On Thursday, CNN aired "Escape from Jonestown," presented by CNN special investigations unit corespondent Soledad O'Brien. This week marks thirty years since the horrific deaths of more than 900 people, roughly a third of them children, at Jonestown. The massacre was orchestrated by "Reverend" Jim Jones. What CNN barely referenced was Jones's connection to several leading Democratic politicians of the time. O'Brien did identify Jones as a believer in socialism and, with a survivor, passingly alluded to his influence in the Democratic Party:
O'BRIEN: In 1975, Jones moved his church headquarters from Redwood Valley down to San Francis, to a larger stage, where he became a political force and a face in photo-ops.GOSNEY: Roslyn (sic) Carter was campaigning for Jimmy Carter. I believe that was 1976. And there was going to be a rally downtown. Literally, we stuffed the building. We were -- we were the rally.
Jones was much more than a face in a photo-op. Democratic San Francisco Mayor George Moscone appointed him to the city's housing authority. Willie Brown, who later served as Democratic Speaker of the California Assembly, in 1976 introduced Jones as a combination Martin Luther King, Angela Davis, Albert Einstein and Chairman Mao.
That same year Senator Walter Mondale, later elected vice president, invited Jones to meet with him on his campaign plane. The People's Temple chief also had a personal meeting with Jimmy Carter's wife, Rosalynn.
Jones referenced that in 1977 when he wrote to the First Lady and recommended the U.S. government give Cuba medical supplies. He mentioned his "deep appreciation for the privilege of dining privately with you prior to the election." She replied by saying she'd enjoyed the experience and hoped the U.S. would adopt his suggestion on Cuba.
When Jones moved his operation to Guyana, he brought with him written accolades from several liberal Democrats.
Wrote Walter Mondale: "Knowing of your congregation's deep involvement in the major social and constitutional issues of our country is a great inspiration to me."
Alaska Senator Mike Gravel thought the People's Temple "was almost too good to be true." California Congressman Don Edwards expressed the wish that "there were more like the people of the People's Temple Christian Church."
Joseph Califano, an official in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations and secretary of health, education and welfare for Jimmy Carter wrote Jones: "Knowing your commitment and compassion, your interest in protecting individual liberty and freedom have made an outstanding contribution to furthering the cause of human dignity."
Former Vice President Hubert Humphrey said that Jones' work "is testimony to the positive and truly Christian approach to dealing with the myriad problems confronting our society today."
No, Jim Jones was more than just a face in a photo-op. He benefited from the attention and praise of several notable Democratic politicians of the era. In a two-hour program, that relevant part of history should have been reported.
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Still drinking it
November 14, 2008 - 11:43 ET by Mica the MagnificentLooks like Soledad is still drinking the Kool-Aid for the dems. Ironically, a term that begain with Jones.
Kool-Aid Guzzlin'
November 14, 2008 - 11:50 ET by Mike BatesI guess Flavor-Aid, which is what was used at Jonestown, just didn't have the public recognition here in the U.S.
It's obvious that the report wasn't meant to look at history
November 14, 2008 - 11:49 ET by c5thenIt was meant to revise history. Looking back on eventsl like this you are supposed to be able to put them into context with the other events of the time and see if there is a connection. Instead these "historical remembrances" simply glorify and "cartoon-ify" the events and remove any value from the effort.
It's elementary school journalism.
Hey, I got the wrong "CHANGE"!
Alan Keyes / Sarah Palin - 2012
Revising history
November 14, 2008 - 11:53 ET by Mike BatesWe wouldn't want to connect too many dots. A young, charismatic dude, pushing socialism, thought of by his followers, who would do anything for him, as a Messiah. . . .
HMMMMMM
November 14, 2008 - 12:09 ET by NorthCoasterMichael, It makes a person think. Lots of connections to the "Radical 60's, 70's". Messianic movements have dark sides.
Thinking
November 14, 2008 - 12:20 ET by Mike BatesIt makes a person think.
Unfortunately, not the right people.
The CNN piece got me researching
November 14, 2008 - 12:26 ET by robert89I read through an article CNN had online yesterday about Jonestown. The small bit about the San Francisco connections got me researching further. I had no idea Jim Jones was a socialist darling amongst the liberal sophisticates there. In the end, many followers left all their assets to the Communist Party of the USSR. I give credit to CNN for providing me more debate ammunition against the Lightworker's socialist minions.
