John Birch (Reel 1) (sound)

Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Griffin. I'm of the John Bird Society and it's my pleasure to be able to serve as your host in this presentation. We are well aware that many Americans have strange and sometimes exaggerated ideas as members do. And so the purpose of this presentation is simply to set the record straight and clear up as much of the confusion as possible. To do this, we'll not waste valuable time trying to answer all of the many charges and accusations. Instead, we'll be more positive in the telling of our story. Rather than refuting what is untrue about the John Society, we'll attempt to show what is true. We'll explain what the society is, why it was founded, what it does, and how it functions. And if we succeed in answering these questions, then you'll be able to see and judge for yourself what the society is not. A good place to begin our story is with this book, The Life of John Burch. Written by Robert Welch in 1954, over four years before the founding of the John Burch Society. This volume reveals the inspiring true story of one of the finest young men this country has ever produced. It's also a fascinating story not only of the tragic era in which he lived but of the ideals for which he was willing to die. In those two elements, the life and death of John Burch, one can find the key to an understanding of the society which now bears his name. And so to help create that understanding, let's take a closer look at this young man and at the events which eventually led to his name being known to almost every literate person on the face of the earth. [Music] This is that vast region of China that lies between two great rivers, the Yang Sea and Wang Ho. It was here on the Longhai Railway that the final scenes of a most extraordinary story were enacted. The citizens of Suchao memorialized the event by creating a park on a hill overlooking the town. Here, beneath a marker bearing the inscription, "He died for righteousness," lie the remains of the first American casualty of World War II, Captain John Morrison Burch. Yes, this is China, north of the Yang Sea, south of the Wang Ho. This is also Asia, west of the Yellow Sea, east of Tibet, and halfway around the world from America. American though he was, John Burch's life ended where it began. For as Asia was the place of his death, so also was Asia the place of his birth. At the foot of the Himalayas at the headarters of the Ganges in Landau, India, John Burch was born to missionary parents on May 28, 1918. Displaying at an early age the alertness of mind and zest for living for which he would be remembered in later years. John was receptive to the serene spirit of his Islamic nurse and the stoic influence of the Indian people. A full share of love and happy family life gave him a personal security and inner strength that was to sustain him through many hard hours in years to come. Back in the United States, John Burch and his brothers and sister, direct descendants of John Alden, are as American as Calvin Culage and Buffalo Bill Cody, to both of whom they are directly related. As a boy scout, Jon learns outdoor skills and develops a self-reliance that will later help him endure the hard life of a [ __ ] in far off China. Studious and quick to learn, independent and resourceful, he graduates from high school at the head of his [Music] class. Mercer University in Mon, Georgia is where John decides to be a missionary to China. He graduates from Mercer in 1939 with his Bachelor of Arts degree, Magna Cumlad. Enrolling in the Bible Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, John completes two years work in one year and still graduates at the head of his class. He leaves for China almost immediately. When John arrives in Shanghai during the summer of 1940, China has been at war with Japan for 2 and a half years. He stays in Shanghai for the first 6 months. Attending a language school, he picks up the local dialect in record time. In fact, by early 1941, he masters the difficult native language well enough to be sent to Hang Chao, where he teaches at a Chinese school for boys, conducts religious services, and works with Chinese ministers in many small churches throughout a wide area. His routine missionary trips back and forth through enemy lines are not viewed kindly by the Japanese. On the very first day of war with the United States, December 7, 1941, the Japanese forces in China send soldiers to arrest one John Burch American missionary. Alerted to the danger, Jon narrowly escapes and flees to Kiang Province, where he continues to expand his missionary work. On April 18, 1942, launched from the deck of an aircraft carrier, Colonel James Doolittle leads his famous raid on Tokyo. The pilots know they can never land their bombers on the carrier. So, they simply head toward Free China as far as their fuel can carry them. They bail out over enemy territory. Meanwhile, Jon's missionary activity has brought him once again deep into the Japanese-held sector, and the next night finds him inconspicuously seated at a small cafe in Chikyang Province. A stranger approaches and whispers, "If you are an American, please follow me." Outside, Jon is led to a boat that contains none