C 18 - C 20

(C-18)

Calm Before the Storm

August

2001

“There's no way to rule innocent men.
The only power government has is the power to crack down on criminals.
When there aren't enough criminals, one makes them.
One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible
for men to live without breaking laws.”

Ayn Rand

"The government is merely a servant--merely a
temporary servant; it cannot be its prerogative to
determine what is right and what is wrong, and
decide who is a patriot and who isn't. Its function
is to obey orders' not originate them."
~ Mark Twain

Today's liberals (Elites) wish to disarm us so they can run their evil and oppressive agenda on us. The fight against crime is just a convenient excuse to further their agenda. I don't know about you, but if you hear that Williams' guns have been taken, you'll know Williams is dead’.

–Walter Williams, Professor of Economics, George Mason University.

The current course of legislation unjustly punishes gun owners with burdensome rules for the violent misdeeds committed by gun toting drug dealers, criminals and the insane. The now seemingly automatic drive to blame honest firearm enthusiasts every time a tragedy involving guns occurs is beginning to become irritating if not downright offensive. —

Constable John A. Gayder

Americans who value freedom had better be more concerned about the gun control crowd than the criminals. The criminals want your money. The Neo-Totalitarians want your freedom.

— Charlie Reese

An enemy of liberty is no friend of mine.

I do not owe respect to anyone

who would enslave me by government force,

nor is it wise for such a person to expect it.

— Isaiah Amberay

‘Liberty can not be preserved without knowledge among people.’

- John Adams

“I want to thank you for letting me speak to you today, I know that you only have this luncheon and regional meetings of the counties Sheriffs and administrators twice a year, so it is a honor to be asked to speak today.”

“As you know from the itinerary that was handed out my name is Dan Marion, I served in the Army for ten years leaving with the rank of Major. I now own my own business; I love God, my family, and my country as much as any of you do. In January of this year, I was unanimously elected by our four hundred fifty seven members to serve as the Battalion Commander of your local Militia. These members come from all the counties represented here, and a few that aren’t.”

“Our Militia members are your neighbors, and friends. They go to the same churches you do, sell you groceries, and insurance, some work on your cars and some your teeth. We teach your children in school, in Sunday school, and coach them after school.”

“You buy the beef from your local butchery that some of us produce. Or the electric power that comes into your homes and offices. We were on the same sports teams or played against you when we were in school, as our children do with yours today. My fellow militia friends and I have taken the same oath to the Constitution, both federal and state, that some of you did when sworn into office. We make no apologies for our love of country and community.”

“Two of your fellow Sheriffs present and several of your deputies have been to our range to shoot, others have attended our first aid and weather spotter courses. Some of your counties para-medics get their annual CPR training from us, and we have worked hard to help our fellow citizens who have fallen on hard times. With food and clothing donations, furniture and appliances when we can, and in two cases hard cash to pay some past due bills.”

“Most of you know a friend or two who are in the Militia, and I hope they have your respect. I’m not here to frighten anyone or to try to awe you with who we are, or the number of voters in our group. All of them vote the way they want to, we don’t tell any of our members how they should vote, but for all of them to vote.”

“According to federal statute when I turned seventeen I became a member of the Militia, I didn’t know that until years later, because it’s not taught in school, but it should be. Honestly it’s not even common knowledge among people who should know, but it’s the law.”

“Everyone knows that when a young man turns eighteen he must register for selective service. But to be a member of the Militia all he has to do is turn seventeen. That sounds funny doesn’t it, that for one type of service to your country you have to take an active step; to register, and for the other, you’re in when your old enough, but no one tells you.”

Holding his right hand out palm up, “You’re told that you must register to comply with the selective service law.” Dan started to hold out his left hand then he placed it behind his back, “but your not told about the Militia law, as I said both are laws on the books? And in fact the Militia laws are federal statutes as well as state laws. Sort of makes you wonder why?”

“Federal law and state laws both codify the Militia into two parts.”

