizen radio frequency identification as well as those who want to lobby government officials and confront corruption.  This illogically puts law enforcement on one side and responsible, law-abiding folks who support the Constitution on the other.

The report recommends profiling by stating that “it is not uncommon for militia members to display Constitutional Party, Campaign for Liberty or Libertarian material.”  It continues, “Militia members commonly display picture, cartoons, bumper stickers that contain anti-government rhetoric. Most of this material will depict the FRS, IRS, FBI, ATF, CIA, UN, Law Enforcement, and ‘The New World Order’ in a derogatory manor (sic).”

In an interview with the “Columbia Daily Tribune,” Lt. John Hotz of the Missouri State Highway Patrol suggests that the “report is being misinterpreted.”  “All this [report] is an educational thing.  Troopers have been shot by members of groups, so it’s our job to let law enforcement officers know what the trends are in the modern militia movement.”

But James Fitzgerald, National Director of Field Activities for The John Birch Society and former police officer, points out that the report is misleading at best and potentially highly dangerous. “Police officers are trained to anticipate the worst in situations, so they are prepared to effectively do their job and go home safely.  They rely on intelligence information to keep them apprised of threats in their areas.  Unfortunately this report is totally irresponsible.  It places an unworthy veil of suspicion over responsible citizens that respect the rule of law.”

Missouri State Rep. James Guest has a meeting next week with officials at MIAC.  He wants them to retract their report and apologize for their overstepping.  He commented, “It is profiling to the highest degree to identify citizens of this country who display bumper stickers or other labels as being part of a modern militia movement. I thought anybody who spoke out was protected by the First Amendment.”

Guest wrote in an editorial, “I and others will not be intimidated by this threat to our freedom but I believe it will energize Missourians to stand up for their constitutional protected rights. This assault on Americans by profiling us as militant instead of profiling those who are here illegally, or terrorists, amazes me.”

In 1963, The John Birch Society began its “Support Your Local Police” campaign with a goal of keeping police departments under local control and not being merged into a national police force.  For decades, JBS members formed partnerships with local police departments, which proved very beneficial to certain communities in the late 1960s during the era of civil rights riots.  Members met with local police chiefs and then went door-to-door to create awareness, sparing some of those communities from violent riots.

Fitzgerald explains that what is needed is a better relationship between citizens and their local police.  “By getting to know those in your community and opening up those communication lines, you know where the real threats lie.  You begin to understand who you can count on.  This was standard operating procedure when I was on the Vice Squad in New Jersey.”
What this report does bring to light is how this “intelligence” is gathered and distributed.  The Missouri Information Analysis Center is part of a network of Department of Homeland Security “Fusion Centers,” which demonstrates that the information in this report was probably sent to many more states than Missouri.

The John Birch Society is urging members and all constitutionalists to work on bettering relationships with local police as well as the DHS Fusion Centers.  It also is urging law enforcement to place the report exactly where it belongs … in the trash.

Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, The John Birch Society is dedicated to restoring and preserving freedom under the U.S. Constitution.  Members come from all walks of life and are active throughout the 50 states on local, regional and national issues.  United by a strong belief in personal freedom and limited government, plus a sense of duty, members have played a continuous and pivotal role in halting legislation and federal policies that threaten the independence of our country and the freedom of American citizens.  Visit JBS.org for more information.

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Jewish members of The John Birch Society clear record of anti-Semitism charge of Society’s President in The New York Times
Snippets of John McManus discussing Jewish and Catholic faiths in two speeches nine years ago at a non-Birch function taken out of context

APPLETON, WIS. — June 26, 2009 — In a June 25 column, The New York Times asserts that John Birch Society President John F. McManus gave anti-Semitic talks to Catholic groups. However, the snippets the reporter lays claim to are cherry-picked from two speeches McManus gave in 2000. “They certainly are taken out of context," says JBS Jewish Member David Eisenberg.

“As a proud Jewish member of the National Council of the John Birch Society,” Eisenberg continued, “I must respond. I have a long time ago satisfied myself that those statements made nine years ago by John McManus have been misinterpreted. John is strictly describing what was happening to the Jewish faith during the birth of the Christian faith back in 70 AD.”