other than Colonel Doolittle himself and his flight crew. They tell Jon that they're desperately in need of a translator and help in getting through Japanese lines. And so, with no thought of personal danger, Jon leads the group out of enemy territory. On the way to Langi, he tells Colonel Doolittle of his desire now to join the American forces in China, preferably as a chaplain, but in whatever capacity he can be most useful. Sometime later, while in Queyn, and quite by coincidence, Jon meets General Clare Chenult of the famous Flying Tigers. The general gives him a ride to Chungqing in an army transport plane. This is the beginning of a friendship that deepens through the trials of war. General Chault later revealed that he came to regard John Burch almost as his own son. On the 4th of July 1942, Jon is commissioned as second lieutenant in the United States Army Air Force. But because General Chenalt already has a chaplain, and because he desperately needs old China hands who speak the language, are aware of the intricate social customs, and who can live on the meager Chinese diet, Jon accepts the dangerous assignment of gathering information behind enemy lines. In March of 1943, he is sent to Chang Sha as liaison and intelligence officer with the Chinese army in that area. Here he trains over a 100 vitally needed Chinese radio operators. Using cloth panels on the ground to pinpoint enemy targets and personally directing the bombing runs by radio, John quickly becomes almost a legendary figure known to all as the eyes of the 14th Air Force. From sites overlooking the Yangze River, Jon and his crew are able to maintain such a surveillance that the Japanese are unable to move a single ship on the river without the Air Force knowing it. On one occasion, when Air Force pilots have repeated difficulty in finding a particular munition dump, Jon filters back through enemy lines to a friendly airfield. And then, riding in the nose of the lead bomber, he personally pinpoints the target for the bombader. The dump is completely destroyed. Once again, far behind enemy lines and entirely on his own initiative, Jon undertakes the seemingly impossible task of building two emergency airfields. He is able to secure almost incredible cooperation from both Chinese soldiers and civilians. Not only because of his ability to deal with them diplomatically, but also because of their profound personal respect for this missionary soldier. His sincere friendship for the Chinese and devotion to their cause is so unmistakable that literally thousands of coolies labor by the most primitive methods to build his airirst strips. These valuable fields deep in enemy territory do not cost the US Air Force one single penny. After three long years of war, young John Burch is now a man. In a moment of meditation, he writes to his parents, "I am growing in the ability to handle men in the achievement of difficult tasks. So these years of violence are not entirely wasted." Yes, the young soldier is looking toward the future and he has amazing foresight. He writes home, I believe that this war and the ensuing federations will set the world stage as never before for the rise of the antichrist. In September of 1944, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding service, General Clare Chenalt proudly pins the Legion of Merit on Captain John Burch. The end of war did not by any means clear up the problems in China. 3 million Japanese were now virtually stranded in that vast land they had entered 8 years earlier as conquerors. The resulting chaos demanded that many difficult missions be undertaken to unscramble the confusion. Assigned to one such mission are Captain Grimes, Lieutenant Ogle and Sergeant Meyers of the United States Army, two Korean and five Chinese enlisted men, Lieutenant Tung of the Chinese Army, and Captain John Burch in command. Shortly after departure, their train is stopped by a break in the tracks of the Longhai Railroad about 50 mi west of Such Chao. They transfer their gear to a small handcar and then press on to the east toward their destination of Singtao. Despite the warning that there are marauding bands of communist gerillas ahead, the men feel that as Americans and as allies in the war against Japan, there should be nothing to fear from the communists. And besides, the war is over. Has been for 10 days. Finally, they meet up with a force of communist guerrillas several hundred strong, deliberately adding to the existing chaos by tearing down telephone wires. After negotiating with the communist guerrillas for about 20 minutes, Captain Burch finally is able to make arrangements to proceed. With great relief, the group moves on. But unknown to them, a message has been sent ahead, and the worst is yet to come. An hour later, the party meets a second communist group, apparently headquarters for the guerilla band. Once again, they are ordered to halt. Captain Burch and Lieutenant Tung asked to speak with the man in charge. After a brief conversation, they are led into the village and then left surrounded by soldiers while the communists pretend to be trying to find their leader. Captain Grimes and the rest of the party stay behind. Lieutenant Tung overhears several of the communist soldiers