U.S.A. – -(Ammoland.com)- Last September, AmmoLand hosted one of my articles about a resolution being considered by the Halifax County Board of Supervisors to support a local militia. The move was in response to unprecedented gun grabs being enacted in Virginia and was one of a number of responses that include establishing what are being called “Second Amendment sanctuaries.” The Halifax resolution didn’t go forward due to self-imposed ignorance and gutlessness on the part of a critical mass of supervisors, and predictable misrepresentation and fear-mongering by the media.
A reader recently forwarded links to me pertaining to some additional county militia resolutions.
One was a resolution approved in December 2019 by the Amherst County Board of Supervisors that declared “the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms … must be respected, celebrated and upheld; urged the state and federal governments not to pass further infringements and “burdens”; expressed “intent to take lawful actions to protect and support the rights of its citizens [and] not to aid in unconstitutional efforts to restrict these rights”; and “oppose… any provision, law or regulation that may impose additional regulatory burdens or result in mandates … to expend additional public funds on enforcement or administration of such laws, or to require constitutional officers of the locality to do so…”
The second link my correspondent provided went further, a May 2, 2020 resolution (scroll to pg. 8) adopted by another Board of Supervisors “recognizing the militia within the county of Bedford pursuant to the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and article I, section 13 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia.” Cutting to the chase, here’s what they resolve to do:
“[W]e express our intent to uphold and protect the Second Amendment and Article I, §13 rights … and to prepare for service or to serve as a member of the Militia in Bedford County; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in order to support the Militia, enhance the safety and security of the citizens of Bedford County and establish, as our founders intended, a barrier against a tyrannical government, the Board hereby expresses its intent to:
(1) Decline to expend county resources for any effort to enforce unconstitutional laws enacted after January 20, 2020 restricting ownership and use of firearms that are in common use … required for self-defense by individual citizens or for service to the community as part of the Militia in Bedford County.
(2) Recognize the right … to assemble and train to arms for service individually or in groups … in the event they are called or ordered out for lawful purposes …
(3) Support opportunities for law-abiding citizens to assemble for recreational and civic purposes and train to arms … that enhance the individual citizen’s ability to defend himself, his family, his community; and the Militia’s ability to respond effectively to a crisis.
…the Board hereby declares our intent to oppose all unconstitutional restrictions on the Bill of Rights and specifically the Second Amendment to the U. S. Constitution and Article I, §13 of the Constitution of Virginia through such legal means as may be expedient, including, without limitation, legal process.
That’s better. It goes beyond “Second Amendment Sanctuary” declarations and recognizes the purposes and the right of citizens to train and to possess the minimal type of weaponry needed for performing Militia duty (we are, after all, basically talking semiautos here). The ornery among us (OK, me), might point out that some of us may be ineligible for the “law-abiding” qualifier because we refuse to comply with existing disarmament edicts and opt to retain banned firearms, magazines, and the like in defiance of such blatant and arrogant infringements.
And then there’s the problem of “existing law” in states like Virginia, which essentially declare:
“Groups of armed individuals that engage in paramilitary activity or law enforcement functions without being called forth by a governor or the federal government and without reporting to any government authority are acting as unauthorized private militias.”
They’ll need to take care and especially be on guard against CIs/provocateurs trying to lure them into violation traps.
It’s nice to see more counties and states waking up to the existential “obey or be destroyed” threat that the violence monopolists are forcing on gun owners. It’s great to see so many movements turning the “sanctuary” maneuver adopted by the left to impede immigration law enforcement around and using it to resist the evisceration of what founder Tench Coxe called “the birthright of an American.”
Here’s what they don’t do, at least until now: They don’t actually enforce rights, which if you think about it, is the sworn duty of every “law enforcer.” They might not help the feds or the state rape a citizen of his rights, but they don’t stop them from the act, either.