Researching
November 14, 2008 - 12:51 ET by Mike BatesI read through an article CNN had online yesterday about Jonestown. The small bit about the San Francisco connections got me researching further.
Hope you're not in a minority. :)
Michael, I seem to remember
November 14, 2008 - 12:30 ET by ConservativeRexMichael, I seem to remember a Democrat Congressman that died as a result of investigations into Jonestown. Also some journalist died too, correct?
Man my memory is fading. I thought they were televison journalist and they died in a helicopter crash right? If I weren't so lazy I could look it up.
Just relying on memory here. At any rate, you'd think journalist today would think better of those journalist from so long ago and get the story right. May be not though. It doesn't fit today's agenda.
Congressman Leo Ryan from
November 14, 2008 - 12:35 ET by semolina_filcherCongressman Leo Ryan from the Bay Area, Democrat. Also wounded in that attack was now congresswoman Jackie Speier, another Democrat.
Congressman killed, ConservativeRex
November 14, 2008 - 12:49 ET by Mike BatesIt was Leo Ryan, mistakenly identified by Soledad as "the only U.S. congressman ever assassinated while in office." There was Allard Lowenstein and probably a couple of others. Where's CNN's "Truth Squad" when we need 'em?
NBC's Don Harris and cameraman Bob Brown were also killed at the airport.
Thumbs up Michael! And
November 14, 2008 - 15:52 ET by ConservativeRexThumbs up Michael! And the rest of y'all! It's all coming back to me now! I appreciate it.
This is a classic case of not needing televison when you have NewsBusters!
Jim Jones, yep, he was Obama
November 14, 2008 - 12:37 ET by semolina_filcherJim Jones, yep, he was Obama before there was Obama. Purple kool-aid laced with arsenic....where did that cult worshipping sect led to?
Death and Dems were involved.
Check this Out!
November 16, 2008 - 12:07 ET by doctorbulldogYes, the similarities between the two are difficult to ignore:
---
"With the cadence and fervor of a Baptist preacher, the charm and
folksiness of a country storyteller and the zeal and fury of a maniacal
dictator, Jones exhorted his followers to a fever pitch"
"...said that Jones was the most dynamic speaker he had ever heard."
"Jones' greatest asset was his ability to determine what listeners
wanted to hear and give it to them in simple language that appealed to
them on an almost instinctual level."
" 'He was very charismatic, very charismatic,' "
" 'He could quote scripture and turn around and preach socialism' "
"He also indoctrinated many young, idealistic liberal white people in
progressive 1970s California with the themes of socialism, equality and
political activism. And he justified his brand of socialism with the
Bible for those recruited from more conservative religious factions,
who might have found such left-wing ideas tough to swallow."
---
And, believe it or not, CNN is the originator of that article!
Read it here:
http://www.cnn.com/2...
Now, I'm not saying Obama is a Jim Jones, but it is eerily familiar...
Cheers
Jim Jones was the prototype for the messiah.
November 14, 2008 - 12:53 ET by R D HelmIf you doubt this, just take a cold, hard look at his most zealous followers. :-O
It doesn't surprise me that Jones was able to hornswaggle Mondale, Humphry, Edwards, Gravel etc., as they have a truly warped idea of what Christianity really is all about.
But lunch with Rosalynn Carter? Now that is bad.
I cannot help but think that had Jim Jones lunched with Betty Ford it would have made it into Solodumb O'boring's little special in numerous places.
-Dave
Did this country just elect Obama/Biden, or was it Soros/Ayers?
Can't help, R D
November 14, 2008 - 13:00 ET by Mike BatesI cannot help but think that had Jim Jones lunched with Betty Ford it would have made it into Solodumb O'boring's little special in numerous places.
I can't help but think you are right on.
Not sure that the political
November 14, 2008 - 14:06 ET by balboaNot sure that the political connections are all that central to the story, really.
Oh of course you aren't
November 14, 2008 - 14:14 ET by bigtimerOh of course you aren't boa....the usual type of comment coming from you.
Geesh....