and warns Captain Burch that his life may be in danger if they stay. John replies, "It doesn't make much difference what happens to me, but it is of utmost importance that my country learn now whether these people are friend or foe." Friend or foe? The answer is quick in coming. Disarm that man. Captain Burch demands to know by what authority an American officer is being disarmed. Wait, if he is to be disarmed, let me do it. No, shoot him [Music] first. Lieutenant Tung has been shot in the leg and then bayoneted. The last thing he remembers is an order for Captain Burch to move out. But John, also hit in the leg, replies, "I cannot [Music] walk. Friend or foe?" As the body of John Burch lies lifeless in a ditch, the question is answered. World War II has begun. This is China, north of the Yang Sea and south of the Wangho. August 29, 1945. While Americans on the other side of the world are still rejoicing over the end of World War II, the first American casualty of World War II is carried to his grave. John Burch commanded no armies, headed no government, converted no nation to his creed. But with his death and in his death, the battle lines were drawn in a struggle from which either humane civilization or godless communism must emerge, with one completely triumphant and the other completely destroyed. [Music] [Music] [Applause] The year 1945 found Americans in no mood. food to worry about such trifles as communism. With rationing gradually being lifted, long awaited consumer goods began returning to the stores and the country plunged headlong into one gigantic spending spree. [Music] Fantastic. Yes, with so much prosperity and leisure time, how could there possibly be any cause for worry? [Music] While we played happily at our little games, the communists were taking the world. We had fought one of the bloodiest and costliest wars of history to put a stop to the expanding tyranny of the Axis powers. But in less than 10 short years of so-called peace, communism had already conquered far more land and people than Hitler at the very zenith of his success. The marching of soldiers and the rattling of missiles frightened the free world with the spectre of Soviet military might. But since 1945, not a single Russian regiment had ever been used to capture any of the nations fallen to the Red Empire. The communist technique of conquering a country from the inside had forced upon us a new kind of war, a war not of machines and soldiers, but of words and ideas. [Music] The strategic targets were no longer cities and factories, but the minds and loyalties of men. The pattern was well established. First trained agitators who conceal their communist loyalties, then massive demonstrations leading eventually to violence. from violence to the pretense of civil war. With the collapse of established government, revolutionary leaders rip off their masks and openly seize control. Thus, communism liberates one more piece of the world. The brutal rule of a communist slave empire has been imposed on the average upon 7,000 human beings every hour of every day of every year since 1945. Yes, the technique of conquest from within has worked well. [Music] [Applause] Back in the United States, life went on as usual. We convinced ourselves it could never happen here. Or could it? The first uneasy signs had already appeared. [Music] The testimony of former communists Elizabeth Bentley and Whitaker Chambers had led to the shocking exposure of such highly placed agents as Alger. Congressional investigating committees had compiled overwhelming evidence of communist infiltration into all phases of our national life. The Reds had moved into education, labor unions, news communications, and even government itself. The Communist Party of the United States is a fifth column, if there ever was one. It is far better organized than were the Nazis in occupied countries prior to their capitulation. They are seeking to weaken America just as they did in their era of of obstruction when they were aligned with the Nazis. Their goal is the overthrow of our government. There is no doubt as to where a real communist loyalty rests. Their allegiance is to Russia, not the United States. The communists have been, still are, and always will be a menace to freedom, to democratic ideals, to the worship of God, and to America's way of life. I feel that once public opinion is thoroughly aroused as it is today, the fight against communism is well on its way. Victory will be assured once communists are identified and exposed because the public will take the first steps of quarantining them so they can do no harm. Communism in reality is not a political party. It is a way of life, an evil and malignant way of life. It reveals a condition akin to disease that spreads like an epidemic. And like an epidemic, a quarantine is necessary to keep it from infecting this nation. The warnings went unheeded and the reds went deeper into the woodwork. Then came Korea and the Cold War became a ridiculous phrase. [Music] While communists were murdering Americans somewhere in the world almost every day, officials in Washington spoke in soft terms. terms of accommodation and compromise to promote peace. A strange kind of peace with an enemy dedicated to our destruction