Date: 5/21/06

Channel: Diane
JFK:  Good morning Jim.

Jim: Good morning Jack and I bid you welcome in the light and love of mother father God. 

JFK:  If there are no specific questions as to our last work, let me add one brief statement to that which we discussed last time because it is something that time and energy did not allow when we last spoke. 

            It is important my friends to understand in viewing that period in our history to understand how the seeds of what later became the Holocaust in Germany were planted.  Because of the Jewish influence in the financial markets throughout the world at that time, many perceived the Jewish people as being directly responsible not only for the revolution that served as the catalyst for WW1 but also for the recession that was worldwide at the conclusion of that conflict.  It was this belief that fueled the stronghold of the Nazi party in Germany.  The recession that followed WW1 was truly the first experience that this modern industrialized nation had encountered with a post war economy.  Thousands upon thousands service men returned to their local communities.  The manufacturing of wartime needs was at its lowest level and it became difficult for the economy to sustain itself.  It was in this time of recession that those in the seats of power began to view the need to keep conflict stirring in some part of the country at all times and to take that conflict abroad.  Only in maintaining military manufacturing, could the economy be bolstered and it is hence the groundwork that became known as the military industrial establishment.

Jim: Okay.

JFK: Again, I point out as I have in the past, global conflict often begins with a religious catalyst.  This is seen time and time again and becomes even more apparent during the events leading up to WW2.  If we may, I would like to discuss the issues of society in this country following WW1 and how the American people came together to deal with the economic recession, and the flood of people returning to the country at a time where the country was not prepared to sustain this activity which gave rise to a renewed labor movement in the United States.
 
            In many industries throughout the country following WW1, in order to maintain employment, wages were cut across the board to allow for more people to enter the workforce.  Working conditions and job security were at an all time low.  The African American population returning in segregated regiments from overseas began to join together to fight segregation and the seeds of the Civil Rights movement were also planted at this time.  So as you see my friends, not only the involvement of the United States in stirring the pot to begin WW1 but the actions of the country following WW1 were far more crucial to establishing life under the Constitution in this wonderful country than probably any other time in history other than the end of the Civil War.  Following the end of the conflict as people became disenfranchised from their life’s work, and felt unappreciated and unprotected; they began to find a need to organize.  American industry had just been through its period of largest growth since the United States of America began.  People quickly began to see that the spoils of war, if you will, were going to a select few, while those who made the sacrifices and did all that they could to support not only life here within the continental United States but to support our troops abroad became frustrated that their efforts were not appreciated.  They went from a time of great influx of opportunity and a growth in wages to a brick wall where they were essentially told your wages will need to be cut, your hours will need to cut, to make room for these returning service men.  And they began to see that there were other choices that could be made, for the American people at that time were wise and they were vocal.  Apathy had not yet begun to seep in although it was for many a distressing eye opener to see what was going on around them.

LaTonya:  Jack, can you please tell us what time period you are referring to now?

Jack: Approximately 1921.  The late 1920’s, 1921, and 1922.  Are there other questions at this point?

Jim: This also leads to the time of the wild speculation of the roaring 20’s and the subsequent stock market crash.

JFK: It did indeed.  But it is also important to understand Jim that while there was wild speculation of the stock market, many of your middle class citizens were unable to speculate in the stock market for it was all they could do to earn sufficient income to put a roof over their head and feed their families.  Bank foreclosures were at an all time high at that point in 1921.  It was the infusion of cash into the stock market that was seen then to be a correction to the economy.  But, as it often the case, those with the most use little restraint in their zeal to gain more.  The period of great growth did allow for a time.  The stabilization of the economy but it also began the formation of labor unions.  It also heralded the formation of the NAACP.  So as you see, this was quite a turning point in American society. 

Jim: There is no doubt that most of the service men that did return from Europe came back to nothing so to speak because the economy was about to collapse. 

JFK:  Very true, very true.  It was at this time as well that people turn more and more for assistance and comfort to their various religions finding that the sense of community in going to church was an opportunity to share what little could be shared, to connect with others for job opportunities, to gather, to discuss frustration and the need to protect the workers.  For the one thing that was seen in Europe in WW1 was the change in the working parties. 

            Socialism was alive and well and even at Church picnics.  Throughout this country many discussed whether that society stood a better chance than our own Democratic society. This was at that time, the beginnings of a Communist party here in the United States.  Many began to see that perhaps this might allow for greater protection for the lower and middle class wage earners in the country.  It was merely something that was quietly discussed and it was from this seed that was planted that labor unions then began to establish themselves.  Have I totally lost you Jessica?

