July 18, 2006
Mr. Wayne Rickert
Mr. Walt Ruckel
Mr. Keith Van Buskirk
Gentlemen:
Thank you for “hanging tough” in the leadership crises regarding The John Birch Society. I only hope that the Executive Committee, as it was formerly comprised, can re-gain control and function as Robert Welch designed. Your diligence in this important legal battle is noted and appreciated by me. I am sure the time and financial resources expended are considerable.
I am a former JBS Coordinator who covered Southern Idaho, Eastern Oregon and Northern Nevada in my assigned duties. The time frame was the 1970’s. Vance Smith had similar responsibilities in parts of Colorado in the same time period. We knew each other through various staff meetings held for leadership training and other purposes.
Though I have a great deal of respect for Vance, I see this current battle as one of following the Robert Welch formula for leadership succession versus usurpation by a group of mutineers. That the JBS succession mechanism should be enacted — not allowing Jack and Art to assume leadership on a whim — is the issue.
If the Executive Committee selects Vance Smith or someone else as President and/or CEO makes little difference to me though I feel Vance has done a great job in spite of difficult times for the freedom battle. At least it would be done within the framework instituted by Mr. Welch.
Many thanks for your continuing contributions to the Americanist cause.
Sincerely,
Michael D. Thomas
2440 North 600 West
Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
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