and killing our own people. While the United States staggered in confusion and defeat in a world war it stubbornly refused to recognize. Those who tried to lead a counter offensive were isolated one by one. Men like Congressman Dy were labeled controversial. Men like Senator Taft were ignored and men like Senator McCarthy were destroyed. Of course, there were many others who recognized the growing internal menace of communism. But not being in public office and without a voice in our communications media, they did what they could as individual citizens. They also joined together into small groups to make their individual efforts more effective. But almost without exception, these loosely knit organizations became bogged down with indecision, committee action, and leadership struggles. Soon they broke up into still smaller splinter groups and then withered on the vine. Some were even infiltrated by communist agents posing as patriots who then took over these groups and used them for their own purposes. But fortunately, ladies and gentlemen, fortunately for ourselves and for history, there was one man who would not accept the established pattern of defeat. After years of study and observation, Robert Welch conceived a unique formula for victory. He analyzed not only the vulnerable points of communism, but the weaknesses and mistakes of previous anti-communist efforts as well. He knew that one man could never stand alone against the cunning teamwork of an organized conspiracy. But he also knew that an organization set up along typical parliamentary lines was doomed to failure as the record clearly had proven. So he drafted a plan for a new kind of organization. A plan which if only put into operation quickly enough by enough people and with sufficient dedication could yet turn the tide. And so in December of 1958, the John Burch Society was born. In the beginning, the society was just an idea in the mind of one man. But soon this man attracted to him some of the most prominent leaders in the American conservative movement. Today, these men comprise the council or the governing body of the John Burch Society from all walks of life and from all over the United States. The council members are prominent in their respective business and professional fields. Naturally, they are keenly aware of the treacherous and deceptive tactics of communism. But they also understand the political and economic concepts upon which our American system has been built. These are men of unswerving principles. They cannot be compromised by opposition, corrupted by pragmatism, frightened by controversy, or swayed by the chanting of public opinion. serving without compensation and often at great cost to themselves. These men truly are a credit not only to the John Bert Society but to their country as well. [Music] Good evening. Hello Art. Good to see you. Hi. Nice to have you. Don't forget to fill out the chart. Okay. Hi there. Great to see you. At the membership level of the John Bird Society, the working units are called chapters. Once each month, a chapter meeting is held in the home of one of the members. The relatively small size of these units enables them to avoid most of the time consuming requirements of larger groups. Helen, I'd like a book on the Panama Canal. Oh, here. This is Oh, yes. The untold story of Panama. Yes. May I check that out, please? Surely. Each chapter maintains a lending library of basic books which are constantly in circulation. These libraries are provided by the society at no charge to the members as a means of encouraging them to read at least one book every month. Here's uh Charlie's mm. And there's my mm. Thanks. Excuse me, Marian. I I don't think I have your m Yes, here it is. There we go. Thanks. Each member turns in a small sealed envelope containing his personal monthly message. They're gathered together and then forwarded to the home office where each one is read carefully and acknowledged. In this way, any comments, suggestions, or contributions, if any, are always confidential. I'll only need about a minute at the end of the meeting to announce these tickets. Dor, fine, Bill. Excuse me, Bill. Dar, here's the chart. 7:30. Oh, we better get going. It's time to start the meeting. Everyone, please go. The chapter leader is responsible for starting the meetings on time. These are all busy people and they have not come for a social hour. A well-run chapter meeting reflects the serious nature of the society's objectives. Please rise and join me in the pledge of allegiance and remain standing for the invocation. Merely being patriotic or anti-communist is not sufficient qualification for membership. The Johnbert Society seeks only those of goodwill, humane conscience and religious ideals who can set a personal example which others may follow without hesitation. Dear heavenly father, once again we ask your blessing and your guidance for our efforts in the common cause which brings us together. We thank thee for the gift of freedom in this great republic and we pray for the strength, the wisdom and the courage in our efforts to preserve for ourselves and our children the blessings which we have inherited. Amen. I want to congratulate the members on their excellent record of