“The first is the organized militia, and that is the National Guard and the navel reserve. The unorganized militia is everyone over the age of seventeen and able bodied. I have copies prepared of the US and Kansas laws that are relevant and if you wish a copy please raise your hand and our Battalion’s Intelligence Officer, Lieutenant Will Shannon, and B Company first Sergeant, David Randle will see that you get one.”

Several hands were raised at various tables, Will and David both got up from the tables they had been setting at and chatting during the lunch. By the look of surprise on several faces, from people who had sat at the same tables and talked with them you could tell they had no idea they were talking to Militia members. They were just ordinary people, your everyday person whom the previous presidential administration had ridiculed and demonized. Even more amazing that one was black and the other was recognized as one of the best local businessmen in the region.

Dan continued with a smile, “As you can see we are you, ‘A militia, when properly formed, are in fact the people themselves…’ That quote is from Richard Henry Lee January 25 1788, Letters from the Federal Farmer to the Republican. Another quote that backs this same argument, ‘Little more can reasonable be aimed at with respect to the people at large, than to have them properly armed and equipped…’ Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist, 29. I could go on all day with quotes or Supreme Court rulings about who is a part of the militia or how it should be armed. One more quote for now its’ from James Madison the forth president of our country. ‘The right of the people to keep and bear..arms shall not be infringed. A well regulated Militia. composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the best and most natural defense of a free country.’ That is from the Annual of Congress 434 June 8, 1789. I don’t think you can make it any clearer, we are all in the Militia, the same as we have to set on a jury when called.”

“I don’t want to make anyone mad or to start any arguments, I just want to stand up for what is right and the law of the land. You have to be a student of history, or at least well read, to completely understand why the founding fathers of this country wrote for us the United States Constitution. It is all about personnel freedom, not for the many, but for the individual.”

Dan took a sip of water from his glass to clear his throat then said; “Most people know that our present form of government is the second attempt after the Revolution of 1776, to govern ourselves. They had tried a different style of government under the Articles of Confederation, from 1781 to 1787; our history lessons taught us that such a weak and powerless central government wouldn’t work. In 1786 Virginia persuaded five states to send delegates to a convention on interstate commerce. The delegates soon realized that they needed to rewrite the Articles of Confederation and called on all the states to send a delegation to meet in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall in 1787. Rhode Island did not take part, as they did not want any ‘outside interference’ in its affairs.”

“The arguments were long and pointed at that convention. Imagine yourself in the same room with the likes of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. The Founding Fathers as they are called, these great men and many others all helped forge a great document that has often been called a work of political genius.”

“Then the task of getting the states to ratify such a revolutionary idea of government and lot of hard work was still ahead. Many Americans were still opposed to the Constitution, and the debates were long and fierce. Madison, John Jay and Hamilton wrote a series of letters to the newspapers to answer the criticism and opposition. Thus the Federalist papers were written by those whom wanted this new style of government.”

“On June 21,1788 New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify, and that started our Republic. There was still a lot of opposition because the basic Constitution did not specifically guarantee enough individual rights. The first 10 amendments were passed and they became known as the Bill of Rights.”

“These are rights that belong to the people and they come from God. They are not granted to us from a group of people we elect, they are rights that cannot be taken away. I won’t cover all 10, suffice that they guaranties freedom of speech, religion, and the press, peaceful assemble, a trial by jury. But the most important one is that which gives teeth to the others, ‘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.’ It doesn’t get simpler then that, shall not be infringed The second Amendment, as much it has been debated, it is still fuzzy to a lot of people.” Dan paused to let the chuckles subside.

“Again I’m not here to argue or to even try to change some people’s point of view, just to point out that we in the Militia obey the law and want our law makers to do the same. I’m referring to Article 1, Section 8 paragraph 16 of the United States Constitution, that Congress is charged with, and I’ll paraphrase, To provide for organizing, arming and disciplining, the Militia; reserving to the states the appointing of officers and the authority of training the Militia, as prescribed by Congress.” He held up a booklet The Constitution of the United States, by the Commission of the Bicentennial.

