This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:44:12
The video provides an in-depth look at the controversial life and political activities of Major General (retired) Edwin Walker, a significant figure in the American right-wing movement during the mid-20th century. Walker's anti-communist ideology was heavily influenced by his military service, especially during World War II and the Korean War. His staunch opposition to federal intervention was famously displayed during the integration of Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Walker's alignment with the far-right John Birch Society underscored his distrust in the U.S. government, exacerbating his disillusionment with figures like President Dwight D. Eisenhower and later the Kennedy administration.
Walker developed the "Pro-Blue" program in Germany, aimed at instilling anti-communist sentiments in soldiers, but it was ceased by Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara due to its controversial nature. Following his military career, Walker moved to Dallas, Texas, and continued his crusade against communism, ultimately running unsuccessfully for governor in 1962 against John Connally.
Walker's post-military life was marked by further controversy, including his vocal opposition to the integration of the University of Mississippi and clashes with the federal government. His advocacy reached a critical point when he was arrested during the riots at Oxford and later exonerated. His attempts to spotlight what he perceived as federal tyranny included collaborations with figures like Billy James Hargis in nationwide tours.
The video also examines an assassination attempt on Walker in 1963, connecting the event to Lee Harvey Oswald, who later assassinated President John F. Kennedy. Walker's ongoing confrontations with the press and suspicion of government conspiracies, particularly involving Attorney General Robert Kennedy and Jack Ruby, are highlighted as part of his tumultuous public life. Despite diminishing influence in later years, Walker remained a vocal proponent of his beliefs until his death in 1993.
00:00:00
In this segment, the speaker discusses the relevance of the ideological battle between the right and the left, tracing its roots to the 1960s and linking it to the Cold War era. The focus is on Major General (retired) Edwin Walker, a prominent figure of the new right, highlighting his life and beliefs. Born in 1909 in Texas, Walker graduated from West Point, served in World War II, and played a significant role in the Korean conflict. His experiences in Korea formed his strong anti-communist views and concerns about the ideological training of soldiers.
Walker famously commanded the Arkansas National Guard during the integration of Little Rock Central High School in 1957. He opposed President Eisenhower’s decision to federalize the Guard to enforce integration, viewing it as an overreach of federal power influenced by special interest groups. Walker’s conservative views placed him against civil rights advancements, perceiving federal involvement as dictatorial. During his time in Little Rock, he met Robert Welch, the founder of the John Birch Society, indicating his association with far-right movements.
00:05:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the John Birch Society, a far-right conservative group known for its belief that the U.S. government was infiltrated by communists, even suggesting President Dwight D. Eisenhower was complicit. The society gained notoriety in the 1960s, and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy labeled such groups as dangerous and vigilante, planting seeds of mistrust with irresponsible charges.
The narrative then shifts to Walker, a notable member of the John Birch Society, who considered resigning from the army due to his disillusionment with the government’s effectiveness against communist influences. Instead, he was reassigned to Germany, where he led the 24th Division. There, he developed the “Pro-Blue” program, aimed at preparing soldiers against communist threats, inspired by a National Security Council directive promoting historical and political training for the military. However, this directive was later rescinded by Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara.
The Pro-Blue program, emphasizing loyalty and conservative values, drew scrutiny from journalists, particularly the Overseas Weekly, which noted its ties to John Birch Society materials. Controversy arose over Walker pushing a conservative agenda on his soldiers, including distribution of a 1960 voters guide. Criticisms noted his extreme views, such as labeling Eleanor Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman as “pinkos.” The army investigated and disbanded the Pro-Blue program in May 1962, subsequently admonishing Walker.
