Militias And Sovereign Citizen Groups Are A Greater Combined Terror Threat Than Islamic Jihad
Not too long ago, I referred to open carry protesters as being comparable to terrorists. The reasons are obvious: in an age when armed madmen routinely blitz through schools and movie theaters, gunning down innocent people, it’s not such a smart idea to promote your fringe movement by wandering through a Target store with the Sandy Hook weapon, locked and loaded and nestled between your man-boobs.
No matter how these self-identified protesters might justify such a thing, this isn’t peaceable assembly as protected by the U.S. Constitution, unless the founders included the brandishing of loaded firearms as somehow “peaceable.”
Seriously, how the hell can the carrying of loaded semi-automatic military style rifles that resemble something out of an Expendables movie be considered in any universe “peaceable?” The mission is clearly to terrorize and intimidate. Nothing else. Wherever there are loaded semi-automatic weapons and untrustworthy strangers willing carry them in a public place, there’s a strong likelihood that one or more of those weapons could discharge in anger or otherwise, and no one wants to be a bystander trapped in the line of fire.
Late last week, a Colorado teenager marched through the streets of Aurora carrying a loaded Stoeger P-350 12 gauge shotgun. Aurora of all places, where James Holmes murdered 12 and wounded 58 other innocent people inside a crowded movie theater. These days, when a teen with a loaded weapon (or anyone fitting this narrow profile) marches through a public place, no matter his intentions, he’s doing one thing and one thing only: scaring the piss out of anyone in his path. Now, again, imagine a Muslim-American marching through an airport terminal waving a box-cutter, you know, in defense of his constitutional rights.
Sorry if not everyone can see the distinction between a would-be terrorist and First Amendment protester. Put another way: if your goal is protect your rights, and you believe that in order to do so you need to stockpile the deadliest weapons available and to carry those weapons in public, you’re doing it wrong.
I’m not too far off the mark with my assessment… CONTINUE READING
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By: Bob Cesca
Bob Cesca is the managing editor at The Daily Banter (www.thedailybanter.com) and a Huffington Post contributor since 2005. He's worked in journalism since 1988 as a print writer/editor, a radio news anchor, a digital media columnist/editor, a book author and blogger. He's the co-host of the Bubble Genius Bob & Chez Show podcast and a Thursday regular on the syndicated Stephanie Miller Show. He's appeared on numerous other radio shows including the John Phillips Show and Geraldo Rivera Show in Los Angeles. Bob has been a commentator/analyst on the BBC (TV and radio), MSNBC, Current TV, CNN and Sky News. Following him on Twitter: @bobcesca_go
21 responses to Militias And Sovereign Citizen Groups Are A Greater Combined Terror Threat Than Islamic Jihad
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Abby Normal August 5th, 2014 at 08:50
I agree with this assessment. I also agree with Bob’s June 24 article,
“Let’s Call ‘Open Carry’ Gun Gangs What They Are: Extremists and Terrorists.” The majority of states have concealed carry laws that allow a person to carry a concealed weapon after a background check and minimal training course. Is it really necessary for someone to have a semi-automatic weapon strapped to his hip in public places? If someone feels a need to carry a semi-automatic pistol, why can’t he be satisfied getting a background check, taking the minimal course, and keeping the weapon discreetly hidden inside his coat or jacket. Why does he have to carry it out in the open for all of us to see?
I was recently in my local Steak “N Shake and an open-carry guy was in there with a semi-automatic pistol strapped to his hip. My thought at the time was, why isn’t this guy satisfied carrying his pistol concealed on his person? Most states makes it quite easy to get a concealed-carry permit. Instead, this guy had to carry it out in the open for all to see? As I stated in a previous post, this behavior suggests to me, at least, that the guy is a bully.
What do these people want? They had their way with the Supreme Court. Most states have concealed carry laws. But that’s still not enough for them. Now they’re demanding the right to carry their beloved semi-automatic weapons in public places in the open for all of us to see.
Abby Normal August 5th, 2014 at 08:50
I agree with this assessment. I also agree with Bob’s June 24 article,
“Let’s Call ‘Open Carry’ Gun Gangs What They Are: Extremists and Terrorists.” The majority of states have concealed carry laws that allow a person to carry a concealed weapon after a background check and minimal training course. Is it really necessary for someone to have a semi-automatic weapon strapped to his hip in public places? If someone feels a need to carry a semi-automatic pistol, why can’t he be satisfied getting a background check, taking the minimal course, and keeping the weapon discreetly hidden inside his coat or jacket. Why does he have to carry it out in the open for all of us to see?
