The American Militia

Well Regulated - Does Someone Fear You?

Previously in this series of essays, we have discussed the tasks to which the American Militia can apply itself. Sush tasks may arise from emergency situations or national needs and could range from severe weather to authoritarian tyranny. We have outlined the tools and the knowledge the militia possesses to respond to these needs. We have discussed the action and reaction it might have to various events, to protect the family or community or country. Generally, we have reviewed how the American Militia is ready (but constantly expanding and refining itself) as an asset for the United States in time of emergency.

We have also cautioned its members, as individuals and in groups, regarding activities that may put it in a bad light and the fact that several states actually have statutes restricting or prohibiting the establishment of militia groups or their training. Today, the American Militia is a loose and informal, but slowly coalescing, “grass roots” asset. It has secured a broad knowledge and physical attributes so as to be ready at a moments notice; the Minute Man of the 21st Century so to speak.

Today is the weekend of April 18-19, 2009. On this date in 1775, the call went out for the Citizens to rally in opposition to Imperial forces marching on their homes and private property to restrain their activities and confiscate or destroy their tools. The orders were to seize and destroy arms and ammunition. The Citizens reaction and the Militia standing face to face with opposing forces triggered the “shot heard ‘round the World” and the American Revolution. That revolutionary combat took place over many years long in the past, but The Revolution, our rejection of Imperial or Tyrannical rule, continues today.

In the middle of last week, on April 15th, again many Citizens gathered to confront a growing tyranny. This time the tyranny had not progressed quite so far, not to the point of overt confiscation of goods and the destruction of the tools of freedom or the imprisonment of those who dared speak out against the rulers. We assured recognition of the Natural Right to speak out for redress of our grievances in the Declaration of Independence and from that first Revolution. We enumerated it in the Constitution that flowed from it where the First Amendment states that right. Last week, several hundred thousand Citizens exercised that freedom. They joined in a nearly spontaneous rally against excessive taxes which would form a tyranny against our future generations, virtually enslaving them by confiscation of their wealth. Our own TEA parties were held across the country. I expect to see more of them, and similar freedom rallies on future dates.

However, a few days earlier, our Federal Government saw fit to fire a warning shot across the bow of our newly re-discovered freedom to speak out. The Homeland Security Department released a Homeland Defense “Assessment”. I can not do it the proper justice of a full analysis in a few short sentences here, but others have. Please see the news paper editorial by Michelle Malkin, “ ‘Right-wing extreamism’ alarm”, in the Washington Times from April 16, 2009 and at the web site at; http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/16/right-wing-extremism-alarm/. In that article she rightfully focuses on the question, “What and who exactly are President Obama's homeland-security officials afraid of these days?” She then discusses the various threats outlined in that document and in particular as they relate to the TEA Party marches.

Three days later, Oliver North writes about the same Homeland Defense “Assessment”, this time focusing on the threat from armed Citizens. His article is again in the Washington Times at; http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/19/who-are-dangerous-extremists/. He includes in his discussion the topics of religion and life and freedom, to then focus on individual Citizens fire arms. There are several passages in the Homeland Security Assessment that highlight, in some broad and sweeping but non-specific terms, their perceived threats. Here is one of them;

— (U//FOUO) Proposed imposition of firearms restrictions and weapons bans likely would attract new members into the ranks of rightwing extremist groups, as well as potentially spur some of them to begin planning and training for violence against the government. The high volume of purchases and stockpiling of weapons and ammunition by rightwing extremists in anticipation of restrictions and bans in some parts of the country continue to be a primary concern to law enforcement.

Note the lack of any specific evidence or name of any person or group or any actions by them. The “Assessment” is based in the most general and broad speculation as to what free people might do. It is clear that this document was not intended for general use; or was it. Let me explain.

Note the line leading characters, the U/FOUO tag. That means, Unclassified / For Official Use Only. The full explanation text at the beginning of the document is;

(U) LAW ENFORCEMENT INFORMATION NOTICE: This product contains Law Enforcement Sensitive (LES) information. No portion of the LES information should be released to the media, the general public, or over non-secure Internet servers. Release of this information could adversely affect or jeopardize investigative activities. (U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO). It contains information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, the media, or other personnel who do not have a valid need-to-know without prior approval of an authorized DHS official. State and local homeland security officials may share this document with authorized security personnel without further approval from DHS.