This is the first segment in a two part series that will discuss the history and evolution of American Militias.
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By definition, a militia is a paramilitary group composed of ordinary citizens that gather and train in tactics of fighting, survival and law enforcement, without pay, for the purpose of defending their community and their country in times of emergencies.
Militia groups with complaints against the government are regrouping across the United States and are grow rapidly, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization which tracks such trends. Since the inauguration of President Obama, a record number of guns and ammunition have been sold across the United States to Americans who are stockpiling for what many perceive as being an inevitable showdown between Government forces and American citizens who believe that their “freedoms” are being taken away from them.
The stress of a poor economy and a liberal administration led by a Black president are among the causes for the recent rise, the report from the Southern Poverty Law Center says. Conspiracy theories about a secret Mexican plan to reclaim the Southwest are also growing amid the public debate about illegal immigration.
The Revolutionary War American Militia
The history of militia in the United States originated from our colonial era, before the American Revolutionary War. Patterned after the British system, colonial militias were manned by adult male citizens of a community, town, or local region. Due to the fact that there were usually few British regulars garrisoned in North America, colonial militia served a vital role in local conflicts, particularly in the French and Indian Wars.
Shortly before shooting began in the American War of Independence, American revolutionaries took control of the militia system, reinvigorating training and excluding men with Loyalist inclinations.
Regulation of the militia was codified by the Second Continental Congress with the Articles of Confederation. The revolutionaries also created a full-time regular army—the Continental Army—but because of manpower shortages the militia provided short-term support to the regulars in the field throughout the war.
During America’s fight for Independence from the British Crown, militia service was distinguished from regular military service in that the latter was normally a commitment for a fixed period of time of at least a year, for a salary, whereas militia was only to meet a threat, or prepare to meet a threat, for periods of time expected to be short. Militia persons were normally expected to provide their own weapons, equipment, or supplies, although they may later be compensated for losses or expenditures.
The Militia after the American Revolution War
During the nineteenth century, each of the states maintained its militia differently, some more than others. Prior to the Civil War, militia units were sometimes used by southern states for slave control. In Free States, Republican militias - called "Wide Awakes" - sided with abolitionists in sometimes violent confrontations with Federal authorities.
During Reconstruction after the Civil War, Republican state governments had militias composed almost entirely of freed slaves and populist whites. Their deployment to maintain order in the former Confederate States caused increased resentment among many Southern whites. The war did not end with Lee's surrender at Appomattox and continued to be fought by insurgent groups throughout America’s Reconstruction era.
Secret white terrorist groups like the Ku Klux Klan and Knights of the White Camellia arose quickly in states across the South, reaching a peak in the late 1860s. Even more significant in terms of effect were private militias, paramilitary organizations that formed starting in 1874, including the White League in Louisiana, which quickly formed chapters in other states; the Red Shirts in Mississippi in 1875, and with force in South Carolina and North Carolina; as well as other "White Line" militias and rifle clubs. In contrast to the KKK, they were open, members were often well-known in the communities, and they directed their efforts at political aims: using force, intimidation and violence, including murder, to push out Republican officeholders, break up organizing, and suppress freedmen's voting and civil rights. The paramilitary groups were described as "the military arm of the Democratic Party" and were instrumental in helping secure Democratic victories in the South in the elections of 1876.
What is the future of American Militias?
Since both men and women are afforded the opportunity of serving their country by enlisting in America’s armed forces, including the Reserves and the National Guard, the question that is posed is, “why do we still need militias?” Are militias still relevant to America’s security, a paramilitary organization which was born from an era when we didn’t have enough troops and sailors to protect our citizens, or have they become training camps for separatists who await an American helter skelter?
Part two of this series on “Militias in America” will highlight local known militias who train as did the old “Minute Men” of centuries past for what they consider to be “American Freedoms”.
As always Louisianans, The Examiner.Com is interested in what you think. Are militias a necessary extension of American freedoms? Have militias time as a paramilitary organization exceeded their relevance? And is there a dark and ominous shadow that looms over some militia in America that perverts the meaning of faithful citizen? Inquiring minds want to know. Sound off.
