tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post116011728276398342..comments2024-03-08T07:09:46.527-07:00Comments on Pro Libertate: Tonight's Episode: The Tory Perspective, or There Goes my Severance (THIRD UPDATE; see comments section)William N. Grigghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368220509514750246noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-68114688978968936782007-04-15T15:12:00.000-06:002007-04-15T15:12:00.000-06:00Anonymous -- Thanks for the kind words of blessing...Anonymous -- Thanks for the kind words of blessing on behalf of me and my family. And thanks especially for the pointed questions, which were no sharper than the occasion demands. <BR/><BR/>Bluntly asking sharp questions (is this a species of pun -- sort of an inverse "Tom Swiftie," as it were?) is a sign of sound character, and often of true friendship. <BR/><BR/>The volunteers and field staff of the JBS are among the finest people I've ever met. The field staff have the TOUGHEST job I know of that doesn't involve combat (I know of at least one case in which a former JBS Coordinator quit to become an air traffic controller -- which puts things in perspective, I think). I devoutly hope the organization somehow gets the leadership it deserves before it disappears altogether. <BR/><BR/>I'm at peace with the idea that there is no way I can reconcile with the current JBS leadership. First of all, they've not asked me back, and have done what they could to undermine my reputation after canning me last October (the latter, alas, being something of a corporate tradition for the JBS, as I've found out). <BR/><BR/>One example of this is a letter sent by Alan Scholl (the chief instigator of my firing) to a JBS member in which he claimed that I wasn't the material author of most of what had been published under my name for the past several years. That is a documentable falsehood, of course, one calculated to injure my professional standing. <BR/><BR/>Alan reportedly admitted as much when Bill Jasper confronted him about it -- but insisted that he wouldn't apologize to me because he felt it would offer me an advantage of some sort. <BR/><BR/><BR/>The same letter cast aspersions on my character and was clotted with dark insinuations about even graver defects and offenses ("this is just the tip of the iceberg") that Alan chastely refrained from specifying. <BR/><BR/>Duels used to be fought over this kind of thing. <BR/><BR/>The second problem with the prospect of my rejoining the JBS staff is that, if the offer were made, I would be required to be a party to a lie -- in this case, that I had done anything to justify my termination in the first place. <BR/><BR/>You no doubt recall the dramatic apex of Huckleberry Finn in which the protagonist is told to pray and ask forgiveness for something his conscience told him was NOT a sin (refusing to help Jim's "owner" track him down). It amazes me that Sam Clemens, a professed unbeliever, nailed the truth to the floor with his insight that "you can't pray a lie." In like fashion, I think it's a sin to ask forgiveness for something you haven't done. <BR/><BR/>Granted, Huck in such a situation could say "All right then -- I'll go to hell!" because he didn't have to worry about taking care of a sick wife and five small children, as I do. That's why, as I've described elsewhere on this thread, I discussed the matter prayerfully and at length with Korrin, and she told me that she wouldn't WANT me to go back to work at the JBS if doing so meant compromises of this sort.<BR/><BR/>A third problem intimately related to the first two is this: What good would I do in the JBS, now that its "leaders" have made a strategic decision to do NOTHING to defend or restore our constitutional system? <BR/><BR/>Right now, the JBS leadership is monomaniacal on the subject of immigration. They KNOW that we're living in Germany circa 1934 -- the police state is in place, but it hasn't gotten REALLY nasty yet -- and they don't care. They're courting the Republican Right with the pathetic, desperate eagerness of a homely girl looking for a pity date for the prom, and they've figured that THIS is the issue that will work, even though Alan Scholl's admitted that it hasn't ("we were given a t-ball issue ... and we couldn't even get it out of the infield," he lamented in an e-mail written just before I was fired). <BR/><BR/>If you're interested in some more comments about this, check out my other blog, "Notes on the Jerry Seinfeld Society" -- http://jbsrip.blogspot.com. <BR/><BR/>God bless -- WillWilliam N. Grigghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14368220509514750246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-10371446138079584182007-04-15T13:53:00.000-06:002007-04-15T13:53:00.000-06:00Mr. Grigg:A few more thoughts from your anonymous ...Mr. Grigg:<BR/><BR/>A few more thoughts from your anonymous commentator. <BR/><BR/>For many years, I have also been involved with a very patriotic, anti-communist organization, which is also principally religious. Over the years, certain things have been watered down, perhaps out of fear.