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Right back atcha.
November 14, 2008 - 14:17 ET by balboaRight back atcha.
To encase history in
November 14, 2008 - 14:19 ET by katainkentTo encase history in 'snapshots' and not step back and regard singular things as part of a larger picture is to completely miss the point of studying history at all.
member of the Conservative Independant Witness Protection Program since Nov. 5, 2008
Not sure either bal but why
November 14, 2008 - 14:20 ET by semolina_filcherNot sure either bal but why would a US congressman visit a suicidal cult-like figure such as the Rev. Jones? Presumably to pressure the paranoid reverend to allow those who followed him to Guyana to return to the US on their own volition, many of whom were his constituents. Of course we'll never know why the congressman and his party were ambushed.
Right?
November 14, 2008 - 15:10 ET by Copperhead Ridge"Of course we'll never know why the congressman and his party were ambushed."
Yeah, that's right, but I think we can make a pretty well informed guess. Congressman Ryan upset Jones' hold on the minds of a lot of his followers. He was taking one family and several other members of the cult with him and others felt free to express their desire to leave Guyana. My GUESS is that Jones or some of his militant followers thought they could ambush and destroy Ryan's departing group and hold the movement together.
When most of the group got away, Jones knew he was in deep, especially for killing a U.S. Congressman. Of course we don't know what Jones was thinking, but he had to make the assumption the U.S. would retaliate. Even Carter would have felt enough pressure from congressional Democrats to do something about Jonestown. That may be a stretch. It took Jimmuh six months to do something to rescue the 52 hostages in Tehran, and it failed.
Instead of trying to attach Jones to the Democrats -- I think there is a connection -- take a look at the Jones' leadership and the economics of the People's Temple and Jonestown. Jones was a spread the wealth guy. He was a communist and Jonestown reflected his communist vision. But, look deeper into Jonestown. Like all communist and socialist entities it took the use of force to make the people comply with the system. Individuality evaporated and those who did not conform were bullied into staying.
The video tape from the NBC cameraman killed at the airport is graphic evidence of what it takes for a socialist state to maintain its population.
This is what puzzles me about liberals and leftists. They are free to live the socialist dream. They can have their own communes and colonies right here in the United States. They can practice communal ownership of property and the equal share of wealth earned and built by the colony. There's a colony of Mennonites about 10 miles from my house. I know some of them. I've listened to how they live, and they are Christian socialists.
I'm not trying to say that all Menonnites are that way, but this colony of them are definitely socialists. No one bothers them. I won't say they prosper, but they survive. They've used the liberty of being American citizens to live the way they want to.
Why does the left feel the need to force all of us to live the way they want to? Jim Jones was a lunatic, but at least he told his people that they could live their way. He was wrong and responsible for over 900 deaths, but when compared to other socialist movements, what's 900+ deaths compared to oh let's say, 36,000,000 in the Soviet Union?''
The jungles of Guyana were Jim Jones' Berlin Wall.
Hi ChR... Plus lets don't
November 14, 2008 - 15:46 ET by bigtimerHi ChR...
Plus lets don't forget the force he was using with the people there to attempt to learn some Russian before they could receive their pitiful food portions, the older folks couldn't remember some of the words, oops, no food, also the three trunks of money that was supposedly suppose to go to Russia for whatever reasons in exchange for whatever...
By the way, they all did not drink the Kool-aid, their were tons of syringes around with a lot of bottles of Cyanide in plain view where these people/children were just plain murdered.
...by the way, some of our neighbors are Mennonites too...we all feel the same around here as your sentiments...
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Bizarre!
November 15, 2008 - 03:46 ET by MycosYou people really have no decency whatsoever, do you? Using the tragedy of Jonestown to push your uneducated views of what you think socialism or left-wing politics are all about, is perhaps the lowest I think I've seen you go...and there's been some real lows before this, believe me!