“I have extra copies here if any one would like one please raise a hand,” reaching over and picking up a stack of the booklets, he handed them to his friends. “Will and David please pass them out,” the two got up and took the booklets, as they turned around most of the audience raised a hand. Dan added, “I keep a copy with me at all times, as well as the Jurist handbook.”

“The Second Amendment refers to ‘a well-regulated militia,’ the right of the people to form citizen militias was unquestioned by our Founding fathers. They opposed anything but a very small national Army. The phrase “well-regulated” means a well-trained and disciplined unit — not “regulated” as understand in today’s use of language, or as in a controlling bureaucratic regulation”

(The word regulated and its meaning still can be found in the unabridged Oxford English Dictionary, 2d ed. 1989, Vol 13, p. 524, and Vol 20. P. 138.)

The Federalists papers promised that state governments and citizen militias with their military style arms would exist to make sure the federal military never became large or oppressive. To say that the National Guard replaced the Militia runs contrary to what the Founding fathers said and wrote, and to federal law.”

“If congress or the states won’t do their duty to equip and maintain the militia then the people themselves must do it. Yes some of our members are hard pressed to equip themselves so the more fortunate of us help where they can. And if any one here would like to donate items or money we would accept gladly, we are not above accepting charity, or gifts.”

“The equipping of the Militia is necessary, but the training is the most important part. It can cost up to a thousand dollars to buy all the necessary uniform, boots, canteens, tent, etc. that is needed to be a citizen solider. Again we sure could use some help, either in the counties getting military surplus items from the state for free that we need, Large tents etc. and then donating it to us. Or asking the state to make available for our new members the basics at low cost as he signs up and takes the oath, as they do their new National Guard members.”

“As I said the training is the most important aspect for a new member, we want all our people to be at least trained to a first responder lever in medical skills. Then we start in on radio and map and compass classes and the other fields necessary to round him out.”

“Some of our detractors say we train with weapons, yes we do and that we do a lot of shooting. Yes we do that too because this builds skill and confidence. We do some close order drill for discipline and pride in their unit, and to provide a color guard at parades. And we do a lot of infantry style maneuvers and training, just in case we are called by the State. But also to build the teamwork and confidence within each unit, that is necessary for any job that requires a group effort. All of our training is open, anyone wishing to belay any fears about us is welcome to observer or to join in, if so inclined.”

“I’ve been told by one retired Marine general, and from several active Army Colonels up at Ft. Leavenworth, that one day the country will need the militia again. And that the Government will wish it had supported, maintained and trained us. I would like to know the reasoning, or some of the intelligence sources that made them come to that conclusion. When I asked them why, they would only tell me that there will be a need, they all said that time would tell, but for us to continue recruiting and training, and then do more training.”

With a smile Dan added, “OooK! They must have access to a crystal ball, or know more than what we the people are being told. Anyway we continue to enlist new member monthly, train monthly and to be ready on a moments notice just in case we are needed.”

“Don’t get me wrong I’m not belittling the active Military, the Reserves or our National Guard, or any of the jobs they do. They have all worked hard for years doing a thankless job, but they are spread thin, really thin. America has military personnel stationed in over 100 countries around the world. Our armed forces including all of the Regular Army, National Guard and the Reserves are about half the size it was years ago when we finished Desert Storm.”

“In the floods of 1993 the National Guard helped as much as they could with the Counties along the Kansas and Missouri rivers. But it still took a small army of volunteers to do most of the sandbagging, and heavy lifting. They are and were by definition the militia; the people themselves. Mostly unorganized, but they helped get the job done.”

Taking another sip of water from his glass, Dan Continued, “As I’ve stated we receive no help either in equipment or training from the State or the Federal governments. Our members are all volunteers, and as I already said, they must pay for their own uniforms, boots etc. and meals they eat while training. They buy radios, medical supplies, and in some cases surplus military vehicles. They provide the manpower for the upkeep of our training area and range. The targets, ammo and weapons each individual must purchase and maintain, they do not belong to anyone else, and it is personal property.”

