Guests - Wayne Morrow, Stephen Mundt

The John Birch Society: Fighting for Constitutional Principles as America Approaches 250 Years

A Conversation with Wayne Morrow, CEO of the John Birch Society

Wayne Morrow, CEO of the John Birch Society, joined Winn Tucson to discuss the importance of constitutional principles and civic education as America approaches its 250th anniversary. The John Birch Society, a nonpartisan civics and education organization, stands behind the principles of the Declaration of Independence, which proclaims that our personal rights come from God, not government.

"Our model is less government, more individual responsibility, and with God's help, a better world," Morrow explained. "It's all about individual responsibility. That's why you have people loving socialism because it's the nanny state. Somebody's going to take care of them. That's been fostered on young minds. We teach individualism, not collectivism. Collectivism is a dead end."

For over 60 years, the John Birch Society has worked to educate Americans on the original intent of the founding fathers. As Morrow travels across the United States, he consistently asks a revealing question: "When is the last time you read the U.S. Constitution?" Out of 100 people, only about five percent have done so. When asked about their state constitution, the number drops to nearly zero.

"How do you elect representatives and then hold them accountable if you don't know the playbook or rulebook? What basis do you keep them accountable to?" Morrow challenged. This fundamental disconnect explains why many Americans complain about their legislators without understanding how to properly engage with them.

The John Birch Society offers tools to help citizens evaluate their representatives' commitment to constitutional principles. Their Freedom Index tracks how legislators vote on constitutional bills, providing citizens with concrete information they can use when visiting their representatives.

"Instead of complaining about legislators, why don't you go visit them or their staffers and say, 'I hired you to uphold the Constitution. You're not doing such a good job. Why are you voting this way?'" Morrow suggested. "I'd say 80% of the people I talk to have never done that, but they complain about the legislators."

Global Interest in Freedom and National Sovereignty

The John Birch Society's influence extends beyond American borders. Morrow revealed that the organization has begun working in France, the UK, and South America. "The thing we talk about—freedom—is a worldwide phenomenon," he noted.

During a recent conversation in Paris, Morrow discovered that many French citizens are resistant to the European Union because they feel they're losing their sovereignty. "The French are burning because they do not want to be part of the EU. They're losing their sovereignty, and they don't want that," he explained.

Many Europeans get their information about the United States primarily through CNN or the New York Times, which Morrow sees as problematic. Despite this, there's a growing recognition that "whatever how the United States goes, so goes the world."

This sentiment resonates with the John Birch Society's mission. "They hold us high, and they know that we're good people. They're happy that we changed administrations because they were giving up hope for a while," Morrow shared.

Addressing America's Cultural and Political Challenges

During the conversation, Morrow and Winn discussed the unprecedented division in American society. "Never in my lifetime have I seen such hatred and such division as right now," Winn noted. "It's not inside our country, but it really was imposed upon us. It's been bought and paid for."

Morrow agreed, pointing out that most Americans simply want to live peacefully without government intrusion. "There are so many good people who just want to live in peace and carry on their lives without government intrusion. Unfortunately, the media is controlled by another narrative. They want to stir up and have paid agitators to make it look like everyone hates everybody."

This manipulation has created a distorted view of America, according to Morrow. "By and large, the people I meet are just good old Americans who want to get on with life and get government off their backs."

The John Birch Society emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant even when it seems like political victories have been won. "We're in what I call the Reagan years—'well, President Trump's got us, we can go back and relax.' That's the biggest mistake. The left is hard at work, folks. They're relentless."

Celebrating American Values and Looking Forward

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Morrow reflected on the sacrifices made by the founders. "These were wealthy people who didn't really have to put their name on the piece of paper because they knew it was a death warrant. But they knew how important it was."

He drew parallels to the soldiers at Valley Forge, who endured extreme hardship because "they knew there was no alternative. They had to have a country with a future generation for freedom and not with tyranny with the King from England."

This historical perspective underscores the importance of citizen engagement today. "I just encourage people, you know, they're in the Reagan years. President Trump's got us, we can go back and relax? No, it's the biggest mistake."

The John Birch Society is planning significant events to coincide with America's 250th anniversary, including leadership conferences in Boston and potentially Phoenix. These gatherings will emphasize the historical foundations of American liberty and the ongoing need to protect constitutional principles.

"Next year, we're going to build back the foundation so we can ensure that we live to be 500 years," Morrow concluded, emphasizing the long-term vision that drives the organization's work.

General Steven Mundt on National Security and Law Enforcement

Following the conversation with Wayne Morrow, retired Brigadier General Steven Mundt joined the program to discuss various national security and law enforcement issues, including the recent improvements in Washington, D.C.'s crime situation.

"What's happening there is the best example of what could happen if we follow the laws and uphold the Constitution and bring law and order, even if it's through means of the military, to a place where it's been so lawless for so long," Winn suggested.

Mundt agreed, noting that the Trump administration has effectively utilized available tools to address longstanding problems. "What you've seen with Trump is he says, 'No, we can do something. We have the tools, we have the means, and we're going to apply those.' Whether it's guardsmen on the border for border security or taking U.S. military installations and extending certain areas so they can help protect and control, he's using every tool in his kit bag."

The conversation turned to the issue of illegal immigration and the legal system's handling of undocumented individuals. "We are fair to people that come to our nation. We are generous to people that come to our nation, whether they came here legally or not," Mundt observed. "But now we've gotten to the point where the protections that we're applying are more than we apply to those that are here legally."

This imbalance raises important questions about accountability and justice. "At what point do we care about the victims of these crimes?" Mundt asked, referencing recent incidents involving undocumented immigrants.

Looking ahead to the upcoming midterm elections, both Winn and Mundt emphasized their critical importance. "If you believe in the direction this country is going, if you want law and order, if you want safe borders, if you want investment where it makes sense and to cut wasteful spending, you've got to come out and vote in the midterms," Mundt urged.

The conversation concluded with a discussion of local election challenges in Arizona, highlighting the importance of election integrity and the need for citizens to remain engaged in the political process at all levels.