Errr..How do you get statements like: "Like all communist and socialist entities it took the use of force to make the people comply with the system. Individuality evaporated and those who did not conform were bullied into staying." - and: "Jim Jones was a lunatic, but at least he told his people that they could live their way." to come out of the same hole without being insane? They are clearly contradictory, but that's not what's important is it? Heaping abuse on the left because your super-wealthy leaders tell you to despite it being clear you have no idea whatsoever what you're talking about, is what matters to you, isn't it? The left differs from the right in attitudes toward equality...the left promotes it, the right doesn't. That's basically it, in a nutshell. But the wealthy few of the world have the most to lose in a world where wealth is shared more equitably, so they've convinced the ultra-stupid....YOU...to back their agenda since they have no hope of winning office in a democracy if everyone actually voted for the kind of government that will benefit themselves the most. They need dupes...and your it!
As for Congressman Ryan, you would be howling at how slanted the story was if they'd mentioned that "Democrat Ryan" was the only Congressman willing to go over and investigate claims of abuse to American citizens. But because Jones managed to snooker just a teeny portion of the politicians that Wash-Times owner Rev. Sun Myung Moon still has wrapped around his finger, suddenly it's a "Democrat thing!" I suppose the fact that Hitler, Osama bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, David Duke, and Somoza being all right-wing conservatives must somehow make Ronald Reagan a Nazi? No? Why not? We 'damn by association' anymore?
You people make me sick to my stomach!
OK olberdork
November 15, 2008 - 05:12 ET by old croYou are right as usual. We have no decency whatsoever. Please stay north of the border with your views. Can you tell this "uneducated" "rich" "stupid" "dupey" kind of guy what socialism and "left wing politics" is all about? No need, I'll tell you.
It's about using class envy to anger people that have no inclination to get off their a** and do something that may improve their situation.
It's taking away a persons reward for working hard and "sharing" with one of the above so they are "equal".
It's coming on sites like this and ranting for socialism when you'd be better off playing with your chemistry set in your mom's basement.
BTW - I didn't know that Hitler, Osama bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, David Duke, and Somoza were "right wing conservatives". Thanks for the info, loon.
Oh, and if your stomach is feeling queezy, you might try the "kool-aid". I hear it makes all your troubles go away.
§ Old!! WOW!!
November 15, 2008 - 06:21 ET by TheSterYou got it!!
Great Post!!
Ster.
I am a peripheral visionary. I can see the future, but only way off to the side.
The........
November 15, 2008 - 06:48 ET by old croI thought you were in charge of troll eradication? Didn't I appoint you about 2000 posts ago?
Stick to your Petri dishes, troll.
November 15, 2008 - 11:47 ET by R D HelmAnd if anyone here is less-than-educated on matters of socialism, it is clearly you.
-Dave
Did this country just elect Obama/Biden, or was it Soros/Ayers?
Dave/RD
November 15, 2008 - 11:55 ET by MrShyA couple of key elements in Mycos' bio:
Canadian with an addiction to news, international events and diplomacy, A biologist when not engaged in my efforts to winnow the wing-nut "chafe" from the worldly and wise "wheat"
You're the next contestant on...
THE MESSIAH IS... LEFT !!
Petri dishes, R D
November 15, 2008 - 18:50 ET by Mike BatesAnd if anyone here is less-than-educated on matters of socialism, it is clearly you.
As Blonde says, we need a better quality troll around here.
LOL-Actually, I would
November 16, 2008 - 23:55 ET by R D HelmLOL-Actually, I would settle for fewer trolls around here, regardless of the quality.
-Dave
Did this country just elect Obama/Biden, or was it Soros/Ayers?
That is only because the
November 14, 2008 - 15:30 ET by kgThat is only because the media is reluctant to mention the "D" word in all things that reflect negatively on Democrats.
"Forget change, I want improvement!"
Of course political connections are relevant Bal.
November 14, 2008 - 16:49 ET by Captain KirockIt shows how mainstream Democrats gave Jones an air of legitimacy that helped him dupe his poor followers. Jones was a self-avowed left wing collectivist.
Jones left-wing spiel of a socialist utopia is what attracted so many of his followers. It helps explain why these people decided to mindlessly follow him.
Mike... Thank you, thank
November 14, 2008 - 14:09 ET by bigtimerMike...
Thank you, thank you, thank you....
I remember when this happened, I have read a lot about this in the past, you included a few facts here I did not know with some of his political connections...
