Item of Interest: 1958 Speech Warns of Communist Takeover

On December 8, 1958, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Robert Welch delivered a powerful speech that outlined his foundational theories and concerns regarding the downfall of America at the hands of encroaching communism.

The next day, with his speech serving as a foundational orientation, Welch formally announced the formation of the John Birch Society – an organization that remains active today.

Here’s a video excerpt from this now-famous speech:

[click to watch video]

It’s easy to look back on this speech and fall into the trap of believing it to be a remnant of outdated Cold War fears, McCarthyism, etc.

But is it?

Welch’s thesis was that that the primary threat to the United States is not an external military force, but an internal infiltration by insiders who intend to use socialism (as opposed to overt revolution) to establish a one-world communist government. He alleged that communists had deeply infiltrated American government, education, religion, and the media – and he outlined the steps by which they were doing so.  He also warned against the dangers of pure democracy (as opposed to the concept of a representative republic), which he characterized as a deceptive system that invited demagoguery and was a stepping stone to collectivism.

Through today’s lens it would seem that Welch was able to do nothing less than accurately predict the future. All his points remain valid and relevant.

The question is: What are we going to do about it?