“We have several large Army tents; and in an emergency we would set them up, and we can feed over 500 people from our mobile kitchen. At the same time we can treat over fifty injuries in our medical tents. We train on private property, but we are there to help our communities, as of now no public land has been made available to us.”

“We practice and maintain an alert schedule, in an emergency twenty-five to thirty people will respond in less then an hour, to help look for a lost child, our to round up a herd of cows that have gotten out of a pasture and on to a county highway. We have done both in the last six months.”

“In the last two years alone our members have helped put out more then two dozen grass fires. Twenty times, our members were the first person at the scene of a car accident, they knew what to do, to stabilize any injuries or prevent worse complications by letting someone injured move about. And the last seven years, we have helped out as extra weather spotters when the big spring storm’s roll in.”

“We don’t want any special phrase or awards for what we do, just your support as fellow citizens who like you are concerned and want a better community.”

“I know I just used the plural, We a lot. But that is us, because We are the People.”

“Some people say we in the militia want to overthrow the government, that’s a lie and couldn’t be further from the truth. The people who say such things are afraid of the truth, that the corruption and illegal things they do will be exposed by us.”

“We the people voted them in to office, they work for us, they represent us. We live in a republic, with the rule of law, where all men are equal before the law. We the people want and voted leaders into office, it’s an honor and a special position to be a lawmaker, or law enforcers for a free people, but still subject to the same laws as we are all.”

“The people elected leaders to lead, not to hold up a wet finger and wait for the wind to blow a certain way, but to lead. If you don’t lead by example, honestly and faithful to your constituent, you can be voted out and then some one else steps up.” Dan had most of the speech memorized and had to glance at his notes less and less as he delivered it.

“The American Rebellion from Great Britain was started by excessive government intervention into private affairs, by unreasonable taxation without representation, and by government from a distance. These three statements described colonial America in 1776 - and they describe modern America today.”

“We urge politicians both local and national to stop treating us the people as the problem. We the people, including everyone here are their bosses, we are there when they need volunteers, and we are the answer to help solve problems and curb crime. All government at any levels can get free help when needed; just ask for volunteers, the people, the citizens, will feel wanted and like being a part of the solution; don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

“Since we are not going to get any support from the Feds. or the state we have to do it ourselves, we will continue with our training and community work, hopefully with you support and assistance, the good Lord willing. If not we will still do what we can within our own resources.”

“Some people are upset because we sometimes train with weapons or train people how to use the weapons they own properly, others say that we don’t have the right to form into a militia.”

“Those people need to read and understand what the constitution says. Article 1 Section 8 of the Constitution clearly lists: ‘To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions.’ Notice the precise words used, to provide for calling forth the militia. Now it would be ridiculous to assume that the militia, that is all of the people, are not to train but are to wait until the last moment before an invasion. And then to show up equipped and armed somehow self trained and then to be of service? As everyone knows practice makes the team, work. If the state isn’t involved, then the training of the militia is left in the hands of the militia itself. That means any laws against paramilitary training would be and are unconstitutional.”

“I couldn’t find the name of the man or women, who wrote the following to give due credit but I still quote,

‘The right to self-defense is assumed by all men. It is a natural right recognized by animals that defend themselves and their young. It is a right recognized in the Declaration of Independence as the right to “life” as endowed by the Creator.’ If that is a accepted fact, then you must recognizes the right to arms to be one of those inalienable rights “endowed equally to every human being by the ‘laws of nature and of nature’s God.’” If a man has “no right to self-defense,” then he is a slave, for his “rights are at the sufferance of his master — whether that master is a state or an owner.”

“But time after time, we find this right is being attacked by all our governmental entities, either within the judicial, the legislative, or the executive branches of government. In their efforts to remove the right of each citizen to defend himself in whatever way is necessary and to bear arms if necessary for personal defense. We the people claim our right and demand that our legislature set rules to stop the efforts by our government to limit our right to self-defense. That these citizen’s rights protected by our Constitution be enforced and protected, and to punish the people who’s efforts infringe on this right.”

