Jekyll Island Project Media Blackout; Bob Schulz Refuses Press Coverage
May 27, 2009 at 1:33 pm
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by: Allison Bricker
This past Thursday and Friday, Bob Schulz, Chairman of the “We the People Foundation” held a two-day gathering of pro-liberty activists off the coast of Georgia on Jekyll Island. Students of history, those with an interest in modern money mechanics, and political junkies will recall that Jekyll Island was the birthplace of the banker-crafted legislation, originally entitled the “Aldrich Plan”, which led to the rise of the 3rd Central Bank of the United States, more commonly known as the FEDERAL RESERVE.
One purpose of the meeting sought to retrace the steps of the original 1910 trip, which resulted in the greatest swindle and Constitutional usurpation in our history. In addition to the sheer historical significance, the ad hoc meeting’s main purpose was to try to hammer out the numerous logistical and practical problems plaguing the organization’s upcoming “Continental Congress”.
My initial interview with Mr. Schulz regarding his organization’s plans for a Continental Congress occurred on January 20th of this year. During that interview, Mr. Schulz indicated he had already been forced to reschedule the date of the meeting twice and was now looking towards July as the date in which formal proceedings would commence. The third shift in dates according to Mr. Schulz stemmed from the overall complexity of the event and the fact that his original venue of choice, the National Constitution Center, revoked the contract at the last minute. The National Park Service denies his claim in its entirety.
Fellow readers, it has been a struggle for me since speaking with Mr. Schulz and those in his employ last Tuesday by telephone whether to unleash my blistering criticism upon both an organization and endeavor of whose efforts initially had my support. However, in the end, my loyalty lies with the Constitution, reporting of the facts, a desire to see this Republic restored, and human liberty expanded, not to an organization. Moreover, many of those who attended have my utmost respect both for their own tireless work towards the pursuit of liberty and for the sacrifices for which they have endured up to this point.
Nevertheless and contrary to our January interview, whereby Mr. Schulz impressed upon me the importance of and his dedication to total transparency regarding his organization’s endeavor, the Jekyll Island caucus was closed to all press coverage, video and print, during the actual substantive meetings. Upon inquiring about this complete reversal regarding his previously stated principle, Mr. Schulz put me in contact with the Media Director for the event, Mr. Todd McGreevy. When asked about the reasoning behind the media blackout during the actual meeting, he replied almost instantaneously:
“It’s insider business, that’s why. Mr. Schulz wants it that way”
Todd McGreevy
Media Director
Hardly a satisfactory answer, perhaps he has taken lessons from the current crop of politicians and press secretaries whose modus operandi seems to be to obfuscate and dismiss any question they do not feel obliged to answer, ergo Gibbs, Fleischer & Company.
Therefore, and let me make this plainly clear. It is not my desire to exchange one secretive organization, vis-à-vis the Bilderberg Group who also mandates media blackouts regarding their actual proceedings, for another group, regardless of stated intent.
For this reason, acts in pursuit of liberty are not planned under the darkness and cover of secrecy. Those with pure intent are conducted under the Sunshine of openness and transparency. Please correct me if the facts are to the contrary, but this meeting, nor the upcoming Continental Congress are not tasked with the planning or implementation of declaring war on our current corrupt trough of plutocratic oligarchs. Again, according to the original motivations expressed by Mr. Schulz, the whole point is merely to draft a formal Redress of Grievances, ala “The Olive Branch Petition”. Have we not had enough of the philosophy and justification thereof the misguided sentiment of state-secrets?
Fortunately, as of today, we have had the pleasure of speaking with several individual attendees to the meetings. Some of whom have expressed a desire to remain anonymous in order to retain the ability to report the facts of future committee proceedings should Mr. Schulz choose not to rescind the media blackout.
As such, we can report that for the fourth time in less than a year, the call to order of the Continental Congress has been pushed back until November 2009. The meeting is now scheduled to begin on November 9th and adjourn two days prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. This provides organizers just under twenty-four weeks to move plans out of committee regarding finalizing a location at the head of the holiday season, conducting and ratifying delegate nominations from fifty separate states, conducting fundraising for delegate offset expense packages, reserving and negotiating lodging accommodations, etcetera.
As it relates to the offset expense packages, our sources confirmed the existence of a pay package for delegates to offset the estimated $7,000.00 in expenses incurred per delegate. Thereby bringing the estimated price tag for each state delegation to $30,000 resulting in a grand total of $1.5 Million Dollars in delegate offset packages alone. Our sources inside also indicated that the expense offset package proposal came as a hedge against electing delegates that either were all independently wealthy or unemployed “deadbeats”. As such, with the hefty price tag coupled with the relatively short time span, the group needs to raise at a minimum $62,500 Dollars per week. Perhaps wagering as to when the fifth delay in the call to order will be announced would be the safer bet at this point.
