May, 2003

Dear friend of KHCS,

While you may have been concerned about the war in Iraq and the threat of terrorism, and rightly so, I have been investigating the claims on some  shortwave broadcasts and websites that are very disturbing.

At least, they would be disturbing if they were telling the truth.

Their major premise is this: the United States government, using the threat of terrorism as an excuse, is poised to throw out the Constitution and impose martial law “for the safety of the American people.”

While this has (purportedly) been planned for years, the 9/11 attack was the “trigger” that put these plans into action.  Some conspiracy-theorists even claim that our own government (i.e. the CIA) was responsible for the attack!

These purveyors of paranoia use fear to sell their tapes and books.  They say that the Patriot Act is designed to strip away our Constitutional rights and initiate Nazi-like repression of political dissent. 

They allege that government agents could break down your door at 2:00 a.m., haul you away and execute you without a trial.

What could really shake you up are the claims that federal agents are refurbishing the old WW II Japanese internment camps to incarcerate ─ and exterminate ─ political dissidents and, yes, Christians!   

Now, if these tales of “death camps” were true, I would be the first to tell you. 

But, I have investigated thoroughly and can find no evidence that anything at all is happening at these deserted camps, including Gila River, Arizona; Heart Mountain, Wyoming; and Tule Lake, California.

The most well-known of the Japanese internment camps was Manzanar, in California’s Owens Valley.  Believe me, our Japanese-American friends have not forgotten this blot on America’s history.  They would be the first to know if suddenly barracks, barbed-wire and guard towers began sprouting up.

Instead, there are only weeds, sand and a stone-and-brass marker at Manzanar.  I spoke recently with Bill Michael, Director of the Eastern California Museum in Independence, who has had first-hand knowledge of Manzanar for the past 17 years. He confirmed that there is nothing much there except that the National Park Service is now constructing a Visitors Center, to be open later this year.  And it doesn’t look like a torture chamber.

Yes, we all need to be vigilant in protecting our Constitutional rights.   But I urge you to check out any e-mails or other information you receive before passing it on.  There is already too much disinformation floating around. Let’s not make things worse by spreading rumors.  You can check out all kinds of rumors on the Internet at www.truthorfiction.com and other sites.

Also, groups like the American Center for Law and Justice, Pacific Justice Institute, and Liberty Watch are working hard to preserve our freedoms.  They deserve our support.

Be assured too, that Joy 92-FM works hard to bring you news and information you can depend on.  With features like Family News in Focus, Washington Watch with Ken Connor, and Breakpoint with Chuck Colson, you always receive the latest and most accurate news.  You can keep aware of real threats to your liberties, and reassured about any bogus claims you may hear.

This vital service to the Coachella Valley is made possible because listeners like you have made the decision to become Ministry Partners through your faithful financial support.  In today’s unstable economy, we won’t ask you to make a formal “pledge.”  We know that your situation may change, and that you may not be able to contribute in the future. 

We just ask you to pray about doing your part, and sharing as the Lord directs, and as He provides.  That’s it.

And please, you can help greatly by inviting others to tune in to KHCS at 91.7 FM.

In His joy!

Glen Kippel
General Manager