“I, too, fell victim to the smear that JBS was anti-Semitic in the 1960s,” Eisenberg offered. “So, it was my intention, as a proud Jewish man, to use the facts I discovered to destroy this anti-Semitic organization. After reading most of the Society's publications, seeing their movies and hearing their speakers, I asked JBS members who were co-workers if I could attend their meetings. I was welcomed to do so, and I did. After a year of personal investigation, I found that not only was the organization not anti-Semitic and racist, but that I was in agreement with the Society. I joined the organization and my wife did the same a year later. Our two children attended JBS Youth Camps. All four of us became Life Members. I have served as a Chapter Leader, Section Leader, Head of the Speakers' Committee, Youth Camp Counselor and Camp Director. In 1995, I was brought up as a Member of the National Council.”

“So, what are the facts with regard to the John Birch Society and anti-Semitism? Take it from this long-time Jewish member: The John Birch Society is the sworn enemy of all those who hate others on the basis of their skin color, their religious affiliation, or on the basis of any other arbitrary, collectivist categorizations. It is, instead, the most steadfast organization in America working to preserve and defend liberty and freedom for all Americans.”

In a written response, Andy Dlinn, another Jewish JBS member wrote, “There really is nothing here. Based on his speech and my many years of association with John, there is no evidence of any anti-Semitism.”

Dlinn was approached for membership in 1985 because of his involvement in organizations that promote liberty and free markets. He, too, was always told about the Society's purported anti-Semitism. "Although I agreed with the JBS' positions, I was very concerned whether or not the charges were true. So I actually read the early works of JBS founder Robert Welch before he started the JBS looking for clues to validate the charges. Having found none, I joined the JBS and have been a proud defender of freedom enhanced by the comprehensive tools the JBS provides. As Mr. Welch clearly states in his founding speech of the JBS, "Our hope is to make better Catholics, better Protestants, better Jews, or better Moslems out of those who belong to the Society. Our never ending concern is with morality, integrity and purpose."

Dlinn has served as volunteer chapter leader and section leader.

John McManus is available for interviews not only to refute the issue brought up by The New York Times, but to discuss the larger issue of some mainstream media outlets irresponsibly labeling dissent as “right wing extremism” or as “hate speech.”

McManus joined the staff of The John Birch Society in August 1966, becoming President in 1991. He has written and produced numerous books and audiovisual programs, including the popular DVD, “Overview of America,” which is a moving tribute about America’s Constitutional roots.

He has appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs. He is one of the Society’s few authorized spokesmen. In addition to being a regular contributor of articles to The New American magazine, he serves as its publisher. He is also publisher of the Society’s monthly Bulletin. He is currently wrapping up a speaking tour entitled “America’s Economic Meltdown,” in which he points to the Constitution for long-term solutions. His speech is based on his 1993 book “Financial Terrorism: Hijacking America Under the Threat of Bankruptcy.” Many of his predictions made in this book have come true during the current economic crisis.

Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, The John Birch Society is dedicated to restoring and preserving freedom under the U.S. Constitution. Members come from all walks of life and are active throughout the 50 states on local, regional and national issues. United by a strong belief in personal freedom and limited government, plus a sense of duty, members have played a continuous and pivotal role in halting legislation and federal policies that threaten the independence of our country and the freedom of American citizens. Visit www.JBS.org for more information.

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920-225-5606, Press Room

America’s Economic Meltdown—coming soon to a city near you!
The John Birch Society sets up 40 city tour covering 21 states to present overview, solutions to America’s economic meltdown

APPLETON, WIS. — January 21, 2009 — As the federal government continues to deal with the recession by enacting a variety of interventions, The John Birch Society will offer a counter-perspective on and solutions to the economic crisis.

“America’s Economic Meltdown” will be presented by John McManus, Publisher of The New American magazine and JBS President.  His hour-long speech in will be delivered in 40 cities in 21 states, starting in early February.  The events are open to the public.

McManus will provide in-depth discussion of money, inflation, the Federal Reserve and the advantages of sound currency.  The New American has reported that the stimulus price tag nears $2 trillion, given the bailouts, tax rebate and the upcoming stimulus bill, which will only worsen the problem.  The money to pay for this will either be printed (inflation) or borrowed, most likely from China.  The result of this fiscal irresponsibility will be a declining dollar, a mountain of indebtedness, and the potential for a loss of national independence.  “This is not something we should leave for our children or ourselves,” says McManus. “Let’s get government under control, learn from history, return to sound currency, and pay off the nation’s debts.”