I was recently in my local Steak “N Shake and an open-carry guy was in there with a semi-automatic pistol strapped to his hip. My thought at the time was, why isn’t this guy satisfied carrying his pistol concealed on his person? Most states makes it quite easy to get a concealed-carry permit. Instead, this guy had to carry it out in the open for all to see? As I stated in a previous post, this behavior suggests to me, at least, that the guy is a bully.
What do these people want? They had their way with the Supreme Court. Most states have concealed carry laws. But that’s still not enough for them. Now they’re demanding the right to carry their beloved semi-automatic weapons in public places in the open for all of us to see. What’s next on their agenda?
Budda August 5th, 2014 at 09:06
Militias and sovereign citizens are basically end-timers or anarchists. They teeter on the edge of mental illness. Their version of reality and facts are twisted or false. They need to be sedated.
mea_mark August 5th, 2014 at 09:27
They are exactly why we need better gun control laws.
Budda August 5th, 2014 at 09:06
Militias and sovereign citizens are basically end-timers or anarchists. They teeter on the edge of mental illness. Their version of reality and facts are twisted or false. They need to be sedated.
mea_mark August 5th, 2014 at 09:27
They are exactly why we need better gun control laws.
Cosmic_Surfer August 5th, 2014 at 09:24
Cesca – ever been to Aurora? Rhetorical question….
The biggest threat to America is ideologues of all types -Includes all exceptionalists who ruminate on “the biggest threat…” paradigm while continuing to Balkanize the nation (and the planet) through fear-mongering against “other”
mea_mark August 5th, 2014 at 09:37
They are the tools of the Oligarchy. In a world divided and at odds with itself, those with the most capital rule. Instability is an asset to the Oligarchy. The real enemy is the Oligarchy, the ones manipulating the far-right militarized groups. The Oligarchy are influencing how our laws are written, allowing more maneuvering room for these groups. It is time to put an end to this manipulation of laws by outside forces with vast wealth that owe no allegiance to America.
Cosmic_Surfer August 5th, 2014 at 09:24
Cesca – ever been to Aurora? Rhetorical question….
The biggest threat to America is ideologues of all types -Includes all exceptionalists who ruminate on “the biggest threat…” paradigm while continuing to Balkanize the nation (and the planet) through fear-mongering against “other”
mea_mark August 5th, 2014 at 09:37
They are the tools of the Oligarchy. In a world divided and at odds with itself, those with the most capital rule. Instability is an asset to the Oligarchy. The real enemy is the Oligarchy, the ones manipulating the far-right militarized groups. The Oligarchy are influencing how our laws are written, allowing more maneuvering room for these groups. It is time to put an end to this manipulation of laws by outside forces with vast wealth that owe no allegiance to America.
greenfloyd August 5th, 2014 at 09:37
I have a hard time accepting the notion these domestic groups represent a “greater terror threat than Islamic Jihad.”
The Islamic terrorists are patient, as instructed by Bin Laden, it may take a generation or a thousand years their mission is to destroy Israel and America. I have no doubt they will attack us again, from within, like they did on 9/11/2001.
Dwendt44 August 5th, 2014 at 12:45
the difference being that the Militia and Sovereign Citizen Groups are here, and currently. The ‘Jihad’ may or may not ever be a real threat locally. The ‘Rabid Patriot’ type can and may bring trouble at any time.
greenfloyd August 6th, 2014 at 02:29
Perhaps we need a better definition of militia and Sovereign Citizen Groups? For this discussion I will use the term American Rebel to simplify.
While you are probably correct that most jihadi (terrorists) operate overseas. It’s clear there is also a Global Jihad devoted to genocide against Christians, Jews and even Arabs of different sects. Dissent is not tolerated.
.
Today American Rebels appear to focus their complaints against the government, not their fellow citizens. As the article points out most of their activity takes place in the courts in the form of lawsuits. It’s also clear under this wide umbrella there are some groups and individuals that have the potential to be violent, however, their actual numbers appear to be quite small. Historically this is nothing new. America has always had Rebels and they can be a serious threat if economic and social conditions provide a fertile environment for their cause. Our Civil War was the most stark example of how far it can go and how deadly it can be, (an estimated 620,000 men).
So, are we trending toward some similar national conflagration? I hope not. Although there are some disturbing trends, Disapproval of government is apparent, if not dramatic, even in mainstream America. Most Americans believe, rightfully so, the nation is caught in the grip of an ugly partisan gridlock. Meanwhile major economic and social issues are being neglected or handled in an ad hoc manner behind closed doors fueling paranoia and hate. Add to that the wealth disparity or gap, most glaringly evident by the mostly millionaire members of this Congress (House and Senate) and all the rest of us.