<BR/><BR/>At times, in my view, terrible decisions have been made, some incomprehensible, some even, as I thought, treasonous to the organization and to God. But the organization has gone on, and many of the people who have been involved for decades have continued doing the best they can under tremendous pressure. <BR/><BR/>Where can you be the greatest servant to God? Where can you be the greatest servant to America?<BR/>Is it through this blog? Is it through some other job? Is it through the JBS? (That question may be moot. Would they even take you back if you apologized and removed your blog? You can always publish one anonymously, of course.)<BR/><BR/>I'm not offering advice. Only God knows what He wants you to do. But I do know this. This world is not perfect. People are not perfect. The JBS is not perfect, and never will be, not until Christ returns. And by then we probably won't need the JBS. But until then, what else is there? Is there another organization with their track record? Is there another publication which offers, even now, what the New American does?<BR/><BR/>One with God is a Majority. Absolutely. Just be very sure you are one with God on this one.<BR/><BR/>I hope you don't find these words too sharp. But I wouldn't be honest if I didn't write them.<BR/><BR/>If the JBS isn't interested in having you return, then you need not think about it any further. It's water under the bridge, and God will put you in your perfect place. But if it is an option for you to return, perhaps you might reconsider. Isn't Congress better off to have Ron Paul among them, even if he is a but a voice crying in the wildnerness? <BR/><BR/>That being said, only God knows what's best for you and your family. I don't want to torture you with doubt of having made the wrong decision. I just thought it best to lay all the questions on the table. <BR/><BR/>God bless you. With His hand in yours, you cannot fail. All the best!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-139251243697602872007-04-14T21:18:00.000-06:002007-04-14T21:18:00.000-06:00Mr. Grigg:After not seeing your name on the New Am...Mr. Grigg:<BR/><BR/>After not seeing your name on the New American, I decided to search and found your site. <BR/><BR/>I am glad indeed you are still good friends with Mr. Jasper, and I do hope he remains a pillar within the organization. I admire you both very much, as I do all sincere, loyal Americans. <BR/><BR/>There is a phrase I like very much. Perhaps you've heard it. "One with God is a Majority. One with God is all Authority." <BR/><BR/>God bless you for your fearless, unshakeable stand. May Legions of Angels ever attend us, and may the Prince of Peace ever stand by our side to help us all to forgive and forgive and forgive, and to save this nation, before it is too late.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-50843065577637038212007-03-11T10:09:00.000-06:002007-03-11T10:09:00.000-06:00I am so sorry, Will. You were one of my favorite a...I am so sorry, Will. You were one of my favorite authors and I will continue to read your blog. This makes me very disappointed in the JBS. If they are becoming so politically correct and afraid of offending some Republicans, I have to ask, where then are their principles? I have sent them an email with the same sentiment.<BR/><BR/>I sincerely hope they realize the error of their ways and extend to you a heartfelt apology. You deserve it. I must say that this has made me question what the JBS has become. I no longer will look upon it in the same way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1167246837190544202006-12-27T12:13:00.000-07:002006-12-27T12:13:00.000-07:00Say it ain't so!Greetings Will to you and your fam...Say it ain't so!<BR/><BR/>Greetings Will to you and your family from Charlotte, NC. As a JBS member and volunteer since 1990, I've been involved (more than once) with the logistical groundwork locally during the JBS speaking tours, so that we Charlotteans could be graced with your presence and wise insights. It pains me greatly that Alan Scholl (on behalf of the organization) saw fit to relieve you completely of your JBS/ TNA duties.......are they nuts? <BR/><BR/>Because you established your own web blog?!?! (Hope that you'll forgive the sports analogy) but imagine the Lakers releasing Kobe Bryant to waivers, because he played pick up basketball games in the neighborhood (when he wasn't wearing purple & gold)........Come on, what's the REAL story here?<BR/><BR/>Because you roughed up Emperor George a bit too much on your blog (and fawning RepuliBOTS might get their feelings hurt and not sign up as JBS members?.....PLEASE!!!) AGAIN, what's the REAL story here?<BR/><BR/>How much of the 'Ex-Mormon' part was a factor in the JBS Upper Management's decisionmaking process (BTW, I'm thrilled to learn that you are FORMER LDS).