The New American has pointed out that government interventionism continues to prolong and deepen the recession by preventing bad investments from being liquidated, insolvent companies are kept afloat and investments continue to be misappropriated.  Instead of attacking the root cause of the problem — government that is too big and too expensive — the bailouts and stimulus packages are only compounding it.

An early version of “America’s Economic Meltdown” is available in McManus’ DVD presentation, “Dollars & $ense.”  Copies of the DVD will be available at the event.  The tour begins February 10 and goes through late June.  A tentative schedule is posted online with local contact information.

Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, The John Birch Society is dedicated to restoring and preserving freedom under the U.S. Constitution.  Members come from all walks of life and are active throughout the 50 states on local, regional and national issues.  United by a strong belief in personal freedom and limited government, plus a sense of duty, members have played a continuous and pivotal role in halting legislation and federal policies that threaten the independence of our country and the freedom of American citizens.  Visit www.JBS.org for more information.

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To interview Kelly Taylor, contact Rick Bennett
Event Coordinator, Lubbock, Texas Area Members of The John Birch Society
806-632-3033

Ports-to-Plains: Progress, but at what cost? asks The John Birch Society
Texan-native Kelly Taylor will present the real costs of allowing trade corridors to run from Mexico to Canada in the name of increased trade at a local John Birch Society event Jan. 12 in Lubbock

LUBBOCK, TEXAS — January 6, 2009 — Many are hailing the consensus reached at the recent Ports-to-Plains Trade Corridor Summit as the beginning of a “bright future” for West Texas.  But Texas chapters of The John Birch Society are asking, “At what cost?”  Texan-native Kelly Taylor will answer that question and present the downside of helping the government cater ever-more to cheap foreign imports while the manufacturing base of the United States continues to erode.

Taylor’s presentation will be held Monday, January 12, 2009, in the Venetian 1 Room of Embassy Suites Hotel at 7:00 p.m.  The hotel is located at 5215 South Loop 289 in Lubbock, Texas.  Her analysis comes the day before the Texas legislature begins its 2009 session.

Those involved with the Ports-to-Plains project are already contacting Washington, D.C. to beg federal money from President-elect Barack Obama.  It has already been reported that the Texas Transportation Commission has allocated $140 million for related projects from Dumas to San Angelo, Texas.

Taylor is an Austin-based writer, filmmaker and producer of a politically based TV talk show.  She is a contributor to The New American magazine and has extensively researched and written about the NAFTA Superhighway.  She is heralded as one of the first to report on the collusion between Texas officials and Federal officials to install toll booths on existing Texas highways to fund the construction of corridor highways owned and operated by foreign investors.  She is sought-after for her popular and telling “Oh Well, I Wasn’t Using My Texas Heritage Anyway” presentation.

Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, The John Birch Society is dedicated to restoring and preserving freedom under the U.S. Constitution.  Members come from all walks of life and are active throughout the 50 states on local, regional and national issues.  United by a strong belief in personal freedom and limited government, plus a sense of duty, members have played a continuous and pivotal role in halting legislation and federal policies that threaten the independence of our country and the freedom of American citizens.  The New American is published by JBS.  Visit www.JBS.org for more information.

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920-225-5606

National Council Member of The John Birch Society Killed in Car Accident
Clifford and Dorothy Wasem killed January 4 in Idaho

APPLETON, WIS. — January 7, 2009 — Tragically, Clifford and his beloved wife Dorothy Wasem were killed in an automobile accident, Sunday, January 4, 2009. Thoughts and prayers from all at The John Birch Society go out to their family as well as to the family of the third accident victim, in the other vehicle. Clifford was a member of the National Council of The John Birch Society.

To those that knew Cliff and Dorothy, and it was rare to find someone in their community that did not know them given their successful family-run pharmacy, “Wasem’s”, they will be greatly missed.

Cliff was born in Clarkston, Washington, in 1928 and resided there his entire life. He graduated from Washington State College with a degree in pharmacy and joined his father in the family-owned pharmacy. Cliff became the pharmacy’s sole proprietor in 1965. Under his energetic leadership, the business diversified and provided a wide variety of products and services.

