I’ve been thinking about this for some time, and I think I’ve finally gathered enough nerve to express my opinion, and my concern. Over the past few decades, the idea of an anti-government militia has been gaining ground. In some areas, it’s become more than an idea. Regional militias are forming, because the anger of many is near the boiling point.
Like you, I’ve read the quotes on Facebook describing one of the primary reasons for the Second Amendment (part of the Bill of Rights) was authenticated by then Secretary of State, 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”, December 15, 1791.
But the militia then, compared with today is where I see a huge problem.
Back in the beginning years of this nation, the military wasn’t nearly as organized, or as equipped, as it is today. The militia was like an auxiliary force, not to act as the government’s watchdog, but in helping settle the nation. As local and state governments grew, as well as the population, so grew the need for added law enforcement.
As firearms were a fairly common article among the citizenry, many folks were called upon in times of emergencies. Deputies, posses, and such were instrumental in helping establish and maintain law and order in our fledgling nation.
There were many in governmental leadership who could still remember why they broke away from dear old England. And they were determined to never allow their government to become abusive, or an absolute despotism.
The Bill of Rights would help ensure they would never again have the need to “throw off such government”. Free speech, the right to bear arms, limit on quartering of troops, protection against unreasonable search and seizure, due process, etc.
As I said, the militia then, compared with today’s military, is vastly different. 200 years ago guns, rifles, knives, and dynamite were available to both the good guys and the bad ones. The only difference, as far as I can tell, was the military usually had access to much larger quantities of arms.
Besides the difference in quantity, today’s military is so well equipped, and the technology is so advanced, they have the capability of taking out a pesky fly from a thousand miles away.
All they’d need is the want to.
This is the problem with the local militias; those who allow themselves to get worked up into a frenzy because of various government leaders. I understand their anger, and I empathize with their feelings of despair and hopelessness.
But unless cooler heads prevail, the local militias will find themselves in jail, or worse.
Much worse.
Is there an answer for this militia problem; the national dilemma?
Yes.
The answer? Besides prayer and faith in God (legalized or not), there must be an understanding of local issues, the discipline to discuss the issues in a civilized manner, a renewed interest in the Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and the US Constitution, and, finally, taking such understanding and disciplines to the voting booth.
In other words, the best thing for our nation isn’t an armed militia, but a truly educated populace.
Good citizenship.
It’s really what our forefathers had in mind.
And it’s a cause God would without question get behind.
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NLT)
Why would I feel the need to write this post? Because I still believe this is the best nation on earth.
And besides, America doesn’t need another Civil War.
Jan Grace 