Sons of the American Legion

[devilock76]

So I played a gig at an American Legion posts bike night this weekend. Great gig, great crowd, everything but the weather was great (rain and outdoor gig) but still the party went on.

Anyway after the gig, talking to the guy who booked us there after seeing us play another local club it came up in conversation how although I never served in the US Military my Grandfather and Father had. My Grandfather in particular surviving Omaha Beach on D Day. Anyway I was informed I was eligible to join the Sons of the American Legion. Now I am not particularly the joiner type, but this is an organization that in general I support what they do (Veterans Benefits) even though I myself am not a veteran. Also I generally just liked everyone there. Granted my experience was a mixture of being a guest and also a paid service provider (musician) but I am actually considering this.

Just figured with the diverse group we had on here I could ask if anyone has any experience with The American Legion and could provide more insight on this decision.

Ken

[Zimobog]

Ask Joe Hill.

[devilock76]

Ask Joe Hill.

?

Ken

[Zimobog]

They began as a mutual aid society for veterans. Mutual aid societies were the way working class and minorities found insurance back in the day and operated along the same sort of lines. Dues paid in and benefits held would raise money which were distributed locally to members in case of hardship. Until the rise of government-mandated insurance companies and protective legislation, this was how most people in the US effectively and voluntarily insured themselves then.

The American Legion, as far as I hold them in history, have been principally right-wing jingos, strike breakers, election riggers and a domestic terrorist group rivaling the KKK. The main difference being that the AL wrapped itself in the American flag instead of the flag of old Dixie. Like the KKK, the AL had it's period of beating, hanging and castrating those who disagreed with them.

Before you join them, I give you their own words:
""To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a 100 Percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our association in the Great War; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state, and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to prosperity the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by devotion to mutual helpfulness."

"100% Americanism"? Individual obligation to the state and nation? No thanks.

Saying the AL is just about Veteran's benefits is like saying the KKK is just about White kids getting school vouchers.