<BR/><BR/>Your departure is truly the JBS loss. As I rethink (and already have been) my role in JBS, this course of events will not be a small factor in my decisionmaking process. I have no doubts that you will land on your feet and truly prosper. <BR/><BR/>For starters, you need to get on board with LewRockwell.com (if you're not doing so already).<BR/><BR/>Best Regards;<BR/>Harvey CarpenterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1165789093042333362006-12-10T15:18:00.000-07:002006-12-10T15:18:00.000-07:00As far as polling data goes: In January, the JBS p...<I>As far as polling data goes: In January, the JBS polled its members and readers regarding their view of impeaching George W. Bush for his manifold crimes against the constitution, waging illegal aggressive war, criminal behavior, etc. Unless I am VERY much mistaken, the response to this suggestion was overwhelmingly favorable.</I><BR/><BR/>Although the poll has apparently been removed from the JBS website, an archived copy of it can be viewed at: <A HREF="http://web.archive.org/web/20060202175002/http://www.jbs.org/poll.php?vo=1" REL="nofollow">http://web.archive.org/web/20060202175002/http://www.jbs.org/poll.php?vo=1</A> <BR/>It appears that the polling ended with 73% in favor of impeaching the president.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1160884332277858672006-10-14T21:52:00.000-06:002006-10-14T21:52:00.000-06:00David -- a few additional comments about the situa...David -- a few additional comments about the situation with the JBS.<BR/><BR/>First, Alan is entirely incorrect about the alignment between the JBS and the Bush-centric demographic he is targeting: THEY aren't orbiting the JBS, any more than (for instance) Saturn orbits Titan. <BR/><BR/>There IS a cohort of people who orbit the JBS, and they are not Bush-aligned Republicans. And beyond that realm is a HUGE population of decent, patriotic, liberty-loving Americans who don't identify themselves as "conservative" who are susceptible to a principled appeal for joint action in defense of individual rights. <BR/><BR/>For reasons that elude my understanding, Alan has decided to hitch the JBS to the GOP just in time for the Republicans to implode beneath the weight of their accumulated arrogance, corruption, and stupidity. <BR/><BR/>As far as polling data goes: In January, the JBS polled its members and readers regarding their view of impeaching George W. Bush for his manifold crimes against the constitution, waging illegal aggressive war, criminal behavior, etc. Unless I am VERY much mistaken, the response to this suggestion was overwhelmingly favorable. <BR/><BR/>So, of course, Alan and his associates, in their wisdom, decided on taking exactly the opposite course. Can't risk being a "pariah" in the eyes of those who most eagerly support the very policies leading to our impending destruction as a relatively free and prosperous nation.<BR/><BR/>Yes, anti-Bush invective appeals to the "fleshly" part of our personality. But freedom is NEVER won through spiritual means alone. Those among the Revolutionary generation whose rallying cry was "No King but Jesus" didn't reach that point until the incumbent king who claimed to rule them was well and thoroughly impeached in their eyes -- in both political AND personal terms. <BR/><BR/>Take care, my friend. Say hi to Randy, Betsy, Pastor Rob, and the rest for us.William N. Grigghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14368220509514750246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1160883770292097232006-10-14T21:42:00.000-06:002006-10-14T21:42:00.000-06:00David -- It's great to hear from you! Please say h...David -- It's great to hear from you! Please say hi to Pastor Rob and the rest out at Calvary Baptist. <BR/><BR/>The comment about Sam Adams being a "provocateur" was not meant to suggest that his approach was akin to that of Carlos Marighella, who urged "urban guerrillas" to create and sustain a cycle of outrages and reactions until a "revolutionary crisis" was at hand. Adams, as I see it, understood that unless and until the somnolent colonials had tangible illustrations of the British ministry's intentions, they wouldn't be moved to act. <BR/><BR/>Until the Boston Tea Party, as I recall, Adams stayed within the law, and he never abetted violence. But he knew that pressing the colonists' claims would precipitate reprisals from London. He understood that it was better that this happen before England had consummated its plans to reduce Americans to peonage.<BR/><BR/>That's where we are right now, in some ways. In other ways, we're much worse off than the colonists were during the time of Sam Adams and company. This is why I think we should adopt the rhetorical posture of the blessed John Knox: "Spare no arrows." Let the whole quiver fly, while we still can.William N. Grigghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14368220509514750246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1160684043524251592006-10-12T14:14:00.000-06:002006-10-12T14:14:00.000-06:00Although I have always been a vehement critic of t...Although I have always been a vehement critic of the Birch Society, I used William N. Grigg as an example of one of its more rational and insightful intellectuals whose writings deserved serious consideration.