Jessica:  Yes, that is what I was just thinking.  I was thinking I have questions but I don’t even know what to ask. 

JFK:  Well, why don’t you just rattle off what’s on your mind and we’ll see if we can bring…

Jim: One question I have is…I understood that after the WW2 basically the Masonic lodge took a leap in membership

JFK: That’s true.

Jim: And it can be tied to the connection of lodge brothers helping each other get jobs and securing some time of a future.

JFK: That is true Jim.  But again that is jumping us a little bit ahead of ourselves and for the sake particularly of those who maybe do not know as much of that time of history I want to try to maintain some chronology to our discussion as much as we can.  It is difficult often not to make a left turn here and there and go off on other tangents but I believe this period in history was important enough that we need to pursue it in depth.  Go ahead Jessica.

Jessica: I honestly don’t know what question to ask…We were talking about the seeds that were planted.  Are we going to start seeing how those seeds grew into where we are at today? 

JFK:  Yes indeed.  For example, the seed of discontent and disenfranchisement that was planted in following the WW1 gave rise to the labor movement, which of course was a cornerstone of American society during the early part of the century.  The returning African American soldiers from WW1, frustrated with the segregation, organized and began the Civil Rights movement through what has been known as the NAACP.  The desire of this country and those who lead it to continue conflict in some part of the world to keep the military machine rolling was planted at this time.  The seeds of the Communist party in America were planted at this time and at some future time we will discuss at great length the period of Mr. McCarthy’s investigations of Communism in the United States.  All of these things my friends began a journey for this country.

LaTonya: For the people who aren’t real history buffs so we don’t need to look this up, can you tell me when the Bolshevik Revolution was compared to WW1 or just give a chronological period so I know which came first?

JFK: Certainly my dear.  The Bolshevik Revolution was the cornerstone of WW1 and began the United State’s conflict in Europe at that time.  That is what triggered WW1. 

LaTonya: So the time period for the Bolshevik Revolution compared to WW1…

JFK:  I’d say 1912, 1914, that general area was the beginnings.  I believe our involvement with funding began in 1915 or 1916. 

LaTonya: Thank you.

JFK: How am I doing so far, Jim? 

Jim: You’re doing fine.

JFK: I’m glad to hear that.  Being a history teacher was something I never planned on doing.  However unfortunately if we don’t look backwards we can’t get back on the road to lead us forward.

Jim:  We can’t go ahead if we keep making the same mistakes.

JFK:  Indeed, and boy it seems that we keep making the same mistakes.  I am pleased to see there is more awareness taking hold not only in the leadership of this country but in the hearts and minds of the American people as to the current level of betrayal in the government that is being seen today.

Jim: I just don’t understand the ones that don’t see it.  That just totally boggles my mind that others can’t see the same thing.

JFK: Jim, I can only say honestly their misguided loyalty to the administration is not unlike the misguided (and I hope I do not offend anyone with this comment) but the misguided unquestioning adherence to religious teachings around the world.  All people need something to believe in.  Most people of my generation and I know yours Jim and yours LaTonya, not so much yours Jessica, we all believed that that blind loyalty to a belief system-that external connection to a belief system-would sustain us.  I was raised Roman Catholic.  There is no more clear blind adherence to any organization than there is in the Roman Catholic faith.  More and more today it is becoming clear that religion has done much to control and yes misguide the people of the world. 

Right now I know that many people are having their eyes opened by the release of the movie The Da Vinci Code.  I have had occasion since I have been where I am today to go to the source if you will.  There are questions abounding as to what was Da Vinci’s intent.  Was there some grand message in his work?  The answer was yes.  While Da Vinci claimed to be Agnostic, he did so at a time in history because to acknowledge his true beliefs would have been a death sentence.  But again these are broad historical times.

Jim: Getting back to the 1920’s and the labor movement, this again is where we start to see the power within the hierarchy of the labor movement controlling their people. 

JFK: Most definitely. 

Jim: And the influence of organized crime during the 20’s.

JFK:  Again organized crime Jim grew out of a misguided sense that legislation could control the masses.  If there was ever any clear diagram of how not to do something, one needs only to look at the period known as Prohibition.  Prohibition in itself created the need for organized crime.  There is a big lesson to be learned here my friends.  Think about it. 

Jim:  This is what I was saying about drugs today.  If you just legalize marijuana and sell it at a drug store, you eliminate corruption. 

JFK:  Yes. 

LaTonya: I see the same thing that you can take it even to immigration issues in terms of what happens if you pass certain laws that saw this or that-what does society as a whole do in response to that.  So I see it applying there. 