“We believe that the very spirit of freedom and why the stars of liberty continue to shine, is due to the patriot’s rifle.”

“Do we assume too much when we claim the right of self-defense? Is there any legal backing to our claim this right?”

“ Yes there is and is it’s called ‘The Bill of Rights’ in Section 4 of the Constitution of Kansas which clearly states:”

“ The people have the right to bear arms for their defense and security (emphasis added); but standing armies in time of peace, are dangerous to liberty, and shall not be tolerated, and the military shall be in strict subordination to the civil power.”

“Backing that up and according to the U.S. Constitution Article 6 Section 2, the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Then the same should also apply in Kansas for the Constitution of Kansas to be the supreme law in Kansas, subject to the Constitution of the U.S..

And all laws passed by the legislature must conform to the Constitution or they are null and void from inception: I quote ‘All laws repugnant to the Constitution are null and void. (Marbury vs. Madison).”

“Clearly, restricting the right of law-abiding citizens to bear arms is unlawful and a violation of our Constitutionally guaranteed rights. Yet the repeated efforts of some to restrict the Constitutional right of others, are never punished. This must change, and these violations must be punished. The stakes are too great to continue to allow violations of rights, the civil right laws need to be applied here too.”

“Some say we do not need a particular gun to hunt and they imply that guns are for hunting. This is foolish, the Bill of Rights speaks of bearing arms for defense and security, and clearly this does not mean the right to hunt. A gun, which is appropriate for self-defense, may very well not be suitable for hunting. Any infringement on weapons which are useable for self-defense is an unlawful violation of rights, even when that unlawful violation is clearly an unconstitutional law which is in violation of our Constitutional right.”

“The Neighborhood watch has become a very popular way for citizens to protect their family, their property, and their neighbors. The history of the United States has shown repeatedly citizens volunteering to protect themselves. Sheriffs would recruit a posse to capture a criminal gang, and in the Revolutionary war armed citizens volunteered to protect their liberty by fighting the king’s soldiers who enforced oppressive laws.” Dan paused for a second to murmurs of agreement from his audience.

“The Neighborhood watch has a long history of protecting our families and our State, but the terminology has been changed from the earlier name “militia.”

“The first neighbor watch programs were set up in New England and called the Militia. Samuel Adams and others of like mind helped organize and fund the first militias of the Revolutionary war and undoubtedly supported the idea of self defense, self protection, and defense of one’s own neighborhood, as did the other founding fathers. We must remember that the founders pledged their lives and fortunes in the defense of their liberty and their neighborhoods and many lost both. The 2^nd Amendment to the Constitution of the U.S. specifies the purpose of the militia: “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.” The protection of our sacred right of self-defense against both petty criminals and oppressive government — the right of civilians to keep and bear arms — all was spelled out over 200 years ago.”

“Our founding fathers had to fight, and nearly lost, the War for Independence against mercenary armies and the professional armies of the King. They were determined that the new country they created and the people of the states would always have access to arms if necessary. Most states have a clause like Article 8 of the Constitution of Kansas that specifies that the militia will come from those citizens who bear arms for self-defense.”

“The Militia is really a reserve force of citizens, to be used by the States only in emergency’s. Using the militia for national defense is important in other countries besides the United States. In Israel, every man must have military training and soldiers on leave take their automatic rifle with them.”

“Switzerland requires all her young men to serve in the militia, to keep a current issue military rifle in their home and to practice with it regularly.”

“In these two countries you can see Freedom is linked to the maintenance of the militia, and it’s not just a right to keep and bear arms.”

“Why then do we see so very few militias in the history of mankind?”

Dan pauses for a few seconds, the continues with, “For the same reason we see very little Liberty in the history of mankind. Because armed man or women refuse to be a pawns or slaves.”