Likewise, if the hope was to see a cross-section of average Americans; what percentage of potential delegates have the ability to up and leave their place of employment or turn over their small business for a period of at least three weeks in this ever-weakening economy regardless of an offset of expenses directly related to the trip? The idea of assembling in person seems rather cost prohibitive with such a small planning window. Let alone the added logistics of determining whom, how and where the money will be deposited prior to disbursement to delegates.
Nonetheless, it is this blogger’s opinion that there is perhaps more to be gleaned by those who either turned down due to scheduling conflicts or were wholly omitted from receiving an invitation, than merely reporting on the efforts of those in attendance.
It is a sign of continual disorganization or at worst utter disregard, to have scheduled the Jekyll Island event capitalizing upon the renewed and growing interest in the FEDERAL RESERVE, i.e. H.R. 1207 and monetary policy in direct conflict with the widely publicized Campaign for Liberty Seattle conference. As a result, excluding the Champion of the Constitution and perhaps the greatest voice of the last thirty years regarding the outright failings of central banking practices and a wholly fiat currency, Dr. Ron Paul.
Additionally, the remaining list of those unable to attend due to such short-notice reads like a who’s who of the liberty movement and includes:
- Lew Rockwell – Chairman Ludwig von Mises Institute
- Thomas E. Woods Jr. – Author, Historical Scholar
- Peter Schiff – President Euro Pacific Capital, economic commentator
- Andrew Napolitano – former Judge, Author, Judicial Commentator
- Dr. Edwin Vieira – Constitutional Attorney, Author
Likewise, those completely left off the invitation only event include:
- Russell Means – Activist, Actor, Author, Humanitarian
- Gerald Celente – Trends Researcher, Director of Trends Research Institute
- Naomi Wolf - Activist, Author of “The End of America” and “Give Me Liberty”
- Kevin Jackson – Talk Radio Host, author
Consequently, according to Catherine Bleisch whom attended, the group has broken off into several committees and plans to reach out to the “left”. One then has to wonder how successful this endeavor will be if the “Welcome Wagon” exists overwhelmingly of older white gentlemen?
Please do not misconstrue my intentions as no one is calling for an “affirmative-action” delegate selection program, however one needs not be a genius to understand the dynamics of modern day America. We are a diverse nation and as illustrated above by those wholly omitted from invitation, it seems the group is content to leave appearances as pancake battered as possible.
Case in point, the 2nd Continental Congress convened in May of 1775 and the “Committee of Five” was formed to begin drafting the formal Declaration of Independence. The committee knew one of the largest obstacles they faced in winning a wide swath of both domestic and international support for independence was one of appearances. The committee was acutely aware that the cause was doomed to fail if the document they drafted played into the Loyalist claim whatsoever of being nothing more than a group of disaffected wealthy colonists with an axe to grind against the king personally.
Therefore, Mr. Jefferson purposefully and carefully created the Declaration based solely on the actions, or long train of abuses, implemented by the king and British Parliament. Thereby steering clear of attacks on the king’s personality or character traits. This fact leads many historians to agree that this deliberate construction of the document succeeded in not only unifying large numbers of previously ambivalent colonists, but also helped rally French sentiment towards the cause for independence.
Similarly, the liberty movement must acknowledge and accept that regardless of the actual facts, the perception of our movement is white and male. Therefore, it behooves those attempting to rally as much of the American public as possible to the honorable cause of individual liberty and the Constitution, to guard against accusations of a being nothing more than a “good-ole boys club”.
On the whole, it is my feeling that the liberty movement is at a critical juncture of breaking through the false left/right paradigm, the abuses endured, and the unlawful loss of liberties at the hands of the corrupt central authority. For this reason, if an endeavor as momentous as the Continental Congress is to succeed, it must be planned more carefully and deliberately. The haphazard organization by the “We the People Foundation” coupled with unrealistic fundraising timetables does not leave one with a feeling of confidence. Even more so since Mr. Schulz’s organization has seen fit to claim the title of self-appointed “leader” of the liberty movement.
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May 27th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Allison states: Nevertheless and contrary to our January interview, whereby Mr. Schulz impressed upon me the importance of and his dedication to total transparency regarding his organization’s endeavor, the Jekyll Island caucus was closed to all press coverage, video and print, during the actual substantive meetings.