The trend is disturbing, although unlike the Islamic State we have elections and I have not doubt we’ll eventually throw all the bums out and elect a Congress that truly represent most Americans and all our glorious diversity. Meanwhile we must remain vigilant against Global Jihad who have demonstrated their ability to terrorize the American people and actually inflict serious harm. We should not be lulled in this time between attacks. We need to understand there are those among us constantly planning, recruiting and sadly fooling powerful people (who should know better) into believing their “humanitarian” lies.
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org August 5th, 2014 at 09:37
I have a hard time accepting the notion these domestic groups represent a “greater terror threat than Islamic Jihad.”
The Islamic terrorists are patient, as instructed by Bin Laden, it may take a generation or a thousand years their mission is to destroy Israel and America. I have no doubt they will attack us again, from within, like they did on 9/11/2001.
Dwendt44 August 5th, 2014 at 12:45
the difference being that the Militia and Sovereign Citizen Groups are here, and currently. The ‘Jihad’ may or may not ever be a real threat locally. The ‘Rabid Patriot’ type can and may bring trouble at any time.
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org August 6th, 2014 at 02:29
Perhaps we need a better definition of militia and Sovereign Citizen Groups? For this discussion I will use the term American Rebel to simplify.
While you are probably correct that most jihadi (terrorists) operate overseas. It’s clear there is also a Global Jihad devoted to genocide against Christians, Jews and even Arabs of different sects. Dissent is not tolerated.
.
Today American Rebels appear to focus their complaints against the government, not their fellow citizens. As the article points out most of their activity takes place in the courts in the form of lawsuits. It’s also clear under this wide umbrella there are some groups and individuals that have the potential to be violent, however, their actual numbers appear to be quite small. Historically this is nothing new. America has always had Rebels and they can be a serious threat if economic and social conditions provide a fertile environment for their cause. Our Civil War was the most stark example of how far it can go and how deadly it can be, (an estimated 620,000 men).
So, are we trending toward some similar national conflagration? I hope not. Although there are some disturbing trends, Disapproval of government is apparent, if not dramatic, even in mainstream America. Most Americans believe, rightfully so, the nation is caught in the grip of an ugly partisan gridlock. Meanwhile major economic and social issues are being neglected or handled in an ad hoc manner behind closed doors fueling paranoia and hate. Add to that the wealth disparity or gap, most glaringly evident by the mostly millionaire members of this Congress (House and Senate) and all the rest of us.
The trend is disturbing, although unlike the Islamic State we have elections and I have not doubt we’ll eventually throw all the bums out and elect a Congress that truly represent most Americans and all our glorious diversity. Meanwhile we must remain vigilant against Global Jihad who have demonstrated their ability to terrorize the American people and actually inflict serious harm. We should not be lulled in this time between attacks. We need to understand there are those among us constantly planning, recruiting and sadly fooling powerful people (who should know better) into believing their “humanitarian” lies.
mcalleyboy August 6th, 2014 at 07:47
Who writes this dribble? First of all the movie theater in Colorado was a “Gun Free Zone”…boy those work well don’t they Liberals and comparing those that open carry to terrorists, what are you talking about.
M.C.A. August 6th, 2014 at 07:47
Who writes this dribble? First of all the movie theater in Colorado was a “Gun Free Zone”…boy those work well don’t they Liberals and comparing those that open carry to terrorists, what are you talking about.
greenfloyd August 6th, 2014 at 08:35
About the Aurora teen:
I thought the young man, Steve Lohner, 18, and the cops handled this well, although I agree with the officers, he does not look 18 and should have presented his ID. Otherwise though Lohner has obviously done his homework and knows the law. He denies he’s engaging in making a political statement and notes he was assaulted not long ago, in this same area, behind a McDonalds, and now carries the gun in self-defense. Sounds reasonable to me.
http://youtu.be/x7Gx73R3p1U
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org August 6th, 2014 at 08:35
About the Aurora teen:
I thought the young man, Steve Lohner, 18, and the cops handled this well, although I agree with the officers, he does not look 18 and should have presented his ID. Otherwise though Lohner has obviously done his homework and knows the law. He denies he’s engaging in making a political statement and notes he was assaulted not long ago, in this same area, behind a McDonalds, and now carries the gun in self-defense. Sounds reasonable to me.
http://youtu.be/x7Gx73R3p1U
mmmjv August 6th, 2014 at 11:55
Time for Obama to reverse his earlier reaction to the cons whining of the 2008 report (released in 2009) and stop assuming that conservatives can’t be terrorists. The way it is now an old lady’s animal rights group that meets for tea every Wednesday is more likely to have the feds watching them then a right wing militia group in training to overthrow the government if they don’t like the results of the next election