Daniel Horowitz at The Blaze notes that Newton County, Missouri aims to change that. Their commission not only declares federal infringements invalid, but it also criminalizes their enforcement and authorizes the arrest of agents:
That one has some teeth in it. It also marks the county, the commissioners, and the sheriff as cancel culture targets for advancing such an ordinance, and as actual targets if they attempt to enforce it.
Now, how about a Bedford-type Militia resolution to supplement this and cement a partnership with the citizens they serve? And how about if the movement grows? That’s where the adage “In unity there is strength” comes in, and more importantly, where YOU come in.
Horowitz lets us know about the website SanctuaryCounties.com, where we can find out about similar efforts in our areas of operation, and further points us to the Constitution Action Network, “for people of the same state and county to meet, collaborate, and raise awareness of the power of state and local government to interpose against the growing list of blatant constitutional violations and extra-lawful lawmaking…”
Former House Speaker Tip O’Neill once observed that “All politics is local.” It’s easy to see, especially in “Blue States” dominated by high population density urban areas, how citizens in “flyover/drive-through” country can feel like their voices will never be heard and that it’s useless to even try. When we get closer to home, our impact becomes stronger, especially if we involve ourselves in what the Democrats know to be effective, but which far too many gun owners seem unwilling to even try: Organizing.
Ideally, we should be working toward all three goals: A Second Amendment Sanctuary resolution, a Militia resolution, and a Second Amendment enforcement bill. I urge you to find out what’s going on where you live, if productive organizing looks feasible there, and what you need to do to be a part of it.
About David Codrea:
David Codrea is the winner of multiple journalist awards for investigating/defending the RKBA and a long-time gun owner rights advocate who defiantly challenges the folly of citizen disarmament. He blogs at “The War on Guns: Notes from the Resistance,” is a regularly featured contributor to Firearms News, and posts on Twitter: @dcodrea and Facebook.
Resistance at the local level is the most effective way to address the issue of infringement pending state level actions. Eventually it will require as Article V Convention of States to drive the progressive poison out of our Constitutional Republic. In the end that is the only hope for a peaceful outcome between the New Left Progressive authoritarian attack on our foundation and founding and the ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ majority in this nation. Get the federal government back in to its cage. It is that simple.
What time frame do you propose it would take at the local level in the Progressive states that have flipped total blue to become moderate at the very least in order to achieve that Title V Convention of States?
The federal government for at least the next 2 years is under the control of domestic enemies of the constitution. Very soon this will be apparent to all.
So its up to the states and countys governments to serve and protect our rights.if they don’t,then you need to decide your future
“……domestic enemies of the constitution……..” The follow describes the Socialist/Libtard anti-American tyrannical traitors within……aka Pigloosi, Slummer, A. Damn Shitt, Feinstooge, Xiden, Kameltoe, OccasionalCotex, Noodler, the Gnome Jacksome-She, The Dick Turdin, , et el, et el. “A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself. For the traitor appears not… Read more »
LEO’S FOLLOWING ORDERS: Ruby Ridge… Where was the outrage? Waco… 81 mostly women and children burned alive. Where was the outrage? Katrina… It took FEMA with 8 days ADVANCED WARNING of a, “storm of Biblical Proportions” and it still took 5 days to get water to the people at the dome. Where was the outrage? George Floyd is killed by a cop and the entire nation is in turmoil. Portland Seattle Kenosha Mineapolis Baltimore DC and on and on… Where was the outrage? We have the sickest, most spineless people and misplaced values and morals of any country. People don’t… Read more »
Or, veterans who are LEOs need to not act like the government employees who worked for Mao, Stalin, Hitler, the Kim family, and Pol Pot.
David, great article as usual! This is a topic that needs more coverage and wide dissemination. Mainly because I believe a large percentage of LEOs don’t spend time critically thinking about the true scope of their responsibility to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and those they have sworn to serve. I must admit I have been guilty of blindly following orders and not critically considering some of the actions I have been part of in the past. My experience tells me this is probably the norm amongst most of my knuckle dragger peers also. It is… Read more »
USCitizen,
Approximately what percent of LEOs do you think will enforce a law that bans the possession of semiautomatic rifles?