Until the next time Louisianans, Good Day, God Bless and Good Fishing.
http://http://www.splcenter.org/news/item.jsp?aid=392
http://mediafilter.org/caq/caq.militia.html
http://http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=8307935
Comments
Dear Mr. Boyce,
To begin with, please allow me to thank you and congratulate you for digging in to the history books to try to gather an understanding of the term "militia".
My guess is that I stand somewhere between you and the "militia" groups you refer to.
In all honesty, I share a large degree of sympathy with these groups and I agree with them that we are all losing freedoms - real freedoms. The manner in which you seem determined to marginalize these concerns by placing the term "freedom" in quotation marks saddens me.
Regardless, I don't think that started with the election of Obama at all. But that's a different story...
On the other hand, you might be surprised to know how radically I agree with your observation that much of the origin of what are called "militia" groups today and that I do not regard them as the constitutional militia ...nor do I regard the National Guard as such.
If you would like to discuss this further let me know
To James Hines: First of all I sincerely thank you for reading my article. Now in regard to our country's "freedoms", I'm so use to conservatives saying that President Obama is taking away our country's freedoms that I've become a skeptic whenever the word is used. I believe that under former President GW Bush's reign, the use of illegal phone taps, locking up suspected American terrorists without a trial and creating a private Army with "Blackwater" greatly lessened our freedoms, but conservative media seems to have forgotten about these violations of our rights. They would rather blame Obama for any imaginary loss of "freedoms" that they can conjure. This is why I used the quotation marks. Militias were once an important paramilitary entity, but in today's era I don't think that their existence is necessary. I could be wrong and as a 20 year Army vet, I respectfully ask you to explain the militias current revelancy. Thanks again for reading what I think Americans should know. GB
A well regulated Militia is necessary as noted by the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution.
Is it relevant? Yes, Todays Armed forces also took an oath
to obey orders from the president. Should that president
attempt to destroy the Republic they would find themselves
at odds with their additional oath to defend the Constitution
from enemies both foreign and domestic.
It is noted that Officers only take a oath to uphold the constitution and it would be hoped that they would properly lead
forces under their command against ANY threat against the republic. Today's young Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen are not schooled in what our constitution means or says, a shortcoming of today's government school systems.
Therefore they would have to be led by their superior officers.
We are Citizens not subjects.
Long Live the Republic
To Raven: I hope that you're not referring to President Obama when you talk about the possibility of a President destroying our Republic. This whole talk of destroying our "freedoms" was never an issue when we had GW as our Republic's President. I can go on and on about the violations of the Constitution that GW and Cheney committed but I'm not about to waste my time. I'm going to borrow a phrase from GW and his boyz "Either you're with us or against us". Let's work together as a nation to rebuild our economy first, you know...the economy that was destroyed after 8 years of GW and Cheney. Economic freedoms that were destroyed after two bogus wars. How much freedom did we lose to the Communist Chinese when we borrowed blood money from them? Raven I'm not mad at you for wanting freedom. I'm mad at your lack of demonstration against our nation's lost of "freedoms" during those Republican years. I'm like the elephant...I don't forget. 20 years of sleeping in jungles and deserts Raven. GB
I almost didn't get past your accusation of a Black president being amongst the main causes of the rise in militias. I don't know if you noticed but besides the few idiotic black regulars like Sharpten, Farrakhan, Jackson, and now Wright, it's the idiot white progressives using the race card, i.e., Pelosi. Innercity blacks and other minorities have been led to poverty by liberals, not conservatives. Now, I'm not worried about a black president, however I am worried about anti American sentiment being an American fad. I'm worried about complete disregard for the passions and concerns of Christian citizens. I'm worried about UN treaties, the global warming scam, the agenda of ratical muslims, and the presidents determination to cover it up. I hate how it only took Obama four days to approve abortion and embrionic stem cell research. Take a look at UN's "agenda 21." I don't like forced spread the wealth agendas.
I don't want UN muslim res. governing my grandkids. usa@mass.rr.com
To Gregory: Your right, this isn't an Obama thing. Any idiot can see this has been going on for a while. I might still be blinded if it weren't for an American president having freinds like Bill Ayers. What are we suppose to do now? Lay down and give up because Obama got elected? I don't think so.
