Comments on Pro Libertate: Tonight's Episode: The Tory Perspective, or There Goes my Severance (THIRD UPDATE; see comments section)

Anonymous -- Thanks for the kind words of blessing...

2007-04-15T15:12:00.000-06:00

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Duels used to be fought over this kind of thing.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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).

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.

God bless -- Will

Mr. Grigg:A few more thoughts from your anonymous ...

2007-04-15T13:53:00.000-06:00

Mr. Grigg:

A few more thoughts from your anonymous commentator.

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.

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.

Where can you be the greatest servant to God? Where can you be the greatest servant to America?
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.)

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?

One with God is a Majority. Absolutely. Just be very sure you are one with God on this one.

I hope you don't find these words too sharp. But I wouldn't be honest if I didn't write them.

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?

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.

God bless you. With His hand in yours, you cannot fail. All the best!

Mr. Grigg:After not seeing your name on the New Am...

2007-04-14T21:18:00.000-06:00

Mr. Grigg:

After not seeing your name on the New American, I decided to search and found your site.

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.

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."

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.

I am so sorry, Will. You were one of my favorite a...

2007-03-11T10:09:00.000-06:00

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.

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.

Say it ain't so!Greetings Will to you and your fam...

2006-12-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

Say it ain't so!

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?

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?

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?

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).

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.

For starters, you need to get on board with LewRockwell.com (if you're not doing so already).

Best Regards;
Harvey Carpenter

As far as polling data goes: In January, the JBS p...

2006-12-10T15:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Although the poll has apparently been removed from the JBS website, an archived copy of it can be viewed at: http://web.archive.org/web/20060202175002/http://www.jbs.org/poll.php?vo=1
It appears that the polling ended with 73% in favor of impeaching the president.

William- I just discovered your blog through a li...

2006-10-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

William- I just discovered your blog through a link from a former JBS'er in the central Florida (Melbourne) area. I don't know where I've been! Your amasing instights, beautiful prose, articulate history, and passionate positions of principle should not have slipped past me, although your past affiliation with the JBS may be why, as I have little trust of the organization.

I am of the opinion that the JBS has been "compromised", and a willing to believe the rumor that it was "compromised" from the beginning-- it was set up in the interest of the Hegelian strategy of Tension by the finnacial elite social engineers. I cannot confirm this if pressed, it is a suspician I have that I was exposed to I think from perhaps Jack Blood. Nevertheless, your termination from the organization for the so-called "reasons" only reinforces my suspicion. Whether you write there or on your own blog makes no difference now. Perhaps it was only through your termination that I finally discovered your wisdom and insight, and for that I'm thankful, although that may be of little consolation to you.

I look forward to backreading your posts, and to your posts in the future. Best of luck on the job search if that has yet to fall into place. There are those, btw, who make a decent living from blogging (although I have yet to enter those ranks).

In liberty,
Bill Losapio
www.lwilliamlosapio.com

David -- a few additional comments about the situa...

2006-10-14T21:52:00.000-06:00

David -- a few additional comments about the situation with the JBS.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Take care, my friend. Say hi to Randy, Betsy, Pastor Rob, and the rest for us.

David -- It's great to hear from you! Please say h...

2006-10-14T21:42:00.000-06:00

David -- It's great to hear from you! Please say hi to Pastor Rob and the rest out at Calvary Baptist.

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.

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.

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.

Will,The periodic lay-offs at my place of employme...

2006-10-14T15:17:00.000-06:00

Will,

The periodic lay-offs at my place of employment have often prompted the remark that no one is irreplaceable. But if every rule has an exception, then your firing surely qualifies. I fail to see how your unsurpassed insight & analysis could possibly be duplicated at TNA.

I was introduced to the JBS and TNA over a decade ago through Alan Scholl. I'm very thankful for the man, still consider him a friend, and even had lunch with him roughly 2 months ago. I also made your acquaintance while you were attending church in Kaukauna and greatly enjoyed conversing with you and Korrin. (Sorry to read of her health issues).

