Last week the John Birch Society came to Concord to alert Representatives about what they view as one of the biggest threats to America today! According to the Birchers, there’s something called Agenda 21 that’s seeping into American society and will completely strip us of our rights! Since, all I know about the John Birch Society was that in the 60’s they were anti-communists who also opposed Civil Rights, I thought I’d attend and see firsthand who and what they were about. Actually, until a couple of years ago, when a republican state representative made known his membership, I thought the John Birch Society was defunct. Their heyday was in the 1960’s where they were viewed as a fringe extremist group best known for promoting various conspiracy theories. They were also anti Civil Rights which they described as being a tool of communism. Back then among their biggest enemies were the United Nations and something called the Tri-Lateral Commission.
If their informational forum is any indication – little seems to have changed with the JBS in the past half century (50 years). According to the Birchers – Agenda 21 is a devious attempt by the advocates of a One World Government to strip Americans of their freedoms like owning private property. However, after researching on the internet and talking with local planning and land use specialists dealing with municipal planning and community development, I learned that Agenda 21 is a planning tool dealing with sustainable development. It seems that Agenda 21 is a non-binding product of a 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The document has 40 chapters dealing with economic development and how to manage resources and the "21" in Agenda 21 refers to the 21st century.
I remember growing up how my mother and the good Sisters of Mercy used to say that “actions spoke louder than words”, and that I shouldn’t be confused by clever phrases and phony patriotism. As stated, the JBS in the 60’s were reputed to be racists & anti-civil rights, and if last week’s actions are any indication – maybe nothing’s changed. Latter in the week, while talking with an African-American State Rep, I learned not everyone was made to feel welcome. Although she had informed them she’d be attending, upon arriving she was told that she couldn’t partake in the lunch that was provided. One of the individuals at the entrance confronted her and said “who are you” and then he pulled back her coat to see if she had a legislator’s badge on her chest! Thinking they might be running short on box lunches, she proceeded to sit down but after a few opening remarks by the speaker she chose to get up and leave the event. Interestingly, I arrived after her but was provided a box lunch. Although I was unaware of what transpired, I did note that many people were leaving early, and not wanting to be late for my afternoon meeting, I also left before the speaker finished. As I was working my way across the room to the exit, I noticed that I seemed to have been the last remaining democrat in the room. If last week was any indication – not only do they seem to be still consumed with exposing non-existent conspiracies, but if the actions of these members are reflective of the organization – the racist tag may still fit. So what did I learn from my John Birch Society experience – that it was my last and I won’t be back!
ENTRANCES - EXITS
For more than two decades, I have admired Hillary Clinton. Her ability to clearly outline an issue in a logical, common sense manner has always been refreshing and explains why she was ranked one of the nation’s top lawyers. As someone who supported her for president, I was pleased when she accepted the appointment as Secretary of State. For the past four years, I’ve watched in amazement how she has crisscrossed the globe promoting American foreign policy and meeting with foreign leaders as well as regular people. I’m convinced there has never been a Secretary of State in recent history who has worked as tirelessly as Mrs. Clinton, but I was pleased when she announced she’d be stepping down after the New Year. Quite frankly, I was genuinely worried about her health and maintaining the pace. It’s clear that Hillary Clinton has set the bar pretty high for those coming behind her.
Therefore, her visit to Capitol Hill last week, as Secretary of State, to meet with Senate and House committees investigating security at US Embassies was possibly her final public appearance and finest hour. For months’ members of Congress, some who should know better, have been making a lot of noise regarding the lack of security and the death of four career Foreign Service workers including the Ambassador to Libya. Mrs. Clinton stared them in the eye and took no prisoners. Displaying a spectrum of emotions – from taking naughty school boys to the proverbial wood shed – she clearly outlined the administration’s position as well as provided a very human touch. I don’t know what the future will bring her – but last week she exited with style and class.