Cliff served as his county’s Republican chairman for 15 years and as an elected state representative during the 1960s. He also served on the city council and was active in his local community affairs his entire life. He faithfully led a JBS chapter for more than 35 years.

Always an enthusiastic promoter of the Society’s programs, Cliff was known by every customer and friend as a man who stood up for his beliefs. Consequently, many in his community have rallied around his leadership.

Cliff had expended some of his boundless energy as treasurer of the local hospital and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Washington State Pharmaceutical Association. He accepted appointment to the National Council of The John Birch Society in 1999. Cliff had credited his wife, Dorothy, for making his widespread activities possible.

As the CEO of The John Birch Society, Art Thompson expressed, “Cliff’s influence in politics, health matters, and helping to preserve the Constitution extended all across the nation and touched literally thousands of people. He will be missed by the many, many people who loved him and Dorothy.”

Cliff leaves behind a vacant seat and very large shoes to fill on the National Council. His tireless enthusiasm will be felt for years to come. He and Dorothy are survived by their four children.

Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, The John Birch Society is dedicated to restoring and preserving freedom under the U.S. Constitution. Members come from all walks of life and are active throughout the 50 states on local, regional and national issues. United by a strong belief in personal freedom and limited government, plus a sense of duty, members have played a continuous and pivotal role in halting legislation and federal policies that threaten the independence of our country and the freedom of American citizens. Visit www.JBS.org for more information.

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To interview John F. McManus regarding the dangers of a Constitutional Convention,
contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Public Relations Manager, The John Birch Society/The New American
920-225-5606

Constitutional convention being debated in Ohio legislature is a bad idea says The John Birch Society
John Birch Society members testify against House Joint Resolution 8, calling for a con-con to deliver an amendment for fiscal responsibility

APPLETON, WIS. — December 10, 2008 — Today the Judiciary Committee of the General Assembly of the Ohio State Legislature is debating whether or not to formally ask Congress for a constitutional convention (con-con) in the hopes of creating a new Constitutional amendment forcing fiscal responsibility on the government.  “While fiscal responsibility is extremely important in reducing our debt,” says John F. McManus, president of The John Birch Society and publisher of The New American, “the call for a constitutional convention is fraught with danger that few realize.”

McManus states that the last time a constitutional convention was called, the Articles of Confederation were cast out and the current Constitution replaced it.  “This turned out to be a great replacement, but I shudder to think of what a con-con would do today.”  The John Birch Society believes the Constitution, that they say most in Congress habitually ignore, is a great roadmap for the Republic, but only if it is adhered to.  “There’s no reason to call for a con-con.  Congress already has the power to make the federal government fiscally responsible.”

“We recommend that citizens work through their elected Congressional leaders to force fiscal responsibility, not through the creation of a con-con that cannot be controlled,” offered McManus.

The New American reported in 2006 that “A majority of the judges and scholars who have opined on the subject [of a con-con] have declared that restraints and limitations contained in the resolutions of state legislatures which apply to Congress to call a convention are unenforceable and of no effect whatever.”  The late Chief Justice of the United States, Warren Burger, wrote in a private letter in 1988 also published in the same article:

   I have also repeatedly given my opinion that there
   is no effective way to limit or muzzle the actions of
   a Constitutional Convention. The Convention could
   make its own rules and set its own agenda. Congress
   might try to limit the Convention to one amendment or
   to one issue, but there is no way to assure that the Convention
   would obey. After a Convention is convened, it
   will be too late to stop the Convention if we don't like
   its agenda.... A new Convention could plunge our Nation
   into constitutional confusion and confrontation at
   every turn, with no assurance that focus would be on
   the subjects needing attention. I have discouraged the
   idea of a Constitutional Convention, and I am glad to see
   states rescinding their previous resolutions requesting a
   Convention. In these [constitutional] Bicentennial years,
   we should be celebrating [the republic's] long life, not
   challenging its very existence.

Members of The John Birch Society have appeared to testify before the committee today to discourage a call for a con-con and have undertaken a last minute push to help educate legislators and their staffs about the dangers of a possible runaway convention.