<BR/><BR/>In my own writings, I have identified 3 categories of Birchers:<BR/><BR/>1. the intellectuals<BR/>2. the activists<BR/>3. the wackos<BR/><BR/>Nobody seems to know what percentage of the membership falls into each category but I have always appreciated and welcomed friendly debate/discussion with categories 1 and 2.<BR/><BR/>Unfortunately, after reading Mr. Grigg's explanation for why the JBS decided to fire him, I now wonder if the senior leadership of the JBS falls into category 3!<BR/><BR/>More about me and my research here:<BR/><BR/>http://ernie1241.googlepages.com/homeernie1241https://www.blogger.com/profile/03474920379651324223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1160440241536519542006-10-09T18:30:00.000-06:002006-10-09T18:30:00.000-06:00William:Man, I'm sorry, dude. I always thought tha...William:<BR/><BR/>Man, I'm sorry, dude. I always thought that I'd be the first one in Left Blogostan who would've gotten the old heave-ho. This is exactly the reason why so many of the most popular lefty bloggers run incognito (Digby, whose very gender is in dispute, Jesus's General, the Rude Pundit, d r i f t g l a s s, etc).<BR/><BR/>Of course, I'm sure that you'd heard of Eric Alterman's sacking from MSNBC, by now.<BR/><BR/>Good luck finding another job, dude. With your credentials and talents, I'm sure that you'll find a safer home.jurassicporkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01673461210301442978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1160430184741378972006-10-09T15:43:00.000-06:002006-10-09T15:43:00.000-06:00The process of "rectifying" Will Grigg at The New ...The process of "rectifying" Will Grigg at The New American has begun (please forgive me for pulling a Bob Dole by referring to myself in the third person).<BR/><BR/>Winston Smith's job at the Ministry of Truth in 1984 was to "rectify" back issues of the Times, so as to bring them into harmony with the Party's current line. This process of "bringing the past up to date" is now sometimes called "ret-conning."<BR/><BR/>In the Soviet Union, razor blades would be included with copies of the Great Soviet Encyclopedia, so that dutiful subjects could make the necessary excisions in order to be in tune with the Party line.<BR/><BR/>I see that today -- effectively one week after being fired by the JBS and TNA for running a blog, and about two months after Appleton shut down the Birch Blog (without informing me; I had to learn about this second-hand)-- the fund-raising ad on the first page of TNA's website has finally been "rectified," or "ret-conned" -- meaning that it no longer mentions "Will Grigg's blog" as a fund-raising tool.<BR/><BR/>I did, of course, print out a copy several hours ago, with the current date.<BR/><BR/>Obviously, someone in Appleton has been reading the comments section on this post, else I doubt this matter would have come to their attention. Thanks for visiting Pro Libertate!<BR/><BR/>Here's another damage control tip:<BR/><BR/>About three weeks ago I had lunch with the JBS Coordinator for this part of Idaho. He informed me that he and several others had been instructed to raise money for a weekly syndicated radio program, using as a selling point the idea that Yours Truly would host the program. <BR/><BR/>This was going on after the Birch Blog had been terminated, and Pro Libertate opened for business. <BR/><BR/>So it looks like the work of "ret-conning" my TNA/JBS career has just begun.<BR/><BR/>Now it will be necessary to take the razor blades to 16 years' worth of TNA articles, three books, dozens of pieces in the Bulletin.... <BR/><BR/>And then there's the half-dozen or so video documentaries (hey, maybe George Lucas could do a computer-generated special edition of "Injustice For All," or "Civilian Disarmament")....<BR/><BR/>Then there are the recordings from speaking tours and Council Dinners, and the still-available content of the Birch Blog itself (which is in volume roughly the equivalent of a 350-page book)....<BR/><BR/>Good luck with that, guys.William N. Grigghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14368220509514750246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1160399048155070052006-10-09T07:04:00.000-06:002006-10-09T07:04:00.000-06:00I am increasingly shocked by the "let's court the ...I am increasingly shocked by the "let's court the Republicans" policy. Just two weeks ago, while at a Chamber of Commerce mixer here in Appleton, I got the customary finger-cross/vampire-repellant gesture from a potential business contact when I mentioned my 14-year stint at the JBS/TNA. (Such is the dismal PR record of the Society that after the better part of 20 years in this town it is not known even LOCALLY)! I proceeded to "defend" the JBS by reciting my oft-stated assurance that they are even tougher on the Republicans, that the issue is Constitutional, etc....