I remember remarking to Alan over lunch how I enjoyed your blog ("Will Unleashed" -- I think I called it). He responded that there was a huge percentage of polled people in the JBS orbit who reacted negatively to the Bush-bashing. This shocked me. If even JBS influenced people can't handle the truth about the Bush regime, what hope is there for the JBS, say nothing of America?

There's a side of me that greatly enjoys an artfully constructed slam of Bush and his regime, and at this, you are one of the best. But I fear it appeals to my fleshly side and I can see how it could detract from the central message which (I hope!) we all agree on.

I also am puzzled by your positive portrayal of Sam Adams as a provocateur looking to provoke heavy-handed reprisals in order make clear the danger to the masses. The truth boldly spoken, whether in politics or religion, will precipitate enough reprisal all by itself. There's no need to purposefully seek reprisal, is there?

On the other hand, I fail to see how a privately-maintained blog is a violation of the principles of the JBS.

I sincerely hope and pray that some type of understanding can be worked-out between you and Appleton.

David Stertz

Although I have always been a vehement critic of t...

2006-10-12T14:14:00.000-06:00

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.

In my own writings, I have identified 3 categories of Birchers:

1. the intellectuals
2. the activists
3. the wackos

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.

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!

More about me and my research here:

http://ernie1241.googlepages.com/home

Why couldn't TNA have demoted you in lieu of termi...

2006-10-11T10:20:00.000-06:00

Why couldn't TNA have demoted you in lieu of termination? (Actually, you should have been promoted with an accompanying massive pay raise.) They could have kept you on staff as a 'contributing writer'. (Come on! They once had the cranky, but lovable Samuel Francis -may he rest in peace- listed as a TNA contributing writer.) Jeez, termination is a little over-the-top. Bill Jasper and Will Grigg were the New American's dynamic duo. (Sorry Bill, you're Robin.) I love ya Mr. Scholl, but did ya have to do this? I feel utterly dejected.

Wow.{deep breath}Well... "this, too, shall pass."

2006-10-10T23:13:00.000-06:00

Wow.

{deep breath}

Well... "this, too, shall pass."

I was lead to believe that the John Birch Society ...

2006-10-10T22:22:00.000-06:00

I was lead to believe that the John Birch Society was non-partisan. I’ll have to reconsider renewing my subscription to “The New American” and further evaluate the benefit of joining the JBS, if a man of Mr. Grigg’s character and skill is not up to their standards. Mr. Grigg’s work at TNA of exposing the Constitutional violations by both the Democrats and Republicans was a welcome change from the thoughtless tirades of Rush Limbaugh & Al Franken, for example. Apparently, the TNA subheading “That Freedom Shall Not Perish” is merely window dressing.

I refered to many TNA articles to promote the ideals of the American Independent Party http://www.aipca.org/ in California and the Constitution Party http://www.constitutionparty.com/ nationally.

Keep up the good work, Mr. Grigg!

What happened to you and news of it on Jim Bovard'...

2006-10-10T15:14:00.000-06:00

What happened to you and news of it on Jim Bovard's blog brought me here. I had not heard of you before now.

You are yet another Libertarian of princinple who has earned my respect.

Steve

William:Man, I'm sorry, dude. I always thought tha...

2006-10-09T18:30:00.000-06:00

William:

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).

Of course, I'm sure that you'd heard of Eric Alterman's sacking from MSNBC, by now.

Good luck finding another job, dude. With your credentials and talents, I'm sure that you'll find a safer home.

The process of "rectifying" Will Grigg at The New ...

2006-10-09T15:43:00.000-06:00

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).

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."

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.

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.

I did, of course, print out a copy several hours ago, with the current date.

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!

Here's another damage control tip:

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.

This was going on after the Birch Blog had been terminated, and Pro Libertate opened for business.