McManus joined the staff of The John Birch Society in August 1966, and by 1991 was named its President and Publisher of its official magazine, “The New American.”  He has appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs and has written and produced numerous videos and DVDs, including the popular "Overview of America," a moving survey of America’s remarkable roots.  Originally from Brooklyn, New York, he is a graduate of Holy Cross College in Massachusetts.  He served on active duty as a lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps for three years.  For six years before accepting a staff position with the Society, he was employed as an electronics engineer.

Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, The John Birch Society is dedicated to restoring and preserving freedom under the U.S. Constitution.  Members come from all walks of life and are active throughout the 50 states on local, regional and national issues.  United by a strong belief in personal freedom and limited government, plus a sense of duty, members have played a continuous and pivotal role in halting legislation and federal policies that threaten the independence of our country and the freedom of American citizens.  Visit www.JBS.org for more information.

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To interview John F. McManus regarding the unconstitutional measures of the bailouts,
contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Public Relations Manager, The John Birch Society/The New American
920-225-5606

Unconstitutional auto bailouts do nothing but delay the inevitable says The John Birch Society
The John Birch Society directs members to pressure Senate to not pass auto bailout

APPLETON, WIS. — December 11, 2008 — Scheduled for a vote tomorrow, the U.S. Senate is debating the automaker bailout bill that passed the House of Representatives yesterday. The John Birch Society has asked its Alert Network subscribers to pressure their Senators to vote no to the bailout.  “Regardless of the industry we’re bailing out, it’s unconstitutional,” remarked John F. McManus, JBS President and Publisher of The New American.  "The founding fathers spoke in favor of limited government. They saw government as a negative force to be chained down by the Constitution. Nowhere in the document does it give the legislative and executive branches any power to bail out industry.”

Industries in the free market rise and fall.  Unfortunately the U.S. government constantly stands in industry’s way with so much regulation that many firms find they cannot compete on domestic soil, forcing many overseas.

The New American reports that Senator Jim DeMint, Republican from South Carolina, recently said, "This is what happens when you bail out one industry: five more get in line. Some auto manufacturers are struggling because of a bad business structure with high unionized labor costs and burdensome federal regulations. Taxpayers did not create these problems and they should not be forced to pay for them."

Bailout supporters, such as UAW president Ron Gettelfinger, are painting apocalyptic scenarios should there be an auto industry bankruptcy.  He and others note that the domestic auto industry and its suppliers account for one out of every 10 jobs in the U.S. economy.  But those who dispute that a cataclysm would occur argue that bankruptcy would not be nearly as traumatic as Gettelfinger claims.  Under bankruptcy protection, an automaker could renegotiate labor contracts, trim the health and pension benefits costs that undermine its competitiveness against foreign automakers, and override state laws that make it difficult to close unprofitable dealerships.

Analysts claim that, just as the airlines have done, automakers could carry on with minimal disruption. Michael Levine, a former airline executive who has worked as a consultant for bankrupt airlines, says, "It is quite possible the auto industry is not thinking in truly contemporary terms. A couple of generations ago, the word bankruptcy meant liquidation.  Now it very often means reorganization."

Supporters of a Motor City bailout point to the alleged success of the Chrysler rescue back during the Carter administration because Chrysler ultimately repaid the loan and the federal government made money out of the deal. But all that the Chrysler bailout did was allow the company to ignore the problems within both itself and the auto industry, virtually guaranteeing another crisis down the road. History shows that bailouts merely serve to encourage the continuation of bad policies, which ultimately lead to even bigger problems in the future, as we are now witnessing again.

“The situation in which the American auto industry presently finds itself is a disaster of its own making,” claims McManus.  The executives who have managed the Big Three have refused to accept the fact that their marketing and production strategies for long-term viability have been off the mark for decades. U.S. automakers laid claim to 90 percent of the domestic car market in 1960. Today their market share stands at less than 50 percent. And the UAW has refused to accept the fact that the market for its members has changed, as well. UAW membership peaked in 1979 at 1.5 million but has dropped to less than 500,000 today.

A taxpayer bailout of the auto industry would further expand the reach of the federal government into the private sector, following on the $700 billion rescue package intended for the stabilization of the U.S. banking system. This is not something that the taxpayers seem eager to swallow, judging from a recent USA Today/Gallup poll, which found that helping the car companies and other big corporations ranks low on the public's list of economic priorities, with just 20 percent saying that such assistance is "critical" or "very important."