00:10:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses Walker’s transition from military to civilian life, prompted by his belief in censorship by the government, particularly linked to John F. Kennedy’s administration and its relations with the Soviet Union. Walker left the army, renounced his pension, and moved to Dallas, where he vocalized his fight against communism in the U.S. He famously flew the American flag upside down as a protest against U.S. involvement in the U.N. Walker chose Dallas due to its significance in his anti-communist battle and Texas’s historical values of independence and courage. In 1962, Walker ran as a Democrat for governor of Texas, despite being advised against it by several well-known politicians. His key opposition was John Connally, who he viewed as Lyndon Johnson’s favored candidate. Walker’s campaign was marked by his firm stance against major figures such as Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the political activities and contentious relationships of Edwin Walker. Walker was focused on targeting the Kennedy-Johnson administration, believing Kennedy was part of a vast conspiracy against him. Walker’s main concern was Kennedy’s plan to place U.S. armed forces under UN control, which he staunchly opposed. Walker dubbed Kennedy and Johnson the “Potomac Pretenders” and criticized them extensively. His relationship with the press was highly combative, exemplified by several incidents where he physically confronted journalists. Despite his colorful campaign, Walker performed poorly in the gubernatorial race, finishing last. By the fall of 1962, Walker shifted focus to opposing the integration of Southern colleges, particularly involving the enrollment of James Meredith at the University of Mississippi, where Walker was present amidst significant federal intervention.
00:20:00
In this part of the video, Walker expresses his stance against federal tyranny by encouraging peaceful protests, evident from his actions in Little Rock. Rumors about armed men following Walker to Oxford led to a riot. The extent of Walker’s involvement is debated, with varying accounts from reporters. Ultimately, Walker was arrested for rebellion, insurrection, and conspiracy, and subjected to a 90-day mental observation, which drew controversy. Representative Bruce Alger and groups nationwide, including the ACLU, protested his treatment, advocating for his constitutional rights. Eventually, Walker was exonerated and celebrated upon his release. Walker then teamed up with Billy James Hargis for a nationwide tour called “Operation Midnight Ride” to raise awareness and funds, leveraging media attention to fuel their campaign.
00:25:00
In this segment of the video, on April 10th, the subject was doing his taxes when a bullet struck his home, hitting the window frame, traveling through a wall, and injuring his forearm with fragments. The slug was later found in another room. The bullet was identified as a Carcano bullet, but its significance wasn’t clear yet. In an interview, the subject discussed feeling targeted by internal enemies, prompting concerns about who attempted to assassinate him. By 1963, the far-right movement in Dallas had increased, with Walker playing a significant role. This was evident during the “U.S. Day,” a counter-event to United Nations Day held on October 24, 1963. Walker objected to the U.N. and encouraged his audience to confront speaker Adlai Stevenson. Notably, Lee Harvey Oswald attended Walker’s speech. The following day, during Stevenson’s speech, Walker’s supporters disrupted the event, making it difficult for Stevenson to speak smoothly.
00:30:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the hostile political atmosphere in Dallas leading up to President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963. They highlight an incident involving a college student and a woman named Coral Lacey Fredrickson, who accidentally dropped a placard on someone’s head. The animosity towards Kennedy, portrayed in flyers accusing him of treason, was partly fueled by figures connected to Edwin Walker. The segment explains that while Lee Harvey Oswald was eventually identified as Kennedy’s assassin, he had also previously targeted Walker, fueled by a hatred for fascist ideologies. Marina Oswald’s testimonies, supported by a hidden letter from Lee, provided crucial evidence to the Warren Commission about Oswald’s motives. Walker himself believed there was a conspiracy involving Oswald and Jack Ruby in these events.
00:35:00
In this part of the video, the speaker explains that Walker believed Attorney General Bobby Kennedy knew about Oswald and had him in custody but later released him, which ultimately led to JFK’s assassination. Nonetheless, Walker continued to share his controversial views and even faced legal issues for public lewdness. Despite his declining prominence, he remained active in his cause until his death in 1993. Additionally, there is discussion about the research challenges faced by the speaker, including limited access to Walker’s papers at the University of Texas, and an examination of Walker’s impact and views on the Kennedy assassination.
00:40:00
In this segment of the video, the discussion focuses on General Walker, particularly his reluctance to be photographed by the press and his unusual behavior. The speaker elaborates on Walker’s inconsistent stance towards media pictures, suggesting that he felt overwhelmed and possibly threatened by intrusive questions from reporters. The speaker also mentions Walker’s aggressive reaction, such as physically confronting a TV cameraman. There is a connection made between Walker’s behavior and its influence on the Kennedy administration, highlighting Bobby Kennedy’s concerns about Walker’s stability. The segment concludes with acknowledgments and thanks to Dr. Adrian Caulfield for her presentation.