So it looks like the work of "ret-conning" my TNA/JBS career has just begun.

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....

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")....

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)....

Good luck with that, guys.

I am increasingly shocked by the "let's court the ...

2006-10-09T07:04:00.000-06:00

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....
Now even my defense is indefensible?

For the previous poster who mentioned thinking tha...

2006-10-08T22:53:00.000-06:00

For the previous poster who mentioned thinking that the Pentagon was not hit by an airplane, read http://www.loosechangeguide.com/LooseChangeGuide.html, especially section 2.

And also read over http://www.mrm.org/ too.

Dear Mr. Grigg,I'm saddened to hear about your fal...

2006-10-08T18:28:00.000-06:00

Dear Mr. Grigg,

I'm saddened to hear about your fallout at JBS. I have been a JBS member for about 4 years and a reader of the New American for about a decade. Your pros have been great and informative. I wish you well in your future endeavors. Mr. Grigg, during these trying times we have to hang together other wise will be hanged separately.

Sincerely,
David Prior

Mr Grigg: I am a member of the JBS in Houston and...

2006-10-08T15:30:00.000-06:00

Mr Grigg:
I am a member of the JBS in Houston and an admirer of your writings and of your past lectures here in Houston. I am writing about the last comments in your article on Sam Adams -- your wishing the JBS well.

If those remarks were meant to show that you have no malice in your heart toward the JBS, I appreciate that. Vengeance is not the Christian mode.

But if the JBS is whitewashing the Sadean nature of the Republican Party in order to get new Republican members, that is deceit. It is the deceit which Murray Rothbard described in his article on “The Sociology of the Ayn Rand Cult.” The JBS is now declaring that they have an Esoteric philosophy (anti-police state) for the elite, and an Exoteric philosophy (Go, Go, GOP) for the masses.

As a member of the JBS, I am being asked to join in the deceit. I am being asked to keep my mouth shut in our monthly meetings about the descent into Hell of our country lest I scare off some new and naive member, who has not yet been asked to make a large monthly pledge.

The JBS, it seems now, as it has been called in the past by people who seemed disreputable to me, is a Right Gatekeeper. The only way to wish its leaders well is to call them to repent.

Good luck for the future.

Hi WillI have been worrying about the JBS and TNA ...

2006-10-08T01:29:00.000-06:00

Hi Will
I have been worrying about the JBS and TNA for some time now. I think their article supporting the government's explanation of the 9/11 plane hitting the Pentagon was the start. I am an active Mormon but I still support you Will. I read your letter about leaving the LDS Church and so I understand where you are coming from. Ignorance and passivity is everywhere, It seems most organizations and movements are effected....especially Christianity in its many forms. Let's all stick our heads in the sand 'cause God will surely save us. Christians talk so much about the importance of family, their children.....don't they realize the Hell that is coming here if they don't take a stand now to try and stop this evil conspiracy? It might be a hellish job to oppose it but hell will surely come if they don't!!
God Bless you Will, may the way be opened for you to progress in your liberty and family sustaining efforts.

Will,I sensed that all was not well with the JBS w...

2006-10-07T14:30:00.000-06:00

Will,

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.

Will, what Korrin noted when she said she supporte...

2006-10-07T12:00:00.000-06:00

Will, what Korrin noted when she said she supported you.....well, she was absolutely right. There's no vanity to question here - just you, a rock, looking down at the pitiful pebbles around you that brought you down. As I wrote in my email, I've "been there-done that" with this type of thing, and what typically happens, a year or two later, is that you look at your current state of affairs, then think back, and you say, "God's hand must have been guiding me *here* and away from *there.* I believe that somewhere there exists a better place for your immense writing skills, and you shall find this place.

Karen De Coster

Will, You wrote: "Over the past several days I've ...

2006-10-07T11:45:00.000-06:00

Will,

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."

Please refer to the last two entries of yours on this page if yo