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Hmm? One needs to ask, where such eronious information was obtained. The conference was covered by James Allen Walker. Every detail, videoed. Bob Schulz made the decision not to allow a “media frenzy” so as not to interrupt the overall agenda. The intention was to allow the leaders to speak freely and not have the worries of being “misunderstood or misquoted.
There is a full record of the events. I support Bob in his decision not to allow independent jounalist to disrupt the proceedsings with camera’s and lighting as well as mic set ups.
I believe people who have spoken against this meeting are shortsighted and will see that, when the footage is made available. Allison, people like you should stop trying to harm the movement by being so critical of men like Bob Schulz , who have put their lives and fortunes on the line so that YOU can be free to write. trash.
BTW, we tried to include everyone. It’s very difficult to get everyone together at the same time and keep it managable. Finding people and emails, phone numbers and such was not as easy as you might think. Maybe next time you can be in charge of the guest list? There was only 3 of us making calls. We did the best we could. What did you do? Oh that’s right, you complained about what we didn’t do. I get it! AND are you saying there were no blacks, hispanics and indians invited?”We are a diverse nation and as illustrated above by those wholly omitted from invitation, it seems the group is content to leave appearances as pancake battered as possible.” You also said “ One then has to wonder how successful this endeavor will be if the “Welcome Wagon” exists overwhelmingly of older white gentlemen?”
For your information no consideration was given to “color or gender’ as the invitations were issued. Blacks and whites, men and women were in attendance, just for the record. And FYI I’m 1/8 Cherokee and proud of it. Allison, you wrote “The haphazard organization by the “We the People Foundation” coupled with unrealistic fundraising timetables does not leave one with a feeling of confidence. Even more so since Mr. Schulz’s organization has seen fit to claim the title of self-appointed “leader” of the liberty movement.”
IMHO, You are insulting to people who have worked diligently and kept a vigilent eye on our “out of control government, I therefore will never include you in anything. I really feel you should be admonished for your uncanny ability to bitch about those in the liberty movement who are doing something. BTW…. I still don’t know what Organization you have built or what you have done for freedom. Would you care to elaborate?
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May 27th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Oh Amanda where to begin? Lets see. Seeing how you are in the employ of Mr. Schulz let us begin with the statement that “James Allen Walker” was the independent media present, which is a lie.
Well since he was hired by WTP he cannot really count as a member of the independent press. Moreover, Mr. Schulz confirmed this morning during our 2.5 hour phone call that NO independent journalists were present, so in answer to your question:
The answer is directly from Mr. Schulz. Care to buy a vowel?
Secondly your Boss guaranteed today during our phone call that all future meetings will be open to the print press.
A fact that as a print journalist was reiterated by me several times to Mr. Schulz and Mr. McGreevy. There was no problem sitting inconspicuously taking notes without a camera, but the independent media was barred nonetheless.
Well, again today by phone Mr. Schulz acknowledged that this was merely an oversight and that you Ms. Moore were responsible for the invites or lack thereof in this case. Then he offered me your job.
Peachy. No one said that the delegates were chosen because of their skin color. My commentary was and remains that failing to look beyond white faces ensures the old-media will paint this as they did the tea parties, as a group of white rednecks. Do you understand the concept of perception is reality or does that escape your intellect?
Finally, and it might help if you actually read the article in full, no one is diminishing the accomplishments of those in attendance, merely the disorganization that has led to four revisions of the actual date over the last year and a complete print media blackout.
Damn you have hurt my feelings. It is nice to know however you feel exclusionary retribution is a professional reaction to an article critical of your organization.
But hey stay tuned for tomorrow’s update of the conversation between Mr. Schulz and myself conducted via telephone.
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May 27th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Gary Franchi was there AND I am not in the employ of WTP so once again you are wrong.
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May 27th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Yes Amanda, Gary Franchi was there…in a leadership role not as a member of the independent press.
One might suggest you read up on the ethics of reporting while operating in an alternate capacity. (there is a link to Journalism Ethics in the post, perhaps that might clear up your understanding of the profession.)
Oh and let me restate your boss admitted via phone today that no independent media was present in a journalism capacity.
Strike Two…a swing and a miss.
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May 27th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
And, do you really think you can fill my shoes? LOL
After speaking with Bob, (because we do this very regularly) he assured me that you are not telling the truth about the conversation. That leaves me with 2 choices, either forward your blog and have it bombarded by those in attendance and watch you be discredited or just let it lie dormant. Maybe you want to make this a crusade to get your name out there. I’m not willing to help you with that. See ya
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May 27th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
you are talking about ethics when you are clearly a liar. How rich.