“On the other hand, history has given us clear examples of what happens when citizens are disarmed. In Germany, First the guns were registered before Hitler came to power, after he was in power, they were then confiscated, and so the people could not defend themselves. Since the Jews, Gypsies, and others were all disarmed and unable to defend themselves their annihilation was simple.”

“In Turkey, the Armenians were disarmed, and then over 800,000 of them were slaughtered by the government in 1915. Under Stalin in Russia, Mao Tse-Tung in China, and Pol Pot in Cambodia, millions died in each of those countries because the citizens were unarmed and could not defend themselves from their government. The danger of murder of armed citizens by unorganized criminals can never be as great as the danger of governments killing unarmed citizens.”

“And recently in many countries in Africa such as the Sudan and Rwanda we have seen the citizens disarmed, then later murdered by machetes and firearms.”

“Time after time, and in countries to many to count, just the last 100 years provided a horrible truth. Over 60 million died by the hands of their governments, yes 60 million innocents murdered, ample proof that unarmed citizens cannot protect their families.”

“Some people say it can’t happen here? I’m not willing to let my grand children prove me wrong, and I’m sure not one person present today would be willing to place your families lives and bet on that either?”

“I hope that you all know that gun control is really people control, and the last eight years under the Clinton Presidency has been a nightmare for the decent law abiding Americans, we have been attacked by our own government in our Religious beliefs, how we teach or children to have a moral compass, to recognize right from wrong. If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization,” wrote Jefferson, “it expects what never was and never will be.”

“Here in the mid-west we all know that sin is still sin, and sex is still sex, that our love of country is right and that we don’t need or want a more worldly attitude.”

“Some of the liberals say that the Boy Scouts should open their leadership to child molesters and homosexuals, that character and past performance doesn’t matter. That if you are in a top federal position it’s OK to lie and obstruct justice and ignore court orders to turn over documents.”

“Try that on a county level, oh boy, we all know a county commissioner who has spent the last three years in jail, for lying to a grand jury, and destroying evidence.” The members of the luncheon all laughed at that one, they all knew the local official who would spend at least two more years locked up for his crimes.

Dan continued after the laughter subsided. “But the most vicious attack has been on our right to protect ourselves and our family.”

“If a teacher in school were to punish the whole class because one or two students misbehaved, to keep them all after school for two hours; causing most to miss sports practice, or piano lessons, or the bus ride home. I’ll bet you that evening and the next day, and for the following few weeks, the parents would be demanding the teacher to be fired. That all PTA and school board meetings would be packed with angry hostile mom’s and dad’s, until action was taken by the elected school board, would be an understatement.”

“That is how the average gun owner feels, he sees himself as the students who are innocent, being punished along with the criminals. Gun owners, over ninety-five percent of them are law abiding and have never committed a crime, but they are being treated as criminals because they want to exercise a right guaranteed in the Constitution.”

“It’s not right, and it’s not the American way. If the gun grabbers want to change the law of the land, they have to do it by an Amendment, not by enacting unconstitutional laws.”

“The state of Missouri is a good example of what I’m talking about, I hear a couple of chuckles from the audience, now that’s true Jay-hawker pride.” Dan pauses with a smile as they all laugh.

“But no seriously, The Show Me State is doing just that, every election cycle the pro-rights people are getting rid of state Senators who are voting against the right to concealed carry. They are being voted out of office a few at a time and soon the pro-rights people will have a veto proof majority in both houses. And after that they will elect a no-nonsense Governor that believes in the people, the same as we will do here in Kansas.”

“Until then; we will see time after time honest politicians who buckle to the shrill frenetic cries of ‘protect the women and protect the children, we know best, yes we will take away rights but that’s so we can better protect you.’ The taking away of rights has always been the excuse that all despot’s have used to place more restrictions on freedom.”