@ JSNMGC that’s a tough question that I’m not sure anyone can answer. I think many, if not most, LEOs would not question specific orders (e.g. search warrants, “red flag” interactions, involuntary commitment orders for psychological issues, etc…). Not because they are afraid of losing their jobs or because they support the legal premise of the actions, but because like I mentioned in my original post they “don’t spend time critically thinking about the true scope of their responsibility to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and those they have sworn to serve”. And they are trained… Read more »
USCitizen,
Thanks for responding.
In 2020, we saw many videos of LEOs following orders that most non-LEOs would never have expected them to follow.
It would be interesting to know if most LEOs believe there is no negative consequence of following orders to enforce the new gun control laws that are on the way.
In some areas, they and their families will be immediately ostracized from the community.
Will – 2/25/21:
“99% of LE will follow the constitution and the oath they swore to uphold! The other 1% are just the enemy with a uniform on!”
Response to Will:
The Constitution as interpreted by whom?
Will – 2/25/21: “If LE has a problem with constitutional interpretation that’s a problem they have to deal with,not us!” Response to Will: I don’t understand your point. If a law is passed banning the possession of semiautomatic rifles it will be enforceable when passed. If it is challenged, it will take a long time to make its way to the Supreme Court and there could be dozens of burned-down homes and dead families by then. Even then, the Supreme Court (as it exists today), would likely uphold the law as being Constitutional. If they don’t, it won’t matter to… Read more »
Will – 2/25/21 “You are anticipating something that won’t happen…..””shall not be infringed” The 2A would have to be abolished before banning or confiscation of firearms could ever happen. Sleepy Joe Biden executive orders won’t cut it!!! Even if that happened,which it won’t,many states would just ignore it anyway and/or secede from the former union! Red States are not going to allow tyranny to be shoved down their goddamn throats by the socialist scum! Don’t you think these scumbags know that we have firearms that shoot real bullets? If they think millions of us will turn into obedient sheep they… Read more »
Will – 2/25/21
“You talking Waco? Four or five ATF got their asses blown away too! Them SOB’s thought they could just bust threw them windows and yell ATF and take them all into custody didn’t they? Sure didn’t work out that way did it?”
Response to Will:
It would be nice if that never happened again. The results were horrific.
Will – 2/25/21 “Lesbo Janet Reno is to blame for that too.Waco was an aberration that will never happen again!” Response to Will: Reno had to be convinced that the final assault was appropriate. There are people who believed the FBI lied to her to get her to sign off on the action. In any case, it wasn’t the FBI being ordered to do something – they wanted to do it and went to D.C. for permission. The attorney general during the Ruby Ridge incident was the same guy Trump selected to be his attorney general. Many believe Waco happened… Read more »
Will – 2/25/21
“Former New Orleans mayor Nagin is still
in prison in Texas too! The citizens of NO had their firearms returned after. The hurricane!”
Response to Will:
It’s ok to take them, as long as they are returned after they are not needed?
Also, LE lied repeatedly about taking them and had to be sued to admit they had them and they were under a court order to return them – which they continued to resist.
Almost all the firearms were damaged.
@JSNMGC, agreed!
USCitizen,
You, sir, are why I continue to support all good LEOs.
God bless you.
Thanks, and God bless you, our country and our leaders!
Will – 2/25/21:
“The 27 words in the 2A are so easy to understand a 2 year old could. It’s almost like our founders wrote it specifically for the dumbass liberals to understand in 2021!”
Response to Will:
It’s easy for you and I to understand, but there are thousands of LEOs (far more than 1%) across the US who have, and are, enforcing laws that are contrary to those words.
Will – 2/25/21
“I don’t look at a tyrant in a uniform as an LEO ! That’s where we don’t agree!”
Response to Will:
No True Scotsman.
