Hello Mr. Haulman,
My name is Will Savive. I am an author and criminologist who has been studying Jonestown avidly for more than 5 years and I have been writing yearly for the Jonestown Report (published by San Diego State University).
This story has intrigued me on many different levels. Not only is it something that I wanted to gain a greater understanding of, but I was physically drawn to its social value. People’s Temple and its members who lived in Jonestown represented a movement that is intertwined with the overall social struggles experienced here in the United States. Although its leader, Jim Jones, and many of his ideologies did not reflect those of his people; his temple members were brave people whose true intent was to try and make the world a better place.
This memorial is important for several reasons, but above all, it helps validate that they were not just religious brainwashed radicals (as they have been painted by many), but that they were courageous people who were not afraid to take on unpopular social issues and who were not afraid stand up for those who could not stand up for themselves.
Thank you for your time!
Will Savive