To Phil: Going back and forth in the aspect of debating political ideology is a waste of time. It's like debating religion. However, in response to your criticism of Jackson, Sharpton and Farrakhan, for every bad point that you can come up with that attempts to taint their image, I can come up with a counter point that illustrates positive things that they accomplished in their communities. If you want to debate guilt by association as it pertains to President Obama, let's talk about the Bush family starting with grandpa Prescott. The Bush family are close friends of the Saudi Royal family that goes back to the days of Prescott. Aren't the Saudis known as being Jew hating / radical Islamic preaching / not recognizing women's rights type of people? Oh..and as far as what political party has held back Black Americans, I'm old enough to remember the Conservative Party being vehemently against the Voting Rights Bill and the Civil Rights Bill back in the 60s. Knowledge is power. GB
1. GB: Can you please give more details about the "Conservative Party being vehemently against the Voting Rights Bill and the Civil Rights Bill back in the 60s. "
2. Why does any criticism of the President invoke either:
a. cries of racism;
b. tales of George Bush.
3. Why hasn't the President made government affairs more transparent as promised?
Yet again it comes to race!!!!!! Why are we so hung up on this! In order for our society to progress we must stop dwelling on the past & proceed into the future. I'm not saying let history repeat itself, but leave the "EASY BUTTON" at home!!!! A militias relevance only pertains to the protection of the people from any government, not just that of a "BLACK MAN."
To CS: (1) Are you blind and deaf or just forgetful? The verbiage of "he's not one of us" during the McCain and Palin rally's and after President Obama's election we heard, "he's a Muslim", "he's not an American". All of these conservative "talking points" cries of racism that I am old enough to remember that distinctly parallels with the BS of hearing from Conservatives back in the day,(60s) that MLK Jr. was a "Communist", "he's a socialist". Obama in his short tenure as President of the U.S. has received more death threats than any President during that time frame. (2) You don't remember the email that was circulated by TN Senator Diane Black's assistant portraying the President in a portrait with other past U.S. Presidents as being a "spook"? And to boot she didn't even fire the staffer. This isn't racist? (3) The transparency issue is something I can't answer. Perhaps he's learned that complete transp. at his level isn't always cool. (4) GW's family ties to Arabs is what it is. GB
To Sergio: I know it's not politically soothing to know that some of the Conservatives stand in line with racists and anti-government wanna be Jeremiah Johnsons who want to move to the hills of Idaho to avoid paying taxes and non Whites, but it is what it is. It's a part of the playbook to win elections. See my comments to CS for further proof counselor. GB
"You cannot invade the mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind every blade of grass." is a quote by Isoroku Yamamoto, Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II.
The government needs to step in on this matter and dismantle these groups.We don't need these types of groups forming this country.
America would not be America without a bunch of crazy white boys runnin around through the woods with rifles and pistols proctecting their right to bear arms. You know, God Bless them cause without the crazies in this country all rights whether civil or constituional would,at this day and age,be non exsistent!!
You know all ya'll throwin race cards around and everything I want you to think about this. where would black americans stand today if we could have gotten the civil rights bill passed without having to add the gays and lesbians and migrant farmworkers and women to it? In King's effort to nationalize our cause I feel we did ourselves a great disservice by dividing the focus from one group of people to many groups. Of course leaders at the time voiced some concern only to be quieted by those with liberal views and monetary support
Thank you, Gregory.
First of all, though I am no fan of Barack Obama's, you could not be more correct: the erosion of freedom in America did not start with Barack Obama ...not by a long shot. Do I think its continuing under him? Yes. Do I think the rate of acceleration (compared to Bush) is that significant. No.
Getting back to the militia discussion...
Yes, I do think the language about the militia is very relevant.
I'm going to start a new paragraph....
Greg, as relates the RTKABA, the militia and armies...
This is NOT an issue where either the Republicans OR the Democrats really understand (or care about) the Second Amendment or any of this...
Yes, the primary purpose of the RTKABA was, primarily, to assure that the people would always be able to possess arms not merely so that there could be a "well-regulated militia" but so that there could be any militia at all.
"What, sir, is the use of a militia?"
That was the first question asked by Elbridge Gerry
of Mass. in opening debates on the Second Amendment.
Gerry went on to answer his own question by explaining...
"It is to prevent the establishment of a standing army,
the bane of liberty."