<BR/>Now even my <I>defense</I> is indefensible?Scott Albertshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01626004593285719958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1160253020456128792006-10-07T14:30:00.000-06:002006-10-07T14:30:00.000-06:00Will,I sensed that all was not well with the JBS w...Will,<BR/><BR/>I sensed that all was not well with the JBS when they pulled your blog, and as I mentioned in a post previously I was surprised that they were allowing you to post some of the things that you did. Not that they shouldn't have, but I worried they would think you were going "rogue". I've been a subscriber to "The New American" for about 6-7 years now and it has brought me into this brave new world with eyes wide open that had previously been crusted shut with sleep. However, recently I have felt the need to shed the tutulage of my teacher and explore beyond the village limits as I have let my subscription lapse as of a month ago. My reasons and timing for doing so couldn't be better especially in light of what has happened to you. It has been my suspicion that TNA/JBS was getting "soft" and I can no longer support that. As stated before I was highly disappointed in the TNA's refusal to give weight to the 9/11 truth movement's evidence or explore it beyond the yellow jounalism article published by "Popular Mechanics" especially in light of their coverage of The Murrah building during the 90's. After further independent research I felt that TNA was not as alarmed at current trends as they should be. It is indeed times like these that we must be even bolder, less forgiving, and intolorant of those seeking to deprive us of liberty. As the path gets narrower there will be less of us on it, so perhaps this is the funneling effect and we are now in single file. Either way I it is my intention to be behind you the entire way! Looking forward to more of your blogs and work.Truth Addicthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01050208715591222309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1160243126880990552006-10-07T11:45:00.000-06:002006-10-07T11:45:00.000-06:00Will, You wrote: "Over the past several days I've ...Will, <BR/><BR/>You wrote: "Over the past several days I've been quietly rebuking myself, wondering if it was vanity rather than principle that resulted in the loss of my job when I have a sick wife and five young children to care for."<BR/><BR/>Please refer to the last two entries of yours on this page if yoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1160242955249540992006-10-07T11:42:00.000-06:002006-10-07T11:42:00.000-06:00Will, You wrote: "Over the past several days I've ...Will, <BR/><BR/>You wrote: "Over the past several days I've been quietly rebuking myself, wondering if it was vanity rather than principle that resulted in the loss of my job when I have a sick wife and five young children to care for."<BR/><BR/>Please refer to the last two entries of yours on this page if you ever begin to sink into the notion that your conflict with TNA and the JBS were fueled by vanity. You are probably the most principled human being that I have been blessed to know. I base my opinion of you on three things. 1) How I have come to know you based on your contributions on the other forum to which we both contribute. When you first began to contribute on that forum, I immediately saw that the Truth was more important to you than anything else, including, but not limited to your family and your job. As a rule, a principled man is willing to sacrifice these when the Truth matters the most. I recall that you were in this place a few years ago and as it worked out, God blessed you with the retention of that which is most dear to you. 2) What I assessed of your person and character when our families got together last year in Wisconsin; specifically, not only your words, but also observing your family and how you interacted with them spoke volumes to me about the kind of man that you are, principled and not vain. 3) When I began to read your Pro Libertate Blog, I gained further insight into your intellectual machinations. I already knew the magnitude of the horsepower that resides between you ears, but until I started reading your insights here at Pro Libertate, I was unaware of the nuances, nuances that are indicative of character and not vanity. No will ,you are not a vain man when it really matters. Perhaps you posess a measure of superficial vanity, but whom among us does not. Hang in there brohter. God has something great in store for you, Korrin and the kids.<BR/><BR/>Captain KirkCaptain Kirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05111692386028869573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1160237116958814562006-10-07T10:05:00.000-06:002006-10-07T10:05:00.000-06:00This is also long, but I think it's worthwhile, so...This is also long, but I think it's worthwhile, so please bear with me.