Saturday, October 11, 2008

Ron Paul and Chuck Baldwin at JBS 50th celebration

On Friday, October 3 and Saturday, October 4, Presidential candidate Chuck Baldwin and Texas Congressman and former presidential candidate Ron Paul, respectively addressed the sold-out crowd at the celebration of the John Birch Society's 50th Anniversary.

Congressman Paul and Rev. Baldwin addressed the group at the celebration held in Neenah, Wisconsin, near JBS headquarters. Paul and Baldwin headlined a line up of 40 speakers that also included Rev. Steven Craft and Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson as well as William F. Jasper, senior editor of The New American magazine, and Professor Steve Bonta, a leading expert linguist and historian.

The assembled members of the Society heard portions of speeches given in the 1970s by JBS founder Robert Welch. The group also heard from Robert Welch's son, Mr. Hillard "Hid" Welch, a member of the JBS National Council.

Congressman Paul was introduced to the gathering by JBS President John F. McManus. In his speech, Dr. Paul said he was "delighted to help celebrate" the Society's birthday because he "considers it very important."

Also during that speech, Congressman Paul gave credit to former JBS president and Congressman from Georgia, Larry McDonald. Dr. Paul recalled that Congressman McDonald helped him decide to run for Congress in the 1970s. He also recalled when, during a large press conference after being sworn into office for the first time, he was asked by a reporter from Texas if he was a member of The John Birch Society. To that question Dr. Paul recalls replying: "No, I'm not a member, but to tell you the truth, the members of The John Birch Society have been very good friends of mine."

Rev. Baldwin also congratulated the JBS on its 50th anniversary and recalled the role the organization played in his life when, as a boy, he attended a chapter meeting with his father. In a rousing speech, he outlined what he would do if elected President, including saying, "John McCain will not secure the borders and Barack Obama will not secure the borders, but I guarantee that Chuck Baldwin will secure the borders. You can count on that!" He also pointed out that he disagrees with the major party candidates on international trade deals saying that while John McCain supports NAFTA, he wants to get rid of NAFTA.

"These so-called free trade deals are killing our country," Baldwin said, noting that in Detroit an auto factory where he once worked is today, like many others, torn down. That, he said, would change if he were elected. "When Chuck Baldwin becomes president," he promised,"We're going to bring our jobs back to America."
 
 

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