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May 27th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
I am sorry please point out the lie Ms. Amanda. Again Mr. Schulz said today on the phone you work for WtP and Rotflol you spoke to your involvement 7 comments up from this one. Wow now that is rich. lol
Amazing how you keep contradicting your boss.
See now you just trapped yourself (and yes if your mishandling of the event and circa 1997 website are any indication, filling your shoes would be no problem at all) Guess well just have to release our entire conversation for the world to decide who is going to be discredited. I am sure your boss will appreciate that you just put him on the hook.
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May 27th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
—Comment Edited—–
Ms. Moore:
This is not your blog, nor are you a contributor. If you wish to post a counterpoint article in its entirety, please submit it via email. It would be my pleasure to have it displayed within its own post. The comment form is not for a thesis. It is for discussion of the original post.
Allison Bricker
Editor & Publisher
The Smoking Argus Daily
—Comment Edited—
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May 28th, 2009 at 8:02 am
Secrecy, indeed! They do nothing to remove themselves from the jurisdiction of the federal government or to help enlighten those as to why they are subject to that jurisdiction. Check out The Red Amendment (do a search for title) and find out why you are receiving only privileges under their private law and not your unalienable rights.
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May 28th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
This type of utter bullsh*t is the reason I am convinced that Ernie Hancock is right for believing that a leaderless, tier-less, and unstructured resistance is the only way this movement will ultimately be successful.
Not only did Mr. Schulz, whom I largely admire, seriously err in not allowing for independent media coverage, he has also shown that he is only interested in clearing a single path (his) toward the Tree of Liberty. It has been made crystal clear to those of us in the Phoenix, AZ freedom movement that its Bob’s way or the highway. Many of us will not be a party to that sort of thing in any way, shape, or form. We’ve had enough tyrants and tyranny for a while, thank you very much and we’re not about to trade one in for another.
Furthermore, I can’t believe that I wasted three minutes of my life reading the comments from two (supposedly) professional women in the freedom movement cat-fighting about this-and-that, the essence of which doesn’t amount to a hill of sh*t.
Shame on you both!
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May 28th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Sorry mom.
However, thank you for taking one more minute to share your thoughts with us.
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May 28th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
It’s all good, really. We all need a reality check sometimes. Lord knows I do.
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May 29th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
I’ve talked to a lot of the people who were there, so I disagree with most of what Allison says. No one’s trying to control the movement.
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Allison Bricker Reply:
May 29th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
It is unclear to me how people can be willing to support the Constitution, yet somehow justify a press blackout. But to each their own.
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May 29th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
jeremy do you disagree with her because your group stands to make money off the sales of coins from the continental congress. bob is a waste of time and is a scammer.nice to see your company is willing to put profit in front of principle.
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June 2nd, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Allison’s comments are not only cogent and sound observations, but spot on target in identifying at least a part of the questionable practices which have become the M.O. of Bob Schultz and WTP. Of course money is a BIG issue in WTP, paying past debts, paying the left wing ACLU, pro communist attorney Mark Lane for his “services” over the years not the least financial matter at stake. But then, maybe that has been blacked out also.
Timing is everything, and it is not wothout reason that once again Shultz has co-opted Dr. Paul, or the C4L, or the liberty movement in general, like a wrecking ball distracting the grassroots from their task of far greater moment (throwing the bums out this next election) than his oft repeated attempts to open up our precious constitution to a first, and dangerous, convention… and yes I mean convention, since he has been on record far back in the last century already supporting such! But, maybe that has been blacked out also! The history behind WTP and it’s ‘controller’ has been well documeted over the years by people very close to not only Shultz, but WTP. The record of using other honerable person’s names or material without permission, to raise attendance and funding, is sad!
As far as the foul language used to describe the last few sessions of dialogue between the host here and others, I have found that those who fail to read very carefully, and assess the real meaning behind the words, but are given over to blind following and people worship, usually revert to such language. The discussion was clearly one sided with the host giving clear and concise reporting, but the responses based unfortunately upon passion and defense of same.
Nevertheless all is accepted in my book, and in that I stand in good company with the founders.
Hopefully, we all can improve our perception skills, listen more carefully, and in so doing, save our resoluteness solely for the foundational principles so well immulated by, and illustrated in, the actions and writings of our fathers.
May the Lord who authored and granted our ‘rights’, also keep us in these trying and tumutuous times.
Half of our precious time till the next ‘Black Tuesday’, has passed! Let us focus upon that so important task ahead of us, and throw the bums out. The electorate needs our help, for they are in the cult of party and soon, despair!
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