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Line 12: − ==Origins== − The organization was founded by [[Robert Welch]] in 1958 to fight Communist infiltration of the United States.<ref>Welch said he named the Society after [[John Birch]], the first American to die in the [[Cold War]]. </ref> He designed the Society like the Communist movement, with a strong leader at the top (himself), with each lower level following the orders they were given. In practive the local shapters were discussion clubs and rarely engaged in much activism. Society literature denounced collectivist infiltration from Communists, the [[United Nations]], and various front groups. − ==Eisenhower== − Welch wrote in a widely circulated statement, ''The Politician,'' "Could Eisenhower really be simply a smart politician, entirely without principles and hungry for glory, who is only the tool of the Communists? The answer is yes." He went on. ""With regard to ... Eisenhower, it is difficult to avoid raising the question of deliberate treason."<ref> Quoted at [http://www.jbs.org/jbs-news-feed/1375-glenn-beck-talks-with-jbs-president-john-f-mcmanus "Glenn Beck talks with JBS President John F. McManus" Aug. 15, 2006]</ref>
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The '''John Birch Society''' is a conservative American anti-Communist organization founded in 1958 with chapters around the country. It never had a major impact on politics. It is still in operation, but is mentioned mostly by liberals who want to attack conservatives in general.
The '''John Birch Society''' is a conservative American anti-Communist organization founded in 1958 with chapters around the country. It never had a major impact on politics. It is still in operation, but is mentioned mostly by liberals who use it to ridicule and attack conservatives in general.
==Origins==
The organization was founded by [[Robert Welch]] in 1958 to fight Communist infiltration of the United States.<ref>Welch said he named the Society after [[John Birch]], the first American to die in the [[Cold War]]. </ref> He designed the Society like the Communist movement, with a strong leader at the top (himself), with each lower level following the orders they were given. In practive the local shapters were discussion clubs and rarely engaged in much activism. Society literature denounced collectivist infiltration from Communists, the [[United Nations]], and various front groups.
==Eisenhower==
Welch wrote in a widely circulated statement, ''The Politician,'' "Could Eisenhower really be simply a smart politician, entirely without principles and hungry for glory, who is only the tool of the Communists? The answer is yes." He went on. ""With regard to ... Eisenhower, it is difficult to avoid raising the question of deliberate treason."<ref> Quoted at [http://www.jbs.org/jbs-news-feed/1375-glenn-beck-talks-with-jbs-president-john-f-mcmanus "Glenn Beck talks with JBS President John F. McManus" Aug. 15, 2006]</ref>
==Rejected by most conservatives==
==Rejected by most conservatives==
==Liberal target==
==Liberal target==
The John Birch Society was a favorite target of liberals--some of whom laughed and others pointed to it as a dangerous organization of the "radical right" that aimed to subvert democracy. In practice, the Society actually did little more than publish pamphlets and sponsor local discussion groups.
The John Birch Society was a favorite target of liberals--some of whom laughed and others pointed to it as a dangerous organization of the "radical right" that aimed to subvert democracy. In practice, the Society actually did little more than publish pamphlets and sponsor local discussion groups.
==Ideology==
==Ideology==
The Society works towards educating Americans about the original intent of the [[Founding Fathers]]. The John Birch Society strongly believes that the United States is a [[Constitutional Republic]], not a [[democracy]].
The Society works towards educating Americans about the original intent of the [[Founding Fathers]]. The John Birch Society strongly believes that the United States is a [[Constitutional Republic]], not a [[democracy]].