participation in the society's programs last month. A high degree of participation is expected from each member. As Robert Welch phrased it, we need pullers at the orars and not passengers in the boat. It's the dedicated few, you know, who are going to win this battle for us. So, I hope that next month our record of activity will be just as good as it was this month. I know you've all read the bulletin, so I won't go into it in detail, but there are one or two things that I want to emphasize. The theme of the bulletin this month is that we must stay on the offensive because it isn't possible to win a purely defensive battle. The program to impeach your Warren is a good example of an aggressive program which is already gaining a great deal of momentum. It's far more effective in educating people about the activities of the Supreme Court than it would be to protest the individual court decisions. H has been preparing a talk. One of the cardinal principles of the John Burch Society is that victory requires taking the initiative. But to put international communism on the defensive requires the combined and organized efforts of many people all working together. And for visual aids, I had these layout charts made. And next week, I'll have slides made from these. And if you'll contact me after the meeting, I will have them made available to you. Now, let's hear on the impeachable war. I'm happy to make the report that the impeach Earl Warren billboard that our chaper has donated along with five others is in the process of being put up. It's on a top of a building on a main street. One that'll be seen by a great amount of traffic. Thanks Brian. That billboard will be a big help. Concerted action. One of the reasons the communists fear the John Burch Society. It's the first time anywhere in the world that they have met truly solid organized opposition. Our support your local police bumper stickers have arrived for those of you who have requested them. We're happy to say these bumper stickers have been seen on automobiles in every state of the union and the response has just been wonderful. Thank you, Helen. Oh, I almost forgot about Charlie. He'd never forgive me if I didn't give him a chance to tell you about the interesting FBI report he has, which ties in with our support your local police campaign. Would you give it to us now, Charlie? The uh January issue of J of the FBI law enforcement bulletin. This article by Jay Edgar Hoover revealing the dangers of politically inspired police review boards had such general interest that I had a thousand copies run off for use of the members for distribution in whatever way they see fit. Individual responsibility has become a byword among members and they practice what they preach. And so it goes night after night in every community across the nation. The meetings progress right on schedule. We're happy to have Bill Rosson, our section leader, visit us tonight and he would like to make an announcement. Bill, want to remind all of a volunteer section leader is responsible for several chapters within the same community. He attends meetings to offer suggestions and to keep the separate groups informed of area projects. And then on the 27th of this month, the society is sponsoring Tom Anderson. He'll be speaking at the civic auditorium. I want to be sure that you're there. I have some tickets here tonight. You can get them at the end of the meeting. They're going pretty fast. Thanks, Bill. Our chapter has already made a commitment with Bill for 75 tickets to this important meeting, and I hope you will all get some and be sure to attend. Before we close, let me remind you that our next educational meeting is on the 20th and it covers the material in the United Nations packet. This meeting is designed for those members who are interested in this subject, need a refresher course on it, and also for their guests. Now, for those who would like to stay a while, we're going to serve refreshments as usual. And for the rest who must go home early, the formal part of this meeting is adjourned. While the chapter meetings begin and end punctually for those with busy schedules, most of the members look forward to the stimulating discussions that follow. The business meeting has been serious, but now there is plenty of time to relax. One of the most remarkable features of the John Burch Society is that its members often build new and lasting friendships as a result of being together and working together with others who share the same ideals and dreams for the future. It's outside the chapter meeting that the plans and the programs of the John Burch Society are transformed into action. Some projects require the coordinated efforts and pulled financial resources of many people. Others can be carried out by just one person who is willing to make the effort and spend the [Music] time. Members engage in many activities, but perhaps the most important of all is the task of becoming self-informed. Knowledge is an indispensable prerequisite to intelligent action. The next step is to help inform others. There are many ways of accomplishing this, but one of the best is the most obvious, the direct approach. person to [Music] person. Members of the John Burch Society are encouraged