J. Edgar Hoover – "A Statement on Communism"… and today’s version
As I type this, I have before me a document entitled “A Statement on Communism” dated March 27, 1967, by John Edgar Hoover, then director of FBI. (Sorry… no links… all I have is a hard copy.)
Some excerpts:
Inside the United States there is today an aggressive, bold and highly confident Communist Party. Organized in 1919 at a convention in Chicago, Illinois, the Party has always been obediently loyal to Moscow. At this moment, its officers and members, along with thousands of sympathizers or “state of mind members,” form a phalanx of treason in our midst. The Party is working in every possible way to infiltrate, subvert and destroy our democratic form of government.
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Actually, the communists are desperately seeking to change their public image — to be accepted as legitimate elements of our society. Let’s be careful. Remember that communists are not loyal to our democratic traditions. They come as wolves garbed in sheep’s clothing. Despite what they say, in beguiling language, they hate and detest the United States. Their chief interest is not to build, to make a better Nation, but to wreck and destroy.
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The language is the same, but at least the enemy was a world power, not cave dwellers and fanatics living in the 11th century. But they walk among us – that’s a constant. And there are always some deluded fanatics who fancy themselves capable of bringing down a large power like the US with a childish philosophy, and there are always fearful individuals who manage to be afraid of them.
Here’s what the cross-dresser said about epic battles…
Americans should be proud of their country. All too often today patriotism is regarded as old-fashioned, out of date, not to be taken seriously. Nothing could be more wrong. America needs citizens who will stand up and be counted, who are willing to do their share for the common good.
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No man has a right to a “time out,” a “leave of absence” — all must be on the front lines.
Which leads us to a more recent, but already classic call to epic battle:
As for why my sorry a** isn’t in the kill zone, lots of people think this is a searingly pertinent question. No answer I could give — I’m 35 years old, my family couldn’t afford the lost income, I have a baby daughter, my a** is, er, sorry, are a few — ever seem to suffice.