IF you have any questions or are just curious about who we are than please read this following FAQ entitled In Defense of Liberty II
in "Defense of Liberty" was originated by Dave Franey in response to the Oklahoma City bombing. This updated edition has been put together on account of the changes that have occurred over the years. We have not softened any of the questions; they are presented in the same manner in which they were asked. We hope this will assist you in understanding a little more about the militia, and what we represent. Many thanks to all the dedicated patriots who helped!
1. What is the militia?
The militia is: all able-bodied citizens who are capable of bearing arms; the absolute last line of defense against any threat to the State or Country, whether that threat is natural or man made, foreign or domestic.
Our motivation is patriotism and a sincere desire to defend the Constitution. Our goal is to encourage all citizens to achieve a high level of preparedness for a wide variety of possible emergencies.
We support a Constitutionally limited government and defend the American ideals of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. We are open to all citizens regardless of race, sex, religion, or political affiliation. Groups not open to public membership and/or which are organized for any other purposes are not militias. The militia, as an organization, has no religious theme; is not racial in nature; nor does it advocate terrorism or violence.
2. Why would you want to join an extremist organization like the militia?
The militia as an organization, represents beliefs in: the inalienable right to keep and bear arms; the American ideals of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness; freedom and love of country.
If being a patriot has become so unfashionable with the general populace as to be considered extreme, then so be it. We joined because these qualities, whether popular or not, are honorable.
3. Is militia activity legal?
Yes, we all have the inalienable rights of self-defense; to keep and bear arms; freedom of speech; and to peaceably assemble. These cover the majority of militia activities. The Constitution of the United States prohibits government, at any level, from interfering or infringing on these rights.
Additionally, the Geneva Convention, Hague Protocols, International Law, Laws of Land Warfare, Nebraska and Federal Law, all specifically provide for citizen militias, with or without state recognition.
4. Is the government going to target me if I join the militia?
If you are asking this question there is obviously something enormously wrong; it places emphasis on the fact that people are fearful of government reprisal for engaging in legal activities. Law-abiding American citizens participating in legal activities are afraid of their government!
Unfortunately, we cannot answer this question for you, we can only speculate. You will have to ask the government, as we do not speak for them. However, the fear behind this question should compel you to at least look into the patriot movement.
5. If you say the militia is legal, why doesn't the media support you?
The undeniable fact that the militia is legal is irrelevant in regard to media support, whether that support is pro or con; they have absolute control over the truthfulness, context, completeness and objectivity of their work.
Unfortunately we cannot answer this question, you will have to ask the media, as we can only speculate.
6. Are you racists?
No, we welcome Americans of all races, cultures, and beliefs; we gain nothing from turning anyone away, regardless of the hue of their skin. We do not side ourselves with, advocate, or discriminate against any one particular race or culture; the militia is as diverse as the general population.
There are, however, individuals or groups that claim to be militias that say they are of a superior race fighting the "great race war...to annihilate the mud people". These individuals or groups are not militias - they are racists.
7. Are you militant?
No, the nature and purpose of a citizen militia is defensive and concerns itself with the preservation of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. We may be regarded as serious and ever vigilant, but we are not militant.
However, there are individuals or groups that claim to be militias that are determined to be engaged in combat and are aggressively active. These individuals or groups are not militias they are militant.
8. Isnt the militia the National Guard?
No, the citizen militia is the unorganized militia; the National Guard is the organized militia.
Federal law (10 USC Section 311a, b1-2) clearly distinguishes between the organized and unorganized militia. It reads in part:
"The classes of the militia are:
- The organized militia, which consists of the National Guard and the Naval Militia; and
- The unorganized militia, which consists of the members of the militia who are not members of the National Guard or the Naval Militia."
Note regarding the National Guard: The National Defense Act of June 3, 1916, (39 stat.166), provides in part: "that the Army of the United States shall consist of the regular Army, the volunteer Army, the Officers' Reserve Corps, the Enlisted Reserve Corps, the National Guard while in service of the United States, and such other land forces as are now or may hereafter be authorized by law." We understand from this excerpt that your States National Guard was federalized back in 1916. That means the "organized militia" is under the control of the federal Government. The Founding Fathers provided for the citizen militia specifically to safeguard against a corrupt, centralized government!