Will – 2/25/21
“There’s no middle ground in what’s right or wrong! You can’t be a little right or a little wrong? It’s one or the other!”
Response to Will:
It doesn’t appear that armed government employees share your view.
@ JSNMGC, agreed!
@ Will, I don’t look at LEOs as tyrants either, they are heros! That doesn’t change the fact that the arey used as political pawns or the fact that most LEOs don’t think critically about the true scope of their responsibility to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and those they have sworn to serve!
Will – 2/25/21 “You almost make it sound like we should fear tyrants dressed up as cops! I don’t at all.Those scumbags better fear the millions of firearms owners that will never quit fighting for what’s right!” Response to Will: Here’s a different interpretation: Almost all modern totalitarian governments came into power and stayed in power because armed government employees enforced laws. They followed orders. They did not exercise any personal responsibility for determining whether those orders were moral – only if they were lawful. Some of those orders were horrific. We look back at that history and say “how… Read more »
@ JSNMGC, history supports your analysis but its important to add that it is U.S.A. citizens who should bear the blame for allowing moral decline in our society and the erosion of Constitutional Rights.
Shame on us!!!
Hmmm . . . Shame on us all, I agree. If more people and organizations of people had demanded certain things out of politicians rather than continually voting for the lesser of two evils, we wouldn’t be in the current situation. However, there is the natural pull of the majority to take from the minority and that is how we put the government in the business of forced redistribution of wealth. Politicians bought the votes of the majority with the fruit of the labor of the minority. It’s why we have a Constitution and other safeguards to avoid the horrors… Read more »
@JSNMGC, I’m not sure I understand what you mean.
Are you referring to human nature when you say “there is the natural pull of the majority to take from the minority and that is how we put the government in the business of forced redistribution of wealth. Politicians bought the votes of the majority with the fruit of the labor of the minority”?
Yes – the founding fathers warned of this and set up safeguards to avoid the consequences. Since the word “minority” is so often used in the context of race, let me be clear – I am not talking about race. There is a natural tendency for people to vote for politicians who promise to fix their problems. Many people want the government to address the most petty of their grievances. I cited one of the most common promises (economic benefits). Politicians promise “free” health care, “free” abortions, “free” sex changes, “free” education, housing subsidization, food subsidization, “free” transportation, and lop-sided… Read more »
Interesting. I agree with most of what you said but don’t quite get the connection to supporting armed government employees who enforce never-ending gun control. Aside from U.S.A. citizens convicted of violent actions I do not support gun control in any manner. Even then, in theory a completed prison sentence is “payment” for a crime. Therefoore the argument could be made that ex-convicts should have their 2A Rights restored.
I assume you agree that there is a need for armed government employees. What does that look like to you?
USCitizen, Yes, of course I agree that there is a need for armed government employees. Other than the military, I believe there should be far, far fewer at the federal level. I believe there should be fewer laws. I believe the laws should be enforced equally irrespective of: Age Gender Race Religion Political party affiliation Political connections/positions Reputation in the community Relationship to LEOs (relative, friend, colleague, boss, etc.) Etc. The connection I was referring to was that totalitarian governments frequently come into power (sometimes by voting) by promising to fix people’s problems. Often those problems people want fixed are… Read more »
@wjd, I don’t know your background but I believe your assessment is extremely optimistic! It seems like you may have your head in the sand. Even 40 years ago I doubt that 99% of LEOs “spend time critically thinking about the true scope of their responsibility to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and those they have sworn to serve”. In my opinion that is a primary reason for the decline in support of the Constitution and the 2nd Amendment in particular. People don’t think!!! if they did, we would not have the blatant disregard for Constitutional… Read more »
@wjd, I don’t know your background but I believe your assessment is extremely optimistic! It seems like you have may have your head in the sand. Even 40 years ago I doubt that 99% of LEOs “spend time critically thinking about the true scope of their responsibility to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and those they have sworn to serve”. In my opinion that is a primary reason for the decline in support of the Constitution and the 2nd Amendment in particular. People don’t think!!! if they did, we would not have the blatant disregard for Constitutional… Read more »
USCitizen,
You deserve a medal.
