Secret societies and political participation have been topics of much debate throughout history. From the Illuminati to the Mafia to the KKK, people have been fascinated by their very existence. Various genres of literature have addressed these issues, leading to increased human interest carried out through this medium and entitlement to big screen productions. It was only a matter of time before the so-called connections were established between news events happening in everyday society and prominent figures in the political arena. They are the people we look to for direction and leadership, but still fall victim to character flaws and associations.
In “America’s Murders and Aspirations,” author Robert Bruce Baird reveals his own beliefs regarding many of our great historical figures and their involvement in shady organizations that remain hidden even today. Through his research, he sheds the cold light of “truth” on many events that we have come to know as the history of our countries and attempts to reveal the precision of the clock that ticks behind them. Did Abraham Lincoln really free the slaves? Was Ben Franklin really trying to create electricity with his kite-flying caper? Or where there are larger events actively spinning around these momentary stops along our perceived timeline? As with any job of this nature, it should be taken with a grain of salt…choose to believe what you want, investigate what you don’t. Whatever the case, you will surely be exposed to new theories about highly regarded people and the circumstances that befell them.
Far be it from me to defend one side or the other, as Mr. Baird makes his own views stand firm with his research into our past as a nation and beyond. Even the skeptic is allowed “room and board” within this work, as it encourages the reader early on to seek further evidence through the sources listed, as well as his own study. Recommended primarily for history buffs, this text should allow you to expand your current historical views while raising questions that may still be unanswered to this day. Allow your inner cynic to wake up, if only for a moment, and try out some of the notions put forth by a curiously creative mind.