To E. W. Birch, M. G. Morisette and E. M. Swarthout [Letter 570]

E. W. Birch, M. G. Morisette and E. M. Swarthout were “Three Concerned Americans,” writing to AR from aboard the USS Mauna Kea.

December 1, 1972

Three Concerned Americans
USS MAUNA KEA (AE-22)
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, CA  96601

Attn:    E.W. Birch
M.G. Morisette
E.M. Swartout

Gentlemen:

In regard to your letter of November 14, I have not read None Dare Call It Conspiracy by Gary Allen. But I can say that I am deeply suspicious of any book alleging conspiracies. It would take an almost impossible job of research to check on the documentation of such a book, a job which I cannot undertake.

I am profoundly opposed to the so-called conspiracy theory of history. The conclusions of its advocates are usually unproved, arbitrary and out of context. They raise more questions than they attempt to answer.

As to the John Birch Society, I regard it as a futile organization because it is unphilosophical, anti-intellectual, and is not an advocate of capitalism, but is merely opposed to communism.

In order to fight any issue, it is necessary to fight for something, not merely against something.

With my best wishes,

Sincerely,

Ayn Rand

AR/bw