I don't remember learning a lot about the Jonestown Massacre in school, but because of popular culture I sort of got the gist of it -- basically that Jim Jones

I don't remember learning a lot about the Jonestown Massacre in school, but because of popular culture I sort of got the gist of it -- basically that Jim Jones had convinced a ton of people to willingly kill themselves. Not only was reading this informative, it was shockingly emotional. I can't even imagine what went on there, or how any of the defectors felt. At first I was angry at Congressman Leo Ryan for saying such good things about the camp, but it's so saddening what happened to him. It really goes to show the true power charismatic people can have over others. It's the same thing we see with Hitler's reign, North Korea's leaders, and even at a non-evil level from influential people like Obama or Billy Graham (just as examples). Words have immeasurable power, and words can create good (Graham or Obama) or evil (Hitler, Jim Jones). Great read, and I'm still floored I didn't learn more about this in school. Absolutely terrifying.