I watched this late last night and kept waiting for the ties/truth of the political leftists connected in various ways to Jones, all I saw referenced was like you say here, mainly a picture of Roslyn Carter adn very little else....just once in these network critters lives could they please tell the whole truth when they go to this much time and expense to present something like this...I guess something like all the truth is going to be too much to ever expect from the msm in my lifetime.
By the way, seems these same leftists mentioned that just loved, loved, loved Jones didn't learn a dang thing since...death and destruction be damned...some things never change.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Thank you, BT
November 15, 2008 - 11:03 ET by Mike BatesThank you, thank you, thank you....
Oh, no, bigtimer. Thanks to all who took the time to read this post and respond.
Jonestown
November 14, 2008 - 18:53 ET by UnsaneAgain, NB has done a public service. I had no idea how much the Dems on various levels were connected with this bizarre episode. I had read up on it (I am a teensy bit young to remember virtually anything that happened during the Carter administration) and never came across this.
Isn't it amazing that one little website powered by a non-profit organization has yet again shown up the big boys and girls on CNN?
"THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING!!! A WAR ON FREEWILL IS COMING!!!" - Nevermore, "Bittersweet Feast", from This Godless Endeavor (2005)
The national Dem party and
November 15, 2008 - 00:48 ET by maggieqpublicThe national Dem party and local Dems couldn’t get enough of Jim Jones. (To be fair, there’s almost no such thing as a local Republican in San Francisco.) Jones was also a favorite with the liberal social set. He sat at every important dinner table. Jones was going to feed the poor, unite the races, punish the wicked. Not bad for goals, but Jones was nothing but a hollow cult leader and a drug addict.
I worked with a young woman for a short time in early 1978. It was her plan to hold the job for a short time while she collected army surplus supplies and shipped them to Guyana. When she left for Jonestown nobody thought much of it.
The San Francisco area has been through 1) Jim Jones and the People’s Temple, 2) Cinque and the SLA, 3) Rev Moon and the Unification Church, 4) Charles Dederich and Synanon, 5) Werner Erhard and EST, the human potential movement, 6) the Black Panthers and the Soledad Brothers, 7) the Hells Angels, 8) fornication on city streets at the Folsom Street Fair. My question…. how on earth did we avoid spawning the cult of Obama? (The affliction has spread to Chicago.)
Michael, thanks for plugging the gaps in the CNN “documentary”.
Wow maggie...what a great
November 15, 2008 - 01:00 ET by bigtimerWow maggie...what a great list...I forgot about some of the groups/people you mentioned...boy do you ever make a great point gal...
Right you are about somehow SF not spawning O...Chicago has to be proud of something again....refresh the masses of their reputation/power.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Hi BT, A little charisma is
November 15, 2008 - 03:45 ET by maggieqpublicHi BT, A little charisma is a dangerous thing…. am hoping that Michelle O’s lack of charisma will counterbalance the Barack O magic with the glassy-eyed crowd (if he ever agrees to be seen with her in public again).
MaBelle
November 15, 2008 - 18:53 ET by Mike Bates. . . am hoping that Michelle O’s lack of charisma will counterbalance the Barack O magic with the glassy-eyed crowd (if he ever agrees to be seen with her in public again).
Haven't you heard? The new Fist Lady is another Jackie Kennedy. Only prettier.
Hmmm, you’re right…
November 15, 2008 - 23:57 ET by maggieqpublicHmmm, you’re right… nothing but graciousness and charm for the next four years. I must have been mistaken when I sensed a very large ‘chip’ on that shoulder!
Seriously, there’s something besides policy or race that differentiates a Sarah Palin from a Michelle Obama. Sarah Palin LIKES people, and it shines through. Whereas….
as a Bostonian who survived the assault of the Weathermen
November 15, 2008 - 14:38 ET by agingcynicon America's "college town", I think the answer is the internet. Without it, Obama would still be an opportunistic ward-heeler in Chicago. Like an invasive weed that invades the Great Lakes from a transoceanic freighter, he has been enabled by technology. (Comparisons with "The Music Man" or Nigerian "investment advisors" would have taken us in the wrong direction, eh?)
And now America has another
November 19, 2008 - 10:50 ET by 10ksnookerAnd now America has another creepy messianic creature, leading the followers to Marxism -- Is history repeating?