to conduct study groups. These usually meet informally several times a month and cover such topics as the history of Soviet global conquest, an analysis of communist strategy, and a review of our American system of freedom and prosperity. [Music] Knowledge by itself is useless unless it leads to constructive action. Members know that their carefully written letters to public officials and community leaders often profoundly affect both local and national affairs. [Music] A paid advertisement like this one sponsored by the Los Angeles chapters is another example of how members translate knowledge into community action. American opinion libraries owned and operated by members of the John Burch Society are graphic examples of what can be accomplished when a few dedicated people agree to work together in a common cause. [Music] The purpose of these member operated libraries is to make available in each community a wide selection of reliable anti-communist and conservative literature. Merchandise is for sale here, but these libraries, as the name would suggest, are also reading rooms where anyone can browse or do research with no obligation to buy. American opinion libraries usually become the meeting place and the focal point for most of the communitywide conservative activities. Mobility sometimes has its advantages too. As the old saying goes, if Muhammad will not come to the mountain, then take the mountain to Muhammad. [Music] These member operated libraries have sprung up rapidly from one end of the country to the other. In less than 3 years, their number has grown from one to well over 300, and new ones were being established almost every day. Activities like these carried out on a national level don't just happen. Leadership is the secret of success. First, there is the chapter leader, usually a business or professional man who accepts the extra responsibility of keeping his chapter functioning at top efficiency. A chapter activity report is sent to the home office each month as a record of performance. His duties require frequent contact with each of his chapter members and with his section leader as well. A volunteer section leader overlooks the activities of six to eight chapters. Much of his spare time is spent making personal contacts with chapter leaders and prospective members. Experience has shown that a close-knit organization cannot be run through the mail. [Music] At the next leadership level, there are full-time men called coordinators. They work from their own homes or from branch offices like this one in San Marino, California. These men are responsible for the selection and training of section leaders. Thus, the solid organizational structure of the JohnBird Society is built step by step from the bottom up. And finally, coordinators routinely conduct the society's introductory presentations as an important means of stimulating membership growth, the lifeblood of the entire movement. The home office of the John Burch Society is located in Belmont, Massachusetts. This is the nerve center of the entire operation. Here and in regional or branch offices across the country, there are literally hundreds of full-time staff employees. Their function is to provide the many services that are necessary to make a large and dynamic organization truly functional. The members have come to rely heavily on this reserve of organizational support to back them up in their many endeavors. The day's work begins in the executive offices with the arrival of the morning mail. In an endless stream, the letters pour in. Applications for membership, chapter reports, orders for books, requests for information. Each is directed to the proper department. In the accounting department, the mail is further divided by regions and then carefully processed. membership dues, payments for books and supplies, donations. Every scent must be accounted for, receipted, and then posted The society's books are maintained by a professional staff which keeps financial records beyond the minimum requirements of federal law. In addition, the books are yearly audited by one of the largest public accounting firms in Boston. A major part of the mail each day contains applications for membership. A home office coordinator gives his personal attention to each one. The continued growth of the society has been so phenomenal that it is now necessary to have five of these coordinators, each with their own staff, merely to handle the applications and to set up new chapters. It's not unusual to process over 1,000 new members in just one week. Setting up and maintaining adequate records for such a rapidly growing organization requires infinite attention to detail. First, a letter of acknowledgement and welcome. Then, a membership card is prepared. After setting up the master file card, the new member is sent a current action bulletin and everything else he needs to roll up his sleeves and get to work. [Music] Overseeing this entire operation is the director of field activities. For him, the task of just keeping track of the location of each new chapter can be quite a job. One pin, one chapter. And in the cities, some pins represent as many as 10 chapters each. [Music] In addition to processing applications for membership, the home