I am writing in response to the Observer’s July 10 article, “Lawmakers sound off at John Birch Society town hall.”

Thank you for covering the event. I’d like, however, to clarify a few things.

The John Birch Society was founded in 1958 to stop the deliberate, coordinated destruction of the United States. It was founded to restore and preserve the Constitutional principles that have made Americans the freest and most prosperous people in the history of the world.

The evidence is indisputable. America works. It has been the largest magnet for people all over the world seeking liberty and prosperity. We have many members who were born in other countries. They know there is no country better than America. The American experiment has been successful because of the Constitutional restrictions our Founding Fathers put on government and the Judeo-Christian values that guided most Americans.

There is nothing “far-right” about the JBS. This is news-speak. We seek to rein the government back within the Constitutional limitations that still stand as stated within our nation’s preeminent governing documents. The JBS is positioned right where our Founding Fathers stood.

As for the notion that the Deep State aims to “poison” and destroy America, this is certainly our position. It’s also self-evident. Not too long ago, the federal government coerced local governments into shuttering businesses, churches and schools. People were also essentially put on house arrest. And, as we’ve recently learned, government agents burrowed into social media platforms to control conversations people can have on the most popular digital outlets. They did it to control human behavior. The people who did this were unelected officials — the Deep State.

We invite everyone who’s tired of seeing our great nation destroyed by forces who did nothing to build it to join the JBS. We accept all people of good character who are willing to learn what’s really going on and are ready to organize.

RIC GERIG

Local JBS Chapter Leader

Ocean Park