The free market has been telling the Big Three and the UAW that it is not willing to bear the extravagant pay, bonuses, and benefits packages that the American auto industry has been lavishing on itself, in return for products that do not give good value for the money that customers have to pay. If consumers are not willing to support such excesses, then neither should the taxpayers support such excesses by way of a federal government bailout.

The long-term consequences of removing failure as an option in a free-market economy is that the federal government would also be undermining the conditions that create greater wealth and more jobs in our economy. Capital and labor should be allowed to flow to where it will be used most productively, because that will provide the most benefit to society. If that means letting capital and labor flow to nonunionized car factories in Tennessee, rather than unionized car factories in Michigan, then the federal government should not stand in the way.  McManus adds, “The free enterprise system means that there will be successes and failures.  Preventing failures with government meddling is un-American.”

McManus joined the staff of The John Birch Society in August 1966, and by 1991 was named its President and Publisher of its official magazine, “The New American.”  He has appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs and has written and produced numerous videos and DVDs, including the popular "Overview of America," a moving survey of America’s remarkable roots.  He also wrote and narrated Dollars & $ense, a DVD that clearly explains money, inflation, free market economics, and sound currency while offering solutions to help America reclaim its financial footing.  Originally from Brooklyn, New York, he is a graduate of Holy Cross College in Massachusetts.  He served on active duty as a lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps for three years.  For six years before accepting a staff position with the Society, he was employed as an electronics engineer.

Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, The John Birch Society is dedicated to restoring and preserving freedom under the U.S. Constitution.  Members come from all walks of life and are active throughout the 50 states on local, regional and national issues.  United by a strong belief in personal freedom and limited government, plus a sense of duty, members have played a continuous and pivotal role in halting legislation and federal policies that threaten the independence of our country and the freedom of American citizens.  Visit www.JBS.org for more information.

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Lamenting Economic Solutions: Time to Return to Sound Money for Solid Economic Footing Says The John Birch Society

Americans seeking solutions to this disaster should be looking to the U.S. Constitution, says John McManus, president of The John Birch Society.

Appelton, WI -- November 26, 2008 -- As the U.S. government shores up a failing economy by pumping in trillions of dollars, Americans need to be seeking alternative solutions to preserve a better future for upcoming generations. "Americans seeking solutions to this disaster should be looking to the U.S. Constitution," says John McManus, president of The John Birch Society and publisher of "The New American" magazine.

The cover story of the November 24, 2008, issue correctly points out, "In a Free Market, Money Doesn't Grow on Trees." As stated in the article, "the key to restoring the economy to good health is to stop harming it … stop creating money out of thin air … allow market forces to set interest rates, and limit government to its proper constitutional size."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid recently said during the Congress' lame-duck session, "We are seeing a potential meltdown in the auto industry, with consequences that could directly impact millions of American workers and cause further devastation to our economy."

The possible devastation he mentioned should certainly be considered regarding inflation and deficit spending. Deficit-driven inflation impacts more than just workers, rather all current and future generations of Americans. Congressman Ron Paul predicted an automakers' bailout in September in a "U.S. News & World Report" blog. He noted, "Our policy is such that everybody gets bailed out. It's like a drug addict, they've got to take their fix. It's too tough getting off these drugs. And the drug here is easy credit."

Bailouts are a short-term fix, but their toll will be felt over the long term by taxpayers. Repayment of the debt, as well as higher prices and deteriorating standards of living, thanks to inflation, are assured results of creating billions of dollars backed by nothing.

Author of the 1993 "Financial Terrorism" that warned about deficits and inflation, McManus has written and narrated "Dollars & $ense," a new DVD that explains in clear terms such topics as money and inflation, free market economics, and sound currency. In the DVD, McManus points out that during his lifetime, the U.S. has gone from the greatest creditor nation with the most respected currency to the greatest debtor nation with an increasingly shunned currency. At the end of the DVD, McManus provides an avenue for establishing sound currency, including allowing competing currencies and abolishing the Federal Reserve.