"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain their right to keep and bear arms is as a last resort to protect themselves against tyranny in government." -Thomas Jefferson
9. The members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and the state and local police are all sworn to protect and uphold the Constitution. Why do we need militias or even armed citizens?
As Americans, it is "everyones" responsibility to uphold and defend the Constitution; this is a requirement of a free people.
The militia is needed as the absolute last line of defense against any threat, whether natural or man-made, foreign or domestic; it is everyones responsibility to be prepared to protect and defend state and country.
As to the need for armed citizens, as a human being you have the right to live for your own sake, and while living, you are responsible for defending the life of you and yours.
It is irresponsible, unwise, cowardly, and just plain un-American to deny these responsibilities.
"If a people expect to be ignorant and free, they expect what never was and never will be." -
10. Are you terrorists?
No, the militia does not advocate terrorism or violence. Only lunatics, including those in government, destroy buildings full of men, women, and children. The militia is a dedicated group of citizen patriots who volunteer their time and energy to further the cause of freedom. The only thing we blow to pieces are bowling pins; and if we are ever attacked by them, we will win! (Bowling pins are commonly used for target practice at militia training.)
11. What good does the militia do? What is your contribution to society?
The militia fulfills a long established American tradition as the ultimate and final guarantor of freedom; it establishes that as a free people we are ready, willing and able to defend our lives and country.
We hold informative monthly meetings, update those in attendance on topics such as: pending legislation, civic activities, current events, safety bulletins; and we offer training opportunities in the areas of: weapons safety, CPR, first aid, land navigation, and other useful field techniques.
We strongly encourage everyone to vote and become involved in the safeguarding of rights within their local communities. We believe that the educated, responsible citizen is the best possible guarantee of all our freedoms.
12. Why don't you hold political rallies or try to elect your own candidates?
The militia is a citizen based defensive organization. It is not our purpose to become a political party or promote any candidate for elected office.
While we encourage citizen involvement in the political process, it is always up to each individual to make decisions regarding their voting and other political activities. We intentionally separate our group militia activities from our individual political beliefs, because politics is controversial in nature and would only serve to damage the cohesive quality of our unit.
13. Are there women in the militia?
Yes, they are some of the most dedicated patriots you will ever meet. We do all we can to make the women, and families for that matter, welcome at our meetings or any activity. Come out and well prove it.
14. Why are your training sessions on the weekends during family time?
Not all training is done on weekends, and most training is family-friendly; it is a great family activity. We have families that attend weekend field training with children from babies to teenagers; more are always welcome. We also meet once a month on a weekday evening at a local restaurant, and weekly at someones home.
Training can include discussions on pending legislation, current events, or constitutional issues. We encourage all members to bring spouses and children to our meetings. We strive to keep them as "G" rated as possible.
15. Why do you train like the military?
United States Constitution, 2nd Amendment states, "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."
We take the words "well regulated" seriously. If we ever need to use the skills we have learned, we will be able to do so proficiently. The medical and firearms training our members receive is always important.
16. Why do you need military equipment? (mres, gas masks, bayonet lugs, etc.)
In order to fulfill our possible legal obligations under the previously mentioned laws, and out of a sense of duty and responsibility, these items are necessary for the training we participate in. They aid us in self-defense.
Most gear is recommended because we train and prepare for a wide range of emergencies, including natural or man-made disasters, or threats from foreign or domestic power. Some of our recommended supplies will probably not be used regularly, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.
- Why can't you just have your guns, believe what you want, and not be so radical?
"The Constitutions of most of our states (and of the United States)
assert that all power is inherent in the people;
that they may exercise it by themselves;
that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed."
- Thomas Jefferson
"A well regulated Militia,
being necessary to the security of a free State,
the right of the people to keep and bear arms,
shall not be infringed."
- United States Constitution, Second Amendment
In direct contradiction to the above laws, the government has made "owning our guns and believing what we want" illegal. The above is clear in both intent and wording; this is not an opinion, it is a fact.
The militia is not radical, we are very concerned however, that our elected public servants in government are not following the Law as provided in the Constitution. These and other violations of the Bill of Rights are more numerous every day; the constitutionally limited Republic of our forefathers has been stolen and replaced with a representative democracy. Democracy is tyranny by majority; that is a bad thing.
"There can be no compromise on moral principles. In any compromise between food and poison, it is only death that can win. In any compromise between good and evil, it is only evil that can profit." Ayn Rand in "Atlas Shrugged"