<BR/><BR/>A few months ago, I nearly quit my job at TNA in protest over an article that would have endorsed what I call the WWJ(B)D -- "What Would Jack (Bauer) Do?" -- ethic.<BR/><BR/>Jack Bauer is obviously intended as a dramatic avatar for our jut-jawed, intrepid Dear Leader and Great Decider. <BR/><BR/>The surrogate battles he wages on "24" are meant to illustrate the kinds of things that supposedly must be done to keep us safe from the scourge of "Islamo-Fascism."<BR/><BR/>At issue in my communications with Appleton (shorthand for JBS HQ)was a review of the hideous teevee show "24," which should be looked on as a "public-private partnership" between Hollywwod at the Department of Homeland Security.<BR/><BR/>The version we published was, to be blunt, bad enough. <BR/><BR/>The version that made it all the way to the galley proof stage was much, much worse. <BR/><BR/>Jack Bauer, the show's protagonist, has been depicted murdering innocent people, torturing suspects, kidnapping and "renditioning" people, and so forth. <BR/><BR/>In the original version of the TNA piece was found the following assessment of what Jack Bauer symbolizes:<BR/><BR/>"Jack's strength is that he always faces down his fears of oblivion and damnation and makes the right choice, for country and mankind, if not necessarily for God."<BR/><BR/>Here's what I wrote to Appleton after reading those words:<BR/><BR/>"We can make `right' choices in defiance of God, and our fears of damnation? One of the `right' choices Bauer made, as [the author] observes, was to kill his innocent friend Ryan in order to appease a terrorist's demand. This is an example of the `lifeboat exercise' par excellence -- something we would have pointed out emphatically not so long ago."<BR/><BR/>Another key excerpt from the original draft was the following:<BR/> <BR/>"Hundreds, or thousands, of years of monitoring ourselves as humans have led to an unavoidable conclusion: when we make moral choices that are immoral, there are always major, real, terrible consequences.... [If a real Counter Terrorist Unit like on "24" exists], there will certainly come a day when we become collateral damage of a difficult moral decision, whether through good or bad intentions."<BR/> <BR/>To which I offered the following rejoinder in the e-mail to Appleton:<BR/><BR/>"This is pure, unalloyed, evolutionary humanism: Moral restraints are man-made, and thus subject to revision when necessary, and while that can lead to ugly consequences, we simply have to muddle through, re-calibrating our moral compass when necessary. And this task requires brave, dauntless men like Jack Bauer -- a Nietzschean uber-man, operating beyond good and evil, who will defy God's law when necessary to serve the greater good of humanity.<BR/> <BR/>Good grief ... what is the Society becoming? How could this essay even make the first cut as a manuscript, much less make it to the proofreading stage?<BR/> <BR/>How can we possibly consider running a piece that promotes the EXACT worldview we're fighting, at PRECISELY the time it poses the greatest threat to what remains of Christian civilization?<BR/> <BR/>IF we're going to focus on `24,' we should exploit this unique opportunity to show how this product of Hollywood's Gramscian manipulators has captured nearly the ENTIRE conservative movement. Think of it: [the author]refers to the recent Heritage Foundation seminar on the program, where one of the presenters was Rush Limbaugh, the Establishment's Oxy-contin and Viagra-fueled chief manure-spreader....<BR/> <BR/>This is a textbook case of Gramscian subversion, and its target is the people we're trying to reach -- who are falling for it by the millions.... Shouldn't we be exposing this, rather than abetting it?"<BR/><BR/>Grudgingly, Appleton made some small and largely cosmetic changes to the piece. What we published was an attenuated version of the same hymn to Jack Bauer -- who is, once again, a made-for-TV propaganda proxy for the president who was just given statuatory permission to imprison, torture, and murder anyone he chooses.William N. Grigghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14368220509514750246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1160234078352875202006-10-07T09:14:00.000-06:002006-10-07T09:14:00.000-06:00My offense was failing to discharge my "responsibi...My offense was failing to discharge my "responsibility to [my] employer," as the termination letter puts it. <BR/><BR/>(Once again, this is long, but stick around to the end; it's important)<BR/><BR/>Depending on whom you ask about the decision to fire me, and his mood when you ask the question, my chief delinquency was either re-publishing on this site the deleted Birch Blog from last June exposing the phoniness of the immigration debate, or publishing "anti-Mormon" material on this site, or both.