“A well know truth is that good intentions don’t always make good laws. What really counts in the real world is whether the laws actually save lives. So far gun control laws have only enable the governments that turn bad, the ability to make mass murder easier for them. Or at the very least, the laws disarm the law-abiding citizens, not criminals. Now that’s something our law enforces know, criminals don’t obey the laws, and that is why they are called criminals.” The people in the audience were still awake because most of them laughed.

“Every one present that is in local law enforcement knows that the bad guys won’t turn in their weapons no matter what law is passed, as I said that’s way they are called criminals. All gun control does is to make the streets safer for the bad guys and bad Governments.”

“Now why is the UN for Gun Control? So that sooner or later they can have a world government under their control. If you don't believe me, do a little research and look at their long term goal.”

“The Second Amendment was not crafted to allow hunters and target shooters to own firearms. The Second Amendment was adopted to guarantee that if (God forbid) Americans were ever again faced with tyrannical government intent on enslaving the populace, “we the people” would have the tools necessary and the ability to organize into Militia’s, to rise up and reclaim our freedom and liberty. Again don’t take my word for it, read the federalist papers, our founding fathers laid out their thoughts on the why and the how of our Constitution.”

“They knew that tyranny may not, or need not, come from our government, but from outside antagonists….such as terrorists. The Second Amendment was “ordained and established” to allow Americans to again (if necessary) fight for freedom and liberty. The Second Amendment is a protection against tyranny … ANY tyranny.”

“A few months after the Bill of Rights was ratified, Congress passed the Militia Act of 1792. This required that all able-bodied male over the age of seventeen were to keep a military rifle and ammunition in their home. The Militia could then respond ready and able when a muster was called. The National Guard has to have theirs locked up at the local armories.”

“The Militia Act of 1792 has never been suspended so constitutionally YOU are indeed, a member of the Militia. The Constitution imposes a duty on YOU to keep and bear arms as the Militia for the defense of our State and our Nation. That is the true meaning of the Militia: the people in possession of their own arms; their own private property ready to use and trained to be an asset for their community.”
“Because this right, to keep and bear arms is a constitutional provision, each of us has the obligation and should be willing to fulfill that duty.”

“The men who wrote the Constitution and Bill of Rights knew what they were doing when the stated in terms that are true today, ‘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.”
“After World War II the Japanese were asked why they didn’t invade the West Coast of the United States after bombing Pearl Harbor. Reportedly they said they resisted the temptation because they were keenly aware that so many Americans (especially in the West) were both armed and proficient with firearms.” Dan looking around the room saw several of the older gentlemen present shaking their heads in agreement, they must be WW2 vets.

Continuing after a sip of water, “Likewise, after the Cold War in the late 1990’s, a group of CIA and KGB types were talking and trading Cold War stories when the question came up about plans to invade the continental United States. The Russians laughed, ‘Not as long as you have so many armed citizens.’ As you can see past enemies feared the armed American citizen. As do the Elitist and leftists today, an Armed people will remain free.”

“That is why those old dead wise guys, placed the Second Amendment in the Bill of Rights. They knew it’s a right from god, that can’t be taken away, or denied, to add teeth to the people and guarantees all the other rights, one right not to be used unless necessary. Just a simple reminder that free people to remain free must have the means and the ability to insure their freedom.”

“John F. Kennedy once said, and I quote. ‘Today, we need a nation of Minutemen, citizens who are not only prepared to take up arms, but citizens who regard the preservation of freedom as the basic purpose of their daily life and who are willing to consciously work and sacrifice for that freedom.’ President Kennedy knew that the Militia was still needed in the 60’s and it is still needed today.”

“JFK was correct, but then he just echoing the words of our Founding Fathers, We the People are the Militia. That’s one of the many reasons we in the Unorganized Militia do what we do, for God and Country, and for not just our families but for yours too.”

“We threaten no one, we are against corruption and evil the same as you are. And as I said at the beginning, we are your neighbors, friends, brothers and cousins, your local farmer and your merchants, we are people that stand for Liberty and the Constitutions of Kansas and the United States. When it’s all said and done we are you, We are all Americans, proud, free and patriotic. God Bless America!”