McManus joined the staff of The John Birch Society in August 1966, and by 1991 was named its President and Publisher of its official magazine, "The New American." He has appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs and has written and produced numerous videos and DVDs, including the popular "Overview of America," a moving survey of America's remarkable roots. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, he is a graduate of Holy Cross College in Massachusetts. He served on active duty as a lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps for three years. For six years before accepting a staff position with the Society, he was employed as an electronics engineer.

Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, The John Birch Society is dedicated to restoring and preserving freedom under the U.S. Constitution. Members come from all walks of life and are active throughout the 50 states on local, regional and national issues. United by a strong belief in personal freedom and limited government, plus a sense of duty, members have played a continuous and pivotal role in halting legislation and federal policies that threaten the independence of our country and the freedom of American citizens. Visit JBS.org for more information.

To interview John F. McManus regarding sound money and free market economic solutions, contact Bill Hahn, Public Relations Manager, The John Birch Society/ The New American 920-225-5606, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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Liberal media stepping up attacks on anyone with dissenting views, and they will gut the First Amendment, says The John Birch Society
The veteran defender of the U.S. Constitution claims left-leaning media have begun their own hate-speech campaign

APPLETON, WIS. — June 18, 2009 —Left-leaning media are once again targeting dissenting views, literally gutting the First Amendment by lumping all opponents as right-wing extremists or haters, says The John Birch Society, an organization accustomed to being unfairly smeared.  John McManus, JBS President and Publisher of The New American magazine, recently stated that the latest flurry of attacks is nothing new.

“History is being repeated,” McManus said.  “Any time there’s a build-up of left-leaning power in Washington, its defenders take steps to demonize dissenting opinions.  The process involves labeling them as right-wing extremists and irresponsibly smearing individuals and groups as violent or radical while characterizing them with adjectives held to be distasteful by the American people. This is hardly something new.”

According to Tom Eddlem’s June 15th article at TheNewAmerican.com, this new surge of media activity began earlier this year with the Department of Homeland Security’s report entitled “Right Wing Extremism” that “tarred all U.S. military veterans and many political conservatives as potential terrorists.”  Just within the last week, some liberal media outlets are fanning new flames of hate by associating the murders of Dr. George Tiller and Stephen Tyrone Johns, the Holocaust Museum guard, to entire categories of Americans.  Leading the pack is The New York Times, which published no less than six articles claiming hate allegedly emanating from the right is to blame.  A quick Google News search brings up dozens more examples from other media outlets.  What is being done by the media is as seriously wrong as blaming all Mexican-Americans for the crimes of some illegal immigrants.

Liberal media working hand-in-hand with the federal government to label dissenting opinion as dangerous “is clearly a smear campaign aimed at stoking public fears,” said McManus. He believes the result will be more government infringement on everyone’s liberties.  “The government should not be in the business of taking away our freedoms.  In fact, according to the Declaration of Independence,” McManus says, “governments are instituted to ‘secure’ our unalienable rights, not to trample them.”

The New American will continue to track the progress of this smear campaign, McManus promised.  “Unfortunately, we expect more smears coming because the promoters of big government don’t want any opposition.”

John McManus is available for interviews.  McManus joined the staff of The John Birch Society in August 1966, becoming President in 1991.  He has written and produced numerous books and audiovisual programs, including the popular DVD, “Overview of America,” which is a moving tribute about America’s Constitutional roots.  He has appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs.  He is one of the Society’s few authorized spokesmen.  In addition to being a regular contributor of articles to The New American magazine, he serves as its publisher.  He is also publisher of the Society’s monthly Bulletin.  He is currently wrapping up a speaking tour entitled “America’s Economic Meltdown,” in which he points to the Constitution for long-term solutions.  His speech is based on his 1993 book “Financial Terrorism: Hijacking America Under the Threat of Bankruptcy.”  Many of his predictions made in this book have recently come true during the current economic crisis.

Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, The John Birch Society is dedicated to restoring and preserving freedom under the U.S. Constitution.  Members come from all walks of life and are active throughout the 50 states on local, regional and national issues.  United by a strong belief in personal freedom and limited government, plus a sense of duty, members have played a continuous and pivotal role in halting legislation and federal policies that threaten the independence of our country and the freedom of American citizens.  Visit www.JBS.org for more information.

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