<BR/><BR/>The first I did because what I wrote was timely and urgent, and entirely ignored by Appleton (shorthand for JBS HQ). <BR/><BR/>It is redundantly obvious now that the immigration "debate" was what pro rasslers call a "work" -- while the effort to create a presidential dictatorship was real and deadly serious. <BR/><BR/>So if charge number one is taken seriously, what it means is that I was fired for being insistently right about something Appleton was trying desperately to ignore. <BR/><BR/>Charge number two -- that published "anti-Mormon" material on this blog -- is even more problematic. Full disclosure: I am an ex-Mormon. My family formally resigned from the LDS Church in 2003. This has caused quite a bit of turmoil in our relationships with friends and close family (including a few efforts to break up our marriage). <BR/><BR/>But the key "offense" here, the recent entry about Mitt Romney and torture, IS NOT ABOUT MORMONISM; it's about TORTURE. <BR/><BR/>There is a discussion of some aspects of Mormon doctrine and history that make Mormons uncomfortable, but there were no misrepresentations of any kind. And with Romney emerging as a serious presidential contender those matters will be ventilated for public inspection pretty soon.<BR/><BR/>My chief point was that Mormons and Evangelicals within the Repulican coalition can set aside matters of eternal concern in the interest of what they consider to be truly important: Building presidential dictatorship and sustaining the warfare state. <BR/><BR/>That essay, as well as several others both here and on the Birch Blog, was also very critical of the Christian Right. In fact, I've been more volubly critical of Republican-aligned Evangelical/Pentecostal leaders (aka "Ecclesio-Leninists") than of Mormon figures, whether contemporary or historical. And that criticism is based entirely on the merits of what those individuals are doing to my country.<BR/><BR/>To be blunt: People like Mitt Romney and John Hagee are writing checks that would be cashed in the blood of my children. As advocates of aggressive war and dictatorship, they are the enemy of everything I hold precious. I don't apologize for opposing them with every resource at my command. <BR/><BR/>One last thing about the blog:<BR/><BR/>If you go to The New American's home page right now,(www.thenewamerican.com), you will see a "splash" ad at the top of the page asking for donations. (I'm writing this on October 7, for the record.)<BR/><BR/>Click on it and, toward the end of the pitch, you'll be told about plans to update the TNA and JBS sites. <BR/><BR/>"[W]hen that updating [of the TNA site] is complete," the ad states, "you'll find it resident within JBS.org, so you can easily take advantage of that site's features: news feeds, issue dissections, original research, Will Grigg's blog (and other blogs)...."<BR/><BR/>Wait a second. <BR/><BR/>They're still using "Will Grigg's blog" as a SELLING POINT, days after firing me for ... maintaining a blog? And months after they KILLED the Birch Blog?<BR/><BR/>I'll have one last comment anon....William N. Grigghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14368220509514750246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1160232503517647362006-10-07T08:48:00.000-06:002006-10-07T08:48:00.000-06:00My dear and good friends:Thank you for your kind w...My dear and good friends:<BR/><BR/>Thank you for your kind words, your support, and especially for your prayers.<BR/><BR/>A couple of days ago, a friend from Appleton (JBS HQ) send me an IM asking how we're doing, and telling me that he and several others were still shocked and hurt, considering my termination akin to a "death in the family."<BR/><BR/>The job search is heating up. I do have a couple of promising leads, but of course I'd appreciate any and all help on that front.<BR/><BR/>Complicating things considerably is the fact that Korrin has been seriously ill; she's been hospitalized three times this year and is frequently bedridden. As a result, much to our disappointment, we had to send our oldest children to school (we had been home-schooling, of course, and intend to again when Korrin's health improves). <BR/><BR/>Over the past several days I've been quietly rebuking myself, wondering if it was vanity rather than principle that resulted in the loss of my job when I have a sick wife and five young children to care for. And I have to be candid: Vanity is something I struggle with more than most people I know. <BR/><BR/>I asked Korrin about this yesterday, and -- God bless her -- she said that she not only supported my decisions, she says that she loves me even more.<BR/><BR/>I've got more to say in my next post; please stand by....William N. Grigghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14368220509514750246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1160203512442752412006-10-07T00:45:00.000-06:002006-10-07T00:45:00.000-06:00Have you ever thought of writing for WND.com? They...