The Jack Acid Society
An Introduction to Right-wing Politics — Another Pogo Story From the Mountain
With everything political that has transpired in this country over the past few years, there’s an interesting and maybe shocking parallel when comparing right-win politics now versus 75 years ago here in America.
Back in 1957 “The Jack Acid Society Black Book” was presented to the public by America’s favorite political satirist, through Pogo, as told by Walt Kelly. Stories and poems of right-wing politics about a right-wing group calling themselves “The Jack Acid Society” (aka The John Birch Society).
The 1950s, A Bar, and The United Nations
There I was, sitting in a bar across from the United Nations when the topic of right-wing societies, specifically The Jack Acid Society, came up. It eludes me as to why, since the current discussion had centered around the future use of the building when the UN failed. My guess was a hotel.
But the UN fail? A companion stated the UN was doomed. People dislike the very idea of a world organization that endangers the Federal state, as they do a Federal state that endangers the individual state among the United States… and so on down the ladder, to the point that the rights, actions, and activities of individuals are impeded by all the above.
My companion concluded the only sensible society was one where everyone lives alone, eliminating the fear of the various sets of rules impeding one’s individual rights and activities. The Jack Acid Society was in agreement with this thinking.
Back to the Future
But let’s get this story back on track. The Jack Acid Society claimed, rightfully, to be the first far-right society, and therefore all others were imitations. This was of course disputed by the other far-right groups. There was a lot at stake back then, particularly financial, as you’ll see. Just like today.
Other far-right-wing societies were rightfully apprehensive of The Jack Acid Society, as is the tendency of right-wingers, whether it be other right-wingers or any of the left (far left, left, or middle left). Parallels between 1957 and 2022 begin here.
Pogo, seeing as he was not a time traveler, had no idea of any of this. He had no inkling that within 15 years he would be known in every household in America. But he did know of The Jack Acid Society in the 1950s. Evidently, he knew other things as well, just not the parallels with the 2020s. And trust me, the parallels are uncanny.
- All of these right-wing societies consider themselves saviors today, just as they did in 1957. They are here to save the good citizens of this country… from the Left of course.
- Competition among them was strong for followers, for disciples who would spread the word and bring in more followers (and more money).
- As Pogo stated, “Competiton was keen for the collection plate… with a little God snatching and flag appropriation”.
With God as their partner, financial donations and dues as their foundation, and a claim to the flag they appropriated, they are America’s saviors. Sound familiar?
As I looked back on reading this story by Pogo and Walt Kelly, I couldn’t help but note these interesting oddities of sameness, or sameness of oddities? (OK. Parallels. My attempt at imitating Walt Kelly's writing.)
Considering factors such as time and politics, these oddities of sameness boggle the mind. Nobody could just make this up. Well… Walt Kelly could, but I digress.
Is it possible Pogo, or Walt Kelly himself, knew where we were headed as a nation? Or does history indeed repeat itself, as my old history professor claimed back in 1972?
One outstanding and historically important member of the Jack Acid Society was non-other than Molester Mole. Now ask yourself as I did, what name(s) today pop into that little swamp rodent noggin when you hear of Molester Mole?
Of course, Deacon Mushrat can not be forgotten …“the indistinguishable friend from the distinguishable Mi-nute Man group”. Seventy years apart and the only comment that springs to the mind of some, well me, is that some things just never change. These right-wing groups still claim God is their ally. History does indeed repeat itself.
75 Years — Still Wandering the Bog
Right-wing societies, whether in 1957 or 2022, 75 years apart it is nigh impossible to distinguish differences in the far-right groups of then and now. If differences exist, they are as subtle as a light breeze in the trees on a warm summer afternoon.
After all these years, these far-right-wing societies still wander the bog (today Americans call it the swamp). They still keep an eye on each other as well as all the Lefties.
These extreme rightists still jostle daily for followers, and a claim to God’s endorsement while clutching the flag, attempting to appropriate both for their purposes. The massive income derived from their grift is, with due respect, a relatively recent addition.
Throughout history, every right-wing group’s claim to God being on their side has proved interesting though questionable. Particularly so among those with a sound mind who question whether God is on anyone’s side, as was noted by Pogo.
In the end, as the Jack Acid Society has claimed, the historical truth is that “they were the ones who formed their society first, albeit secretly, but also spiritually open, honest and in a forthright manner”. Not that that matters today.
I saw heard this same quote again recently: “spiritually open, honest and in a forthright manner.” Maybe a by-line for Newsmax, or possibly from Fox News/Entertainment or whatever they refer to themselves as in Court.
Wait a minute! It may have been a recent quote by Rep. Kevin McCarthy! Possibly? McCarthy… Ummm… wasn’t there a McCarthy back… Wow!
I can’t be sure. I’m older than this story. The memory slides slowly downhill. At least you have an introduction of sorts to far-right-wing politics in 1957, and if you have been paying attention, 2022.
Now back to find that bar across from the UN and a whiskey.