Please stay in LE and influence those around you.
USCitizen,
I think your assessment is incorrect. I believe the majority of LEOs are like dave399.
They will enforce almost any law because they are afraid of losing their job and they can’t imagine a worse consequence if they do follow orders.
Wow, the vast majority?
Is that because they fear being fired if they don’t enforce the laws and they can’t imagine any consequences if they do enforce the laws?
@ JSNMGC I’m sure that is one aspect but I think the main thing is LEOs just like military personnel are trained to follow orders and are keenly aware of the consequences of not following orders. I believe very few LEOs are “Called” to law enforcement. My experience is that LEOs for the most part are just average people trying to make a living, it’s a job.
They are going to be made keenly aware of the consequences of following orders. When they start coming home to a wife that is crying because no one came to her kid’s birthday party and her best friend snubbed her at the grocery store, maybe they will understand a large percentage of non-LEOs find that “just following orders” is completely unacceptable. Most jobs don’t involve ruining or ending someone’s life because they bought something legally and did nothing wrong with it. Please don’t take any of the above as arguing against you. I appreciate you providing insight into the views… Read more »
@JSNMGC, You are probably right, but the odd thing is those same people who refuse to go to a kid’s birthday party and the best friend who snubs her at the grocery store are the first people to call for the same police officer to help them in time of need. That isn’t to say consequences aren’t warranted at times, it’s just to point out that people are quick to sit back in their safe places and place blame instead of stepping up, getting involved and trying to resolve issues themselves. I don’t think you are arguing against me, it’s… Read more »
USCitizen, Those people have been the first ones to donate to police fund drives for spouses of LEOs killed in the line of duty and fund drives to buy body armor for LEOs. Those people are the ones who don’t commit crimes (other than the occasional speeding ticket). Those people are the ones paying the taxes. Those people have been supporting LEOs “in general,” despite all the videos on youtube in which LEOs act like complete assholes. Those people have always said “well, there’s a few bad apples,” and keep supporting LEOs in general. Those people put aside things like:… Read more »
28 years ago, bad LEOs followed bad orders:
https://twitter.com/ATFHQ/status/1366040817626984450?s=20
David,
Thank you very much for linking to my website. I have devoted more than a year of my life to archiving the Second Amendment Sanctuary Movement. We are now well over 1/3 of all American Counties that are now Second Amendment Sanctuaries. If you have any questions for me pertaining to the 2A Sanctuary Movement, please email me at [email protected].
Very respectfully,
Noah Davis
David,
Your link in this article to, SanctuaryCounties.com deserves a second look. I opened the link and have to admit I was shocked at the number of counties throughout this great country that have affirmed their support of the sanctuary second amendment movement. I was aware of the vast number of counties in Virginia declaring support after their demoncrat “baby killing” Governor made nightly news when he attacked their second amendment rights and “little kids” but I did not know the open and free state of Florida had so many as well.
Thanks for the information and the link.
Hogleg, thanks for the kind words! Most people are unaware of this, but all the way back in September we passed 1/3 of all counties in the U.S. being Second Amendment Sanctuaries. I wrote an article about that: https://sanctuarycounties.com/2020/09/23/one-third-of-u-s-counties-are-now-second-amendment-sanctuaries/. People thought it was just in Virginia, but it quickly spread far and wide. These lockdowns have slowed the movement somewhat, but after the election things kicked into overdrive.
You don’t have any military experience at all, do you? I mean other than Game Boi and what you may have seen on TV?
My indication is that you always seem to be the loudest voice in the room always wanting to go to war at the drop of a hat… Just because we (Military personnel) are trained for war, doesn’t mean we welcome it except as a last resort. You on the other hand, untrained, undisciplined seem to want to lead other, less knowing people off to fight the war all by yourself and finish it in a day. Think maybe you want to ask others if they will want to follow you into the hellfire of battle first before you decide for… Read more »
You may want to go back and re-read what I wrote. Each and every comment, reply and response.