<I>Have you ever thought of writing for WND.com? They've got some radical writers like Vox Day with similar views to ours. </I><BR/><BR/>Indeed neo, but OTOH VD has been heavily edited by WND nonetheless with some of his more provocative columns. Also, his father is/was a WND board member, IIRC, so that "helps" in not ending up purged as mike tennant points out.dixiedoghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09845646940134894119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1160202703541152022006-10-07T00:31:00.000-06:002006-10-07T00:31:00.000-06:00Will, you were "relieved" of your duties because o...Will, you were "relieved" of your duties because of so-called "Bush hatred"??<BR/><BR/>This is the straw that breaks the camel's back for me. I was a subscriber to TNA from 1997 'til 2005 and was thinking of renewing. Now that the senior editor has been canned I'll find it difficult to renew my subscription. You, Jasper, and Steve Bonta were/are my fav contributors/editors/writers for the magazine and now that the <I>senior</I> editor has been expunged, it's an ominous sign of the Society's, or at least it's premier publication's, apparent direction going forward.<BR/><BR/>I find it amazing that TNA is now also apparently inundated with a PC mantra like the mainstream media organs and publications have been for eons. It's not like the JBS has always had a lot of Republican supporters.<BR/><BR/>As I've alluded to before, Will, the country is past the point of return. I think the "civil" war and its aftermath was the turning point for our country and the dawn of the total state. After the passing of a 141 years I'm actually shocked we still have even a remnant of a republic, albeit terminal.<BR/><BR/>As others have mentioned, though, I think this might just be an opportunity on a personal level to move in another career direction. In any event, pray for the Lord's guidance to enable you to make the right decision going forward and I'm certainly going to pray for you, brother Will.dixiedoghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09845646940134894119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1160164360729397502006-10-06T13:52:00.000-06:002006-10-06T13:52:00.000-06:00P.S. - Sam Adams and Tom Paine were wonderful patr...P.S. - Sam Adams and Tom Paine were wonderful patriots and they were allies of Jefferson when he was leading his new political party. Paine eventually scandalized many Americans by publicly criticizing President Washington. Temptations toward monarchy, servility, and idolatry were present from the earliest days of the republic.Jeff Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01854238889372242444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1160164027569184172006-10-06T13:47:00.000-06:002006-10-06T13:47:00.000-06:00I'm sorry to hear about the Society pushing you ou...I'm sorry to hear about the Society pushing you out the door. As if mainstream Republicans are going to join the JBS at this late date! I've read TNA and its predecessors for years. I seem to remember an editor being forced out in the late '80s because he was too libertarian and too critical of U.S. military meddling abroad (e.g., Panama). Erik somebody? My new book about American political history--Where Did the Party Go?--has a chapter on the CFR and cites the writings of Carroll Quigley. I owe my interest in those subjects, and my realization about the folly and hypocrisy of limousine liberalism, partly to the JBS. Vince Mart, a chapter leader in my hometown, was one of my early political mentors. Your departure is the Society's loss. I'm glad you have a venue to share your views. There's a lot of garbage on the Web, but there's a lot of good stuff too! <BR/><BR/>-- Jeff Taylor, a Jeffersonian in MinnesotaJeff Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01854238889372242444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1160155464685748242006-10-06T11:24:00.000-06:002006-10-06T11:24:00.000-06:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08924134007084909019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1160155395904879342006-10-06T11:23:00.000-06:002006-10-06T11:23:00.000-06:00William,I'm sorry to hear this and after the busin...William,<BR/><BR/>I'm sorry to hear this and after the business about your previous blog I was afraid something like this would happen.<BR/><BR/>I hope to see your writings one day in <I>The American Conservative</I>. I don't doubt they would be well received.<BR/><BR/>Best of luck to you.Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08924134007084909019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-1160142750244144422006-10-06T07:52:00.000-06:002006-10-06T07:52:00.000-06:00Thank you for continuing to publish your excellent...Thank you for continuing to publish your excellent essays. I pray that this will turn out to be an opportunity for you rather than a setback.Vache Follehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14942494955243643381noreply@blogger.com