Dr. Carlton Larson
During 2016 there were a lot of calls about Trump’s connections and his allegations of others. At that time his agent suggested a book to help non-lawyers understand treason. He wrote On Treason: A Citizen’s Guide to the Law, with an eye toward the law and history. The book’s chapters alternate between law and history.
Treason is defined by the U.S. Constitution in Article 3, Section 3. It is hard to prove as it sets stringent standards, which is unique, to avoid persecution. The founding fathers intentionally wanted it to be difficult to prove.
The Civil War, applied to a particular law and wouldn’t be considered treason as a whole. The revolt on January 6, 2021, would be considered treason, from the 18th century point of view. Our speaker, however, doesn’t see treason being charged for January 6.
He shared with us some notorious accused traitors like such as Benedict Arnold, Aaron Burr, and World War II’s “Tokyo Rose,” but also lesser-known figures, such as Hipolito Salazar, the only person ever executed by the federal government for treason, and Walter Allen, a labor union leader convicted of treason against the state of West Virginia in the early 1920s.
In the case of Hipolito Salazar, New Mexico had been declared a part of the U.S. by the military and the civilians considered “U.S. citizens” which is incorrect. Salazar was a Mexican soldier. Congress was appalled that he had been tried for treason, they knew it was wrong— it was a legal mistake.
Tokyo Rose was a Japanese broadcaster, a myth created by the military. Intelligence reports concluded the rumors were a pain. There was a Japanese U.S. citizen, Iva Toguri, stuck in Japan. She was a broadcast student and worked for a local radio station as a DJ introducing music selections. After the war ended, she did an interview and was arrested and released. She was later tried for treason in California, convicted and sentenced to six years in prison. Later witnesses recanted their testimony and she was pardoned by Regan.
Q and A
Q. Paul wanted to know how the Internet has affected treason. Interacting with a foreign power to impact an election? A. What is the analog comparison? Dig into emails—the analog comparison would be Watergate. It still would not be treason. Cyber attacks—the analog would be physically bombing something. This could be treason with the right set of circumstances. Proving it could be difficult as two witnesses would be needed. A videotape may not be sufficient.
Q. Kevin asked if an Iraqi American says the U.S. is wrong…. A. Citizen or not, there is First Amendment protection. It hinges on aid and comfort as well as coordination with.
Q. Mary asked if there were alternate charges, other than treason. A. Violence and destruction of property laws apply. Espionage, disclosure of secrets, apply. Acting on behalf of a foreign government is not illegal.
Q. Kevin, what about Tim McVeigh? A. It could have been treason, but there were other charges that were overwhelming.
Q. Rose, how are you looking at the January 6 situation? A. Seditious conspiracy would be the most serious charge so far. The range of rally attendees to leaders is difficult. For seditious, one would need to prove force. So far, we have not seen all the facts.
Q. EJ commented that recently Jackie Spier stated that things change only when people are fed up enough. A. Agreed.
Joe remarked that David Swift, a San Francisco Customs Officer, was the interpreter for the Tokyo Rose trial.
Our speaker was thanked for a great presentation and given a Polio Plus Certificate.
Inspirational Thought Our words of wisdom came from Dianne today. On this horrible day, she shared words of peace from Gandhi, John Lewis, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Ronald Regan…a great selection of quotes from an eclectic group. It was followed by a moment of silence for Ukraine.
Guest: Cristina Aquino from the Rotary Club of South San Francisco.
Kevin wanted to know if there was a local blood drive. According to Joe, there is a local drive, at the IDES. It is not affiliated with Rotary. Joe seemed interested in carpooling to a Rotary site.
There also was interest expressed in carpooling to the Rotary environmental fair.
Mary gave an update on Coastside Gives. She’s working on the display. Liz and Joe are working on multi-media and social media.
Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY). We have two goals, 100% participation and an average of $200 per member. Donate now. See Joe’s email for details.
The Little Libraries are doing well. One minor repair has been made. We haven’t incurred any maintenance costs yet, we will purchase paint and materials for the future according to Joe.
Abundant Grace March lunch schedule is filled—thank you volunteers. We are working with them to have their staff or participants take over according to Joe.
On the SoapboxJoe will be going to the Anza-Borrego Desert for an annual volunteer project.
Mary expressed her appreciation for the organization of last week’s in person meeting.
Joe mentioned that we will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Cameron’s on March 24.
Charise advised that Mullins will have the Dueling Pianos on St. Patrick’s Day.
Joe announced that we will be live at the library from March 24 forward, and we will have an offsite in May at the new Pilot Light Cafe (HMB Airport).
Pres. Joe's Weekly 'States of the Union' Quiz - MAINE
This week’s State is Maine. The ninth least populated state. Portland is it’s largest city. Their largest growth area is in creative industries which are media, finance, arts and crafts. It is the on;y one syllable state. The capital is Augusta, population 18,681. 5% of the population is French. The largest producer of blueberries. Maine has a 3,478 mile coastline and it is the largest of the New England states. There is evidence that Vikings landed in Maine. York, chartered in 1641, is the first city chartered in the U.S. the lobster catch in 2011 was 100 million pounds. It is the coldest state after Alaska. Light houses!
Paul spent 30 summers in Maine. He paddled, hiked, ate lobster (2 for $.50), honeymooned, got lost—asked a local “is this the road to Bangor?” The guy said nope and walked away—Paul claims that is typical.
Dianne went once. Bicycled, ate lobster, stayed at a B&B, visited light houses and has some very special memories of that trip.
Joe’s experience with a local was very different from Paul. In 1976 Joe, wife and two other friends cycled all summer, 2,500 miles. They were looking for the town of Friendship. A guy in a Caddy stopped them to advise that their two companions had stopped a while back with a flat. He knew they were together because they were wearing helmets. He invited them to his hometown for dinner and told them to make themselves at home. He was a “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” fan.
Mary mentioned that Maine currently has the highest COVID cases per capital.
The marble draw was postponed until next week — buy tickets!
Next Meeting's Program - Next week’s speaker is Dr. Rutherford, UCSF Professor of Epidemiology, to talk to us about COVID.
Ginger will be filling in for Joe next week.
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