The Rise of Authoritarianism and How US Law Enforcement Can Take a Stand for Freedom [More]I know there have been hard feelings vented at Oath Keepers because they don't do what some of their critics expect of them.
I would simply point out that this group has a very specific and limited mission. Getting cops and military to think about their oath and what it means is a tremendously important first step. Get their toes in the pool first...
I know that seems elemental, but it is what it is, and we work with what we've got.
It's up to us to then encourage them--as individuals--into more turbulent waters. If Oath Keepers tries to do that, it will discourage their recruitment targets from taking a closer look. That makes no sense.
Nor does chasing away people who are coming toward the light but may not have brought it into focus yet.
We can't be everything to everybody. Niches and specific objectives are also important.
I continue to support my friend Stewart and his mission. If that means people will then dismiss me, so be it. If I were doing this for mass approval, I'd have picked a different topic.
[Via FFFW]
6 comments:
I think I was harsh on Oath Keepers not long ago for the same reason I'm harsh on the NRA, for denying that they are a militia instead of educating the people that we are all part of the militia. I understand a little better now. The M word raises people's blood pressure if they're police or military with a black-and-white devotion to duty and the mission. That makes it hard to hear clearly.
My granddaughter is in the Navy now. She tells us that they're being trained about "the different kinds of terrorists." No details yet, but with the SPLC designating the American Family Association as "domestic extremists" -- AFA asks members to actually write the TV networks to complain about sexually offensive programming during prime time or on kids' shows! -- and my somewhat naive granddaughter answer flippantly that obeying illegal orders "is her job"...
Go to it, Oath Keepers, however you see fit. You're needed.
Defender, the obeying of illegal orders is certainly worrisome. Oath Keepers is a interesting and accessible collective for most people, however, if she is not interested because of it's political leanings, there's a group on the other side: Iraq Veterans Against the War - a core mission is to educate active duty soldiers about their rights to resist orders. For example, if your granddaughter finds herself in a position knowing she is about to commit a war crime, if she is going to make the choice to resist the order, she must understand that an entire team of veterans is standing behind her, with legal and moral support. I see many similarities between Oath Keepers and IVAW, it's only partisan branding that keeps them apart. IVAW succeeds in education and follow through, I'm not aware of any Oath Keeper resources for a soldier who goes AWOL, for example.
I never thought such organizations would need to exist, and I certainly never thought it would be important for a service member to join such an organization.
I know Rhodes' heart is in the right place, but I don't support oath keepers because I don't support the military or the police. Both are socialist boondoggles that live off of stolen property and are used to decrease my liberty/ kill countless of innocents overseas in wars of adventure/aggression. I suppose a real oathkeeper would come home from Sandland and refuse to "serve."
Thanks Zach, for that glowing testimonial, portraying ex-soldiers as parasitic, socialist, murdering, thieving monsters. I can't begin to thank you enough for YOUR service to your country(Russia), and how much I look forward to a close, personal meeting with you in the near future. If you like, you can contact me, so that we can arrange a personal meeting, and get to know each other better. See ya soon!
There is a saying that those who do not know history are condemned to repeat it.
Check out the events of 1933-1934, especially the "Business Plot", Prescott Bush and other financiers, the veteran's army and the American Legion, and retired USMC Major General Smedley Darlington Butler.
“My mental faculties remained in suspended animation while I obeyed the orders of the higher-ups. This is typical with everyone in the military.” - S. D. Butler
“There are only two things we should fight for. One is the defense of our homes and the other is the Bill of Rights.” - S. D. Butler
“War is a racket. It is the only one international in scope. It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives.” - S. D. Butler
“I spent 33 years in the Marines. Most of my time being a high-class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer for capitalism.” - S. D. Butler
I support Oath-Keepers. I recognize that this is a fight on many fronts. We need everyone.
Post a Comment