The United Symbolism of America: Deciphering Hidden Meanings in America's Most Familliar Art, Architecture and Logos by Robert Hieronimous, PhD

If you listen to conspiracy theorists, pretty much all of America was built by Satanic-worshipping forces who have used America's own symbols to tell all of us of our country's enslavement by these forces, but which we are too stupid, blinkered, or deluded to see for ourselves without their help.

But is this really true? Were most of America's Founding Fathers Masons? Were 50 of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence Masons? And did they work their wiles while designing the Great Seal, the Flag, Our Capitol and the Statue of Liberty, among others, to represent how we are really enslaved by Satanic forces?

In a word, as Doctor Heronimus will tell you, the answer is "No". None of these things are true, and rather than just saying so and having you have to accept it, he plunges into the true meaning of these symbols, and of the stories of various Founding Fathers and Declaration signers being members of the Masons (whose apparent function these days is to go into the woods, drink far too much beer and tell juvenile bodily-function jokes, mostly about farts). Of all the founding Fathers, only Benjamin Franklin was a true Mason, and only 9 of the 56 Declaration signers were Masons.

But the stories about Masons and Masonic interference are the least of the stories the conspiracy theorists tell. They will tell you that the number 13 stands for Satan, and therefore, the many 13's on the Great Seal mean it is demonic. But Jesus had 12 apostles, making them a group of 13. Was he also demonic? In reality, all those 13s are in reference to the 13 original colonies that later became states.

He goes on to cover many other lies of the conspiracy theorists, from those about the symbol of the Eagle, to smears on the statue of Liberty, her lifted torch supposedly a reference to the Illuminati who *really* rule this country. He carefully and thoroughly debunks each of the claims made by the conspiracy theorists, not so much to persuade them, since they are too invested in the claims to possibly admit they were wrong or change their minds, but to arm those who might otherwise be persuaded by their brand of woo.

As a debunking of conspiracy theorist claims, this is an excellent book. It does tend to be somewhat dry, and the font made my eyes want to curl up inside their sockets and never come out again. But it's certainly better supported with facts than the claims of the conspiracy theorists, so as an innoculation against their claims, it will do the job and then some. Recommended.