There was a short pause and then a round of polite applause with some of the people standing clapping louder.

Dan then said “Again I thank you for allowing me speak to you today, May God continue to bless the people and our great land, and each and every one of you.”

An elderly lady in front stood up getting Dan’s attention, he said “yes ma’am?”

“ Would you have time for a couple of quick questions sir,” she asked?

“I have no problem if it’s OK with the host,” Dan answered looking at the narrator?

Looking at his watch he replied, “That would be fine, try to keep it short as we have other business to go over.”

The older lady was still standing so Dan said with a smile, “Yes ma’am, the lady here at the front table who asked if it was OK.”

She started her question with the statement, “Sir my grandfather was proud to be in the Kansas Militia, he served in the Spanish American War, and when the call to arms came for the First World War, he and his entire unit volunteered. The state had started turning some of the militia units into National Guard, but you had to be political and connected to get chosen to be in the guard. I’m glad to see some one who understands history like you willing to take the time to start the Militia up again.” They were several people who applauded her statement.

She continued, “I’m also with the county health department, you said your unit has a mobile medical detachment, if you don’t mind, I would like to watch a training session, that way I could see what they are capable of doing to help in an emergency. And how could I call on them if needed, if we were to have an emergency I mean?”

Dan answered, “ I will see that you get a copy of their training schedule, and the phone number of their medical Captain is….,”

Below is a copy from www.Guntruths.com, which the Militia members handed out.

Memorandum on Arms and Freedom

It is time to speak plainly for the good citizens and patriots of this nation who believe unbendingly in the Constitution of the United States of America.

Though foreign governments may disarm their subjects, we will not go down that road. We will not disarm and see our freedoms stripped away. The lessons of history are numerous, clear and bloody. A disarmed population inevitably becomes an enslaved population. A disarmed population is without power, reduced to childlike obedience to—and dependence upon—the organs of a parental state. A disarmed population will lose—either piecemeal or in one sweeping act—those basic rights for which the citizens of America risked their lives and fortunes over two hundred years ago.

WE WILL NOT DISARM. The right to self-protection—the internal directive of every living creature, be it mouse or man—is the most fundamental right of all. It is a right that must be exercised against all predators of the streets, against the predators hidden within agencies of law enforcement, and against the most dangerous predators of all—those to be found in government, whose insidious grasping for power is relentless and never-ending.

WE WILL NOT DISARM. Not in the face of robbers, rapists, and murderers who prey upon our families and friends. Nor in the face of police and bureau agents who would turn a blind eye to the Constitution, who would betray the birthright of their countrymen; nor in the face of politicians of the lowest order—those who pander to the ignorant, the weak, the fearful, the naïve; those indebted to a virulent strain of the rich who insulate themselves from the dangers imposed upon other Americans and then preach disarmament.

We will not surrender our handguns. We will not surrender our hunting arms. And we will not surrender our firearms of military pattern or military utility, nor their proper furnishings, nor the right to buy, to sell, or to manufacture such items.

Firearms of military utility, which serve well and nobly in times of social disturbance as tools of defense for the law-abiding, serve also in the quiet role of prevention, against both the criminal and the tyrannical. An ARMED CITIZENRY—the well-regulated MILITIA of the Second Amendment properly armed with military firearms—is a powerful deterrent, on both conscious and subconscious levels, to those inclined toward governmental usurpation’s. An armed citizenry stands as a constant reminder to those in power that, though they may violate our rights temporarily, they will not do so endlessly and without consequence. And should Americans again be confronted with the necessity of—may God forbid it—throwing off the chains of a tyrannical and suffocating regime, firearms designed to answer the particular demands of warfare will provide the swiftest and most decisive means to this end.

Any law which prohibits or limits a citizen’s possession of firearms of military utility or their proper furnishings provides an OPEN WINDOW through which a corrupt government will crawl to steal away the remainder of our firearms and our liberties. Any law which prohibits or limits a citizen’s possession of