JFK:  You must understand LaTonya in discussing immigration issues that this wonderful land of ours was founded on immigration.  If it had not been for the immigrant much of what is good in America would not exist. The problem arises when there are no controls on the influx of people into this country-particularly into given areas of this country.  You in the Southwestern portion of the United States are dealing at a tremendous disadvantage with the influx of Mexican citizens who are coming across the border in search of a better life.  Yet unfortunately, this influx of people has taxed your infrastructure to a point of breaking.  It has risen your crime rates.  For if someone enters a land illegally and without respect for the need to adhere to the laws of the country that they go to, they do not respect the laws of the country at all.  It is a difficult situation and not one with an easy answer.  If you lived in a perfect world, you would take the opportunity and the resources of your great country and help the Mexican people fix those things within their society that are causing to leave on mass.  We had that ability and if indeed you speak of a standpoint of being connected to all, as I know this group does beautifully, you must understand that in doing so, you then facilitate a way for these people to sustain themselves.  And indeed if they want to cross the border and become American citizens or come to this country legally, by all means they would be welcomed with open arms.  What must cease for the sake of all American citizens is the wanton disregard for the laws of this land, because if you don’t respect the laws of the land, then you can not become a part of its fabric.  You cannot help build this nation, you only help unravel it.  Do you understand my statement I am trying to say?  I know your heart probably does not agree with mine. 

LaTonya: I understand what you are saying. 

Jim: I think the issue is not so much the immigration issue but the word that is missing is illegal immigration. 

JFK:  Exactly Jim that is my point.

Jim: We keep dropping the word illegal.  There are many immigrants who are coming in the thousands every year in the legal process.  The illegal immigrants are now getting to the point where they’re looking at the ones coming in legally and saying you people were stupid, you people were nuts.  You went through the system while we walk in and take over.  They’re flaunting it at the ones who have come through the legal process.

JFK:  I agree whole-heartedly Jim.  

Jim: I have found a solution for the whole country of Mexico.  We go down there, take over Mexico, throw the wealthy people out and raise their standard of living.  Then, they won’t come across the border.  

JFK:  Well, we’re almost on the same page there but not quite.  Again, and I hope you understand LaTonya that I am not anti-immigration.  I am anti-illegal anything.  And if the laws of this land voted on by the people of this country are what they are, then you as citizens of this country-if you feel the laws need to be changed-need to take a stand in doing what you feel necessary to change the laws.  Do not support those who do not respect the laws of this country.  While I agree we have far too many laws because we have legislated away common sense, I believe it is important for the fabric of the country at this crucial time to remain strong.  It is difficult to tell an American citizen that they must uphold the laws and the Constitution of this country when they are precluded from medical care because someone who has chosen to disregard the laws of this land got there first.  The same thing goes for education and housing and food.  I do not for a moment believe we should close the border and prevent people from coming to the United States from Mexico anymore than I think we should close our borders to people coming from any country-if they desire to come to this country and uphold its principles.  If they are coming here for a free ride and without respect for the tradition and laws for this country, then, they need to not make that choice. 

Jim: This has been a sore point for me particularly in the job I am involved in.  What a lot of people don’t realize is that approximately 18-20 families control the economy of Mexico.  We look at the Mexican people coming here for a job but we fail to blame the companies, the CEO’s in this country who have gross, absolutely gross, yearly salaries for going to Mexico for cheap labor and supporting these same wealthy people there who control the entire economy.  How does that issue not fall back on the stockholders, CEO’s, and every corporation that does business or has manufacturing facilities in Mexico?  Because it is the greed and power and money that they want.  The president of Exxon just retired with $320 million dollars a year.  How much money can you spend?  This is an issue that bothers me.  We’re not calling a spade a spade by saying look you’re exploiting.  An example for me is I love Brach’s candy.  In this past fall I bought two bags of candy-one made in Canada, with higher wages and higher standards of living, even though they left the United States because the U.S. sugar prices were too high and the other bag was made in Mexico.  The bag in Mexico did not have the same quality.  And of course it is not going to have the quality because they went to the candy manufacturers and asked who will give us the best bid on 15 tons of corn candy.  It is this issue that I look at and say these people who come across the border illegally really do not want to be here. 

JFK:  Indeed. 

Jim:  And this is part of the issue that this illegal immigration movement does not recognize. 

