Lettter From Joyce to Mr. John McManus of the John Birch Society
February 11, 1997
Mr. John F. McManus
President, John Birch Society
Post Office Box 8040
Appleton, Wisconsin 54913
Fax Transmission: 414-749-3780
Dear Mr. McManus:
For the past three years I have been completely involved in investigating the Gulf War
Illnesses and to alert the American people to the truth behind the disease that the
Pentagon continually denies.
Having respected the New American I first approached members of the John Birch Society as
the organization that might be interested in searching for the truth. As I told you, I
approached many within the organization who contacted JBS. I was repeatedly told an
off-hand comment that "They question the credibility of your work." Not getting
a response from Appleton, I accepted a speaking opportunity in California to meet with
five local JBS groups. This was done in hopes that first hand they would see the material
is accurate and most importantly, that our military are sick and dying.
I personally attempted to address Mr. Jasper who did not attend as I was told he would by
the
local group nor was I able to speak with him by phone. Numerous radio show callers now
call
in when I'm on the air and ask why JBS has not focused on the issue. I am honest in
telling them
I have not had any interest from JBS. I find this a tragedy as the issue of a strong
military is
extremely important to this country as I thought it was to the JBS.
Please understand, Mr. McManus, the research I have done is not "my research" it
is the research of government documents and messages which show an obvious intent to
mislead the American public. Do I have all the answers, NO---nor does anyone, nor will
anyone. The only answer I have is that we have been lied to as to the significance of the
disease, it's communicable nature and the possible outcome.
We learned, (Senate doc. 103-900) that in February 1994 Senator Don Riegel knew that
troops were not just sick, they were dying. It was communicable, a public health hazard
and we sold the biologicals to Iraq. When I talked with you on the phone, I was shocked
that you knew none of this information. Again, this is not MY information, it is official
documentation.
I commend JBS for championing the efforts of one American hero, Michael New. Is it not
supremely important that we address the health effects of 200,000 sick (according to the
VFW) Gulf War Veterans and the implication of this on troop strength and national
security.
The active U.S. military that understands now what has transpired has looked for
assistance in addressing these issues. JBS could have been the organizational hero as the
American Legion, VFW and VA systems have not been timely in recognizing the mortality
attributed to the so-called GW Syndrome.
The American Gulf War Veterans Association has provided free information, videos and
government documentation to support our accusations that our troops were placed in harms
way and not protected, brought home and not treated for the disease (No GW vet to this
date has been treated for anything other than symptomatically, i.e. Motrin, Prozac,
Halcion, Tagament, etc). Our military has been given stress-related, psychiatric
disorders, placed on antidepressants, allowed to get worse and transfer the disease. This
information has been supplied to JBS on numerous occasions.
As a result of the lack of action from organizations such as American Legion, VFW and John
Birch Society, some GW Veterans have now filed a complaint with the United Nations. I
personally do not support this action as I do not want to see the U.N.'s position
strengthened as a sovereign, foreign power. However, this was done without my knowledge.
The World Court has now been petitioned to hear the case of the betrayal of the American
Soldier.
I write to you to ask you to reconsider your support of the American military and actively
investigate not my research but research independent of me to determine if our troops are
really sick and have really died. If I have been wrong, please feel free to print it. If I
am right, immediately come to the forefront, if it is not too late and commit your
resources to America's military. Let's hope they have not been abandoned by everyone.
Please note the enclosed letter which we placed in the Washington Times. This soldier says
it far better than anyone.
If you choose not to address this issue, please be kind enough to speak with me personally
as to your decision. Regardless, of your decision, I will continue to tell the truth and
fight for those who were willing to die on foreign soil and who must now suffer alone.
For God and Country,
Joyce Riley, R.N. BSN
Capt. USAF (inactive reserve)
c.c. Suzanne Hanrahan
Reply From Mr. John McManus
 |
Post Office Box 8040, AppIeton, WI 54913 (414) 749-3780 February 19, 1997 |
Ms. Joyce Riley
American Gulf War Veterans Association
P.O. Box 85,
Versailles, Mo. 65084
Dear Ms. Riley:
Whenever either our Society or its affiliated magazine, The New American, is approached
with a request to incorporate a particular cause into our agenda, even to give it space,
our procedure calls for a thorough examination of the issue.
In your February 11, 1997 letter to me, you make the claim that the material you have
circulated via speeches is "accurate." As you will note from the lengthy report
compiled by Robert W. Lee, who is one of our top writers and researchers, your claim does
not stand up to careful scrutiny.
We further find insupportable and insulting your inferences that (1) JBS does not support
the military, and (2) our unwillingness to accept your leadership on the issue of Gulf War
Syndrome has led some veterans to file an action with the United Nations. We do support
the military and we are not responsible for the actions of those who have appealed to the
UN.
Neither JBS officers nor the magazine's officials know the source of Gulf War Syndrome.
Nor do we have any reliable evidence showing that any government agency has suppressed
information that might lead to discovering the source.
Over many years, our organization and The New American have acquired hard-earned
reputations for accuracy and competency that we have no intention of diluting by lending
our good name to sloppy research, conflicting claims, and unfounded charges. When and if
we learn conclusively that the illnesses of so many veterans have either been induced by
or covered up by our nation's officials, we shall publish it.
We urge you to study Mr. Lee's report very carefully. You do not support the cause of Gulf
War Veterans or the nation's military with your unsubstantiated claims and rash
accusations.
Sincerely,
John
F. McManus
President
Publisher
The New American
cc: Mrs. Suzanne Hanrahan