office coordinators perform a host of other services for the chapter leaders, section leaders, and staff coordinators in the field. By analyzing the reports from chapters in his area, he is able to alert the field staff to potential trouble spots before they actually develop. Through this kind of teamwork and organizational support, the John Bert Society is something entirely new in the fight against communism. Another example of the way in which the society has avoided the pitfalls of previous organizations is the MM form or the members monthly message. Collected in sealed envelopes at chapter meetings and then forwarded to this department in the home office. These forms not only provide a convenient means of making confidential donations, but of purchasing books and supplies as well. [Music] Far more important than the financial transactions, the MM form encourages members to send in suggestions, to ask questions, and even to offer criticism if they wish. In this way, members can communicate directly with the home office without going through the rigid organizational structure so necessary for other aspects of the society's operation. This is vitally important in that the communication lines between leadership and membership levels are open in both directions. Of course, this policy sometimes brings in rather interesting suggestions. U better send this one to research. If a silly question can be asked, it always finds its way to the director of research. And yet, except for a few chuckles to break up the day's routine, the task of providing answers to these questions is no laughing matter. It's plain hard work. Since the John Burch Society is an army fighting with facts, it needs a lot of ammunition. And here is where the supply is kept. Newspapers, magazines, communist publications, foreign periodicals, the daily congressional record are all read carefully, cross-indexed, and filed for future reference. Government documents are kept here. One of the most complete collections in existence. The research department is of particular value to authors and lecturers who frequently travel great distances merely to gain access to the wealth of material now contained in the home office. This is another graphic example of the extensive organizational staff support that is always in reserve to back up the membership at [Music] large. The American Opinion Speakers Bureau is an adjunct of the John Burch Society. With regional managers located in key areas, the bureau fills hundreds of speaking engagements every month. The ability to provide a consistent source of qualified speakers on all aspects of anti-communism and free enterprise has proven to be extremely valuable for the conservative grassroots movement. The public relations department has a particularly difficult assignment. In spite of generally hostile mass communications media, significant strides have been made in presenting to the public a straightforward and unslanted representation of where the John Burch Society stands on important issues of the day. With offices in New York, Washington DC, Chicago, and Los Angeles, this staff regularly provides professional news releases, magazine articles, television, and radio [Music] appearances. The audiovisisual department is the most recent addition to the society's battery of staff services. It is now working at full capacity to produce additional educational tools for reaching still larger segments of the American public. The publishing of books, periodicals, and pamphlets is one of the most important services provided by the John Burch Society. Most of the newly written books are brought out under the imprint of Western Islands. Since many of the best older books have gone out of print, the society has been bringing them back to life in the form of inexpensive reprints. In almost every case, the reprint editions have reached far more readers than did the original editions of the same books. Another branch of the society's editorial staff is responsible for the publication of American Opinion Magazine, which has become the fastest growing and most widely quoted conservative periodical in America. [Music] Membership operated libraries are a major outlet for the society's publications, but the shipping department supplies hundreds of other retail stores and also routinely processes thousands of orders from individuals each month. [Music] Naturally, there is a great demand for those items printed by the society itself. But most orders include requests for books from other publishers as well. [Music] The rapid growth of the John Burch Society and its steady impact upon public opinion is clearly indicated here in the shipping room where one can actually see and count the orders come in and the books go out by the thousands. [Music] An operation of this magnitude requires the very latest in automatic equipment. This machine inserts as many as six separate pieces of literature into an envelope, seals it, and then stamps it with the proper postage. It handles over 6,000 envelopes per hour. [Music] Yes, the John Burch Society has come a long way. It is no longer merely a proposal or a dream. It is now a reality. A reality which is the largest organized force against communism in the entire world.