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Jonestown 75%

Jones getting political traction in SF. He continues to dominate his "flock" in ways that are hard to understand.  He tells them who they can couple with, if they can split up, he takes their money, doesn't allow private accounts.  Guyana settlement has started. The first group actually liked it . . . until Jones arrived.  A feeling of living out a socialist dream in harmony with nature. Tough but ideologically satisfying.  Jones, all this time, is becoming more paranoid.  He pretends at one meeting to have poisoned everyone, speaks glowing of mass suicide, fears FBI and CIA.  New West article paints damning portrait of the temple based on interviews with fallen away members. Jones decides it's time to go.  The only politician who stays on his side is Willie Brown.  The others go quiet.  Attorney is Charles Garry of Black Panthers fame.  "I'm like Perry Mason, only all my clients are guilty."

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