JFK: I agree whole-heartedly again that the issue is not immigration.  The issue is illegal immigration.  I have always supported the concept of guest worker programs.  I believe in a responsible society that guest worker programs should be reciprocal for those who work in this country from other countries such as Canada or Mexico.  I firmly believe that we should have guest workers from this country going to that country subsidized by the American government if necessary to help raise the standards of the environment.  For every ten guest workers who are working in the fields of Arizona, maybe we should consider the requirement of one guest nurse in a clinic near the border.  Let’s help raise our neighbors up rather than letting them tear us down.

Jim: That would be wonderful except the powers that be, particularly within Mexico, Canada is pretty much at our standard of living, within Mexico the power at be would not allow it to happen because they could not control the masses.  It is through keeping them in poverty, keeping them in shackles.  I personally don’t drink coffee.  If I had my choice they’d take the coffee beans out to sea and bury them.  But there is a coffee producing group down in Douglas Arizona-they roast and send the beans across the border which comes from Mexico that is raised on plantations that do not use child labor, they give people a beautiful standard of living, the coffee is more expensive and will American’s buy it?  No, they want to buy the cheap stuff that is done with slave labor.  This is another thing we have to educate the American people of.  If you want to keep the people in Mexico, then we need to start looking at things and saying-this crop is more expensive and supports these people in a decent way. 

JFK:  I agree with you Jim and I also want to add one more thought before we belabor this point too much longer.  In times of crisis in this country, the American people have united to effect change.   Look if you will at the Civil War.  As a classic example, the American people have united to change the way of life many times in this country.  Is it not equally appropriate to hold the citizens of Mexico to the same level of responsibility to effect change within their own country.  Knowing full well that there are many who would stand willing to help them.  Any yet, instead of standing strong and united to make changes within their own country, many choose simply to leave.  Then the radical departure of the standard of living of the people in Mexico from the standard of living available in this country will only continue to grow.  The problem will never be resolved.  At what point does it become and this is my question to you, at what point not as American citizens but as human beings hold those citizens of Mexico to a level of responsibility to make change within their own country?

Jim: This is true.  The only ones that it taking place by are the true indigenous people of Mexico.  These are the people that stand together and say no more exploiting us, no more doing this.  They band together and they wind up using guerilla force.  But they take the stand saying no more exploiting the oil on our land.  No more exploiting us as a people. 

JFK: As you found my friend when you traveled to Belize last year, many of the people in the South American countries are content with their lifestyle.  It is in part the fault of the media and the advertisers who dangle carrots if you will in front of the poorest of the poor in Mexico and say see what we have.  Of course they’re going to be at odds with their own circumstance.  They see things that they can’t even begin to dream of having but yet they stand as much of a chance of building that kind of life as the people of this country did.  America must cease trying to influence other countries with how much we have materially and again focus on who we are as humanitarians before any of these problems can begin to resolve.  I look at each of you in this room today and I see the very best of what America stands for and it not because you are worth millions of dollars.  Yet you are invaluable to the fabric of the United States.  This is what makes America strong.

Jim: And the same point that you brought up about Mexico and dangling the carrot is happening here in this country.  Every year we are going deeper and deeper into debt because certain people have to buy into Wall Street’s attitude of bigger, better, more.  Subsequently at Christmas time people are blowing thousands of dollars on stuff that I have to look around and say wow, I wouldn’t even consider that for a child.  But it is because Wall Street and the advertisers have got it that way and are going to keep it going that way.  We’ll find America in a debt she’ll never get herself out of. 

JFK:  This is very true and how best my friends to allow this country to be taken over by foreign countries by those who would seek to take away the American dream than to simply pull the rug out from under all the American citizens by calling all of that debt immediately due.  It can happen my friends.  It has happened around the world many times.

Jim: And the wealthy survive. 

JFK:  Indeed.  Well my friends, I believe it time for me to move on today.

Jim: Thank you for your discussion on illegal immigration. 

JFK:  LaTonya I hope I have not offended you.  I know your thoughts are contrary to mine. 

LaTonya:  On some issues but an open debate is always welcome and I enjoy hearing other thoughts and ideas.  It gives me something to think of and decide for myself where I stand on the issues.

JFK: My friends, the only time that change can take place is if there are differing opinions.  Otherwise everything remains status quo.  And I thank you for your thoughts for they are well intentioned. 

Jim: Thank you my friend for being here.

Jessica: Thank you.

LaTonya: Thank you. 

Jim: We will speak again and wherever you go may the blessings of mother father god journey with you. 

JFK: And with all of you.  And Jessica don’t be afraid of the questions.  There are no dumb questions. 

Jessica: Thank you.

JFK: Have a good week my friends.

All: Thank you!