(Dis)Information is Power:

"We Can't Believe He Said That"

In July, John Stokes, talk-show host and owner pf Kalispell's KGEZ radio, announced in a media article that Eastlan Resources had rated KGEZ as the number two station in the Kalispell market. The Montana Human Rights Network (MHRN) contacted Eastlan and discovered that it had KGEZ ranked number seven overall, and that KGEZ was not licensed to use Eastlan data. The Network also discovered that KGEZ's website said the station was the "newest and number one station." Believing these statements are a misrepresentation of ratings that would deceive potential advertisers, the Network wrote Montana's Consumer Affairs department and sent a copy of the letter to the Federal Communications Commission. MHRN has been notified that the complaint falls outside Consumer Affairs' jurisdiction, and it should follow up with the FCC.

In response to MHRN's complaint, Stokes admitted that he did not possess the Eastlan data. He claimed he was citing information made during a sales pitch from Eastlan. He denied that there was a misleading statement on his website, claiming the site said KGEZ had recently been "voted" number one. However, as of late August, the website still contains the statement that KGEZ is the "newest and number one station."

Stokes also filed a complaint with the Flathead County Sheriff against MHRN Program Director Ken Toole. On "The Edge," Stokes claimed the Sheriff was vigorously investigating the complaint. In the media, the sheriff's office said there was no reason to follow up, unless more information was presented. In early September, the Network received word from the Flathead County Sheriff's office that it had closed the case, because Stokes never submitted any documentation.

Convoys from Kalispell and across the country headed to Klamath Falls, OR, to show support for drought-stricken farmers in August. Many times on "The Edge" Stokes took credit for starting the convoy. KGEZ served as a drop-off point for goods and money to be delivered to Klamath Falls. Stokes promised to deliver a green swastika to Klamath Falls farmers to burn, saying, "you need these green Nazi scum to wonder what is in store for them next."

But, when the convoy pulled out of Kalispell, Stokes was not in it. On the air, he complained that nobody had donated a plane to fly him to Klamath Falls. Soon, he was criticizing the way the protests in Klamath were proceeding, because organizers were clamoring for mainstream media attention. The Kalispell convoy did take the green swastika; however, it was not allowed to be used in the protestors' parade in Klamath Falls.

During the last few months, "The Edge" has provided a forum for members and ideas of the anti-government "patriot" movement. It's common to hear references to the John Birch Society as a reliable news source, and callers frequently relay their fears of the supposed one-world government. In fact, KGEZ sponsored an event in July where people could blow holes in a target painted like the United Nations flag, using everything from muskets to handguns.

In mid-August, Stokes interviewed long-time "patriot" activist Jack McLamb. McLamb authored Operation Vampire Killer 2000, which he hoped would recruit law enforcement and military personnel into the ™patriotš movement. The report "documents" secret cabals and committees that are orchestrating the New World Order and includes a map of how America would be divided under one-world government. The Militia of Montana is still selling the book.

During the interview, Stokes said he first saw Vampire in the mid-1990s and couldn't believe the smear campaign against it. McLamb touched on many of Vampire's themes during the interview. He said children are being taught that American is the "Great Satan" and that an "anti-Christ, anti-freedom" New World Order is being set up by "Republican Socialists and Democratic Socialists."

During the interview, McLamb alluded to his long-time friendship with militia icon Bo Gritz. The two of them spent time at the roadblock supporting Randy Weaver during the Ruby Ridge standoff in Idaho. Gritz offers paramilitary training courses through his Center for Action. Gritz is also a Christian Identity adherent. Identity teaches that Jews are the literal children of Satan, and people of color are sub-human "mud people."

KGEZ's website has Free Thought Radio under its "Featured Links" section. Free Thought Radio is a pirate radio station that, among other features, has information on how people can send letters of support to convicted Michigan militia figure Mark Koernke and links to the John Birch Society and the Fully Informed Jury Association.

A caller asked Stokes why some American flags have gold fringe on them. Stokes said he knew it had to do with admiralty law and that it meant the Constitution was suspended. He said he knew what it meant, but didn't want to get into it. He said callers might want to offer explanations. A caller immediately said it represented that America was under martial law and that the Constitution is null and void in courts. This is a common belief in "patriot" circles. During the caller's comments, Stokes said, "There you go" and thanked the caller.

Stokes has warned public educators that he is willing to force them to distribute white supremacist literature in schools if teachers invite environmentalists into classes. He compared conservation groups to hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan. He said once you let one non-profit organization into the schools, all must be allowed. "Maybe the Aryan Brotherhood would like access to your children the same way the Green Nazis do," he said. "I'm sure they would."