The purpose of a militia was to provide for the COMMON
DEFENSE by repelling invasions (and by suppressing
insurrections).
Greg, I appreciate your service. But, as a soldier,
wouldn't you agree that - if my hind quarters are
good enough for YOU to risk your life defending -
that I should also be willing to defend my own and,
just possibly, risk my life defending yours in turn?
That's the idea of a militia. Composed of civillians
who are willing to be soldiers when necessary to defend
their country, militias are suited ONLY to defense: NOT
to offense. Militias are not suited to foreign wars.
But, then, if we are only interested in
defending the United States, there would be no real
Greg, to really understand what happened to the militia, its well worth reading the words of one Luther Martin, a man who attended the Federal Convention of 1787 and participated in drafting the Constitution only to return to Maryland and oppose its ratification there. In "Genuine Information" In his concluding comments Martin said... "in this system, we give the general government every provision it could wish for, and even invite it to subvert the liberties of the States and their citizens, since we give them the right to encrease and keep up a standing army as numerous as it would wish, and by placing the militia under its power, enable it to leave the militia totally unorganized, undisciplined, and even to disarm them; while the citizens, so far from complaining of this neglect, might even esteem it a favor in the general government, as thereby they would be freed from the burthen of militia duties, and left to
I can't post links here.
If you would like to continue the conversation, please email me at "james@saintsandfools.com"
Thanks, Greg!
To James Hines: Again sir, thanks for reading my articles, please forward them on to others whom you may think would be interested in what I write. Agreeing with my viewpoints is not a prerequisite to reading my articles. :) Now, what is RTKABA? James, so far, you've done a great job of explaining why militias are still important in our society. It's just that so many organizations hide under the disguise of being a valid militia when in fact they're nothing more than a bunch of "yahoos" that teach hate and separatism. I have neither the patience or temperament to entertain people who live in fear of knowing who and what their neighbors who look different from them, are all about. I'm an old school, "why can't we be friends" type of guy. Being a Progressive doesn't stop me from wanting to know how to use an automatic rifle in DEFENSE or our country. A country that has the spilled blood of many races that has defended our flag. Hooaaah ! Old soldiers don't die we just fade away. GB
To Jaime: Check me out on my space for further discussion. Good Day, God Bless and Good Fishing. GB
To James Hines: My bad, James - I referred to you as Jaime and it's Facebook that you can reach me at, not My space. GB
Thanks Gregory.
I've sent a few friend requests to a few "Gregory" and/or "Greg Boyce"'es.
I hope I sent one to you.
P.S. ...I'm an old school LIBERTARIAN "Why can't we be friends" kind of guy. I think we should be able to get along very well!
Oh ...forgot to add ...RTKABA is just shortand for the "Right to keep and Bear Arms".
To SARGE: Yay you know who I'm talking to!!!!!!! Don't try to justify your ridiculous claims by pulling the race card!! You must give more to your claims than slander my friend!! You write to invoke emotion rather than thought!!!! Try this one on for size!!!! People may be scared of our new President, not because he is BLACK, but because he is trying to fast track agendas that can ruin our way of life!!! I don't know about you , but I don't want my healthcare to reflect what I see in the DMV!!!! Imagine that for healthcare!!!! HOORAY FOR SOCIALISM!!!
To Sergio: Surely you jest ! Your talking points of Socialism and Race Baiting is reminiscent of the McCarthy era. You're entirely too young to know about the "Socialism" and "Communism" plays that were drawn up and perfected by Republican Senator McCarthy during Hollywood's and America's "Red Scare". GB
The founding fathers provided that citizens have the 'right to bear arms' so they could protect themselves from an over reaching totalitarian type government.
(Just the type of government that they were all too familiar with and were fighting against)
When people start fearing their government, they start to arm themselves.
That is our constitutional right.
Militias are groups such as the National Guard and State Defense Forces. The group talked about here are private groups that have organized, falsely called themselves militias, but are inreality just rogue gangs with guns and very weird uniforms, that are seldom uniform.
Myron, please come and try it. There will be violence the US hasn't seen in over 200 years if they try to act openly against the militias of the US.
I'm all for militia's I really need to find out how to join them. I am one upset american who beleives in what is right. Can anyone stear me in the right direction?
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