If you think the “militia” is gonna take on the government and win you’re dreaming. If we the people were really concerned about what is going on we would not be in this. Until citizens wake up to what is going on we are in for dark times. By the way I have a lot of military and law enforcement experience.
What orders should LEOs, national guard, and active military not follow?
Ones that are illegal or immoral. At least that is what our DSs told us in Basic Training in 1973. I followed that line of instruction for the rest of my life.
There is a huge percentage of posters here who carry (or carried) a firearm while in the employment of various government agencies, bureaus, departments, or other entities. Of the very few who have replied to this question, I think you are the only one who has said immoral. For the rest who talk about oaths, legal orders and Constitutional orders, what does that mean? The original Constitution? The Constitution as amended? The amended Constitution as interpreted by whom? The Supreme Court? At one time, seven members (all Democrats) of the Supreme court said it was legal for a person to… Read more »
dave399?
Typical.
3l120?
Superman?
Don?
I did not realize you were asking me a question. Those that are lawful. If the politicians pass a law and the Supreme court upholds it, then it is lawful and I am obligated to follow it – Example Roe v. Wade. I don’t like this law. I think it is immoral, but I am not going to kill over it or go to jail.
dave399,
LEOs will be ordered to enforce the law before it goes to the Supreme Court.
When the law finally does get challenged, the Supreme Court will probably rule that banning semiautomatic rifles is Constitutional.
When you remove all personal responsibility (“just following orders”) from armed government employees, do you not see a problem?
As someone with a lot of military and LE experience, you must know many LEOs. What percent of LEOs would you estimate (roughly) are prepared to “follow all lawful orders?”
dave399 (and other LEOs), your silence is deafening.
Those that are lawful. If the politicians pass a law and it is upheld by the Supreme Court then it is lawful. Example Roe v. Wade. I don’t like this law it is immoral, but I am not going to kill over it or go to jail.
LEOs should follow orders as long as they are legal?
If there is a law that bans the possession of semiautomatic rifles by non-government employees, you (someone with a lot of military and LE experience) thinks LEOs should follow orders to confiscate those firearms and arrest the owners?
dave399,
When you remove all personal responsibility (“just following orders”) from armed government employees, do you not see a problem?
As someone with a lot of military and LE experience, you must know many LEOs. What percent of LEOs would you estimate (roughly) are prepared to “follow all lawful orders?”
I don’t think they should, but they will because it’s their job. I know quite a few who say they will not enforce gun control laws, but when a push comes to a shove they probably will. I am retired and no longer have to make that decision. I don’t think we should have individual citizens choosing which laws they want to follow. If one does not like the law, get it changed or obey it.
I could not disagree more.
Approximately what percent of LEOs do you think will enforce a law that bans the possession of semiautomatic rifles?
Approximately what percentage of LEOs do you think agree with you that non-LEOs should obey laws prohibiting the possession of semiautomatic rifles?
Oldvet,
Still think young people are the problem?
dave399, I guess you must be pretty conflicted about the Northern aggression against the South. And the killing of Randy Weaver’s son and wife. And the killing of all those innocents at Waco. “Just following orders”, right?
“If they didn’t kill those 25 children and 51 adults, someone might have gotten hurt. It was for their own safety. A law is a law.”
Will – 2/25/21
“JSNMGC,got to leave at noon and drive to Dallas. Will be back tonite. Take care.”
Response to Will:
Ok, have a good trip.
musicman44mag, you might be surprised at your state… There are actually a number of 2A Sanctuaries over there. Check it out: https://sanctuarycounties.com/category/states/oregon/
You can also check the national 2A Sanctuary map here: https://sanctuarycounties.com/2021/01/15/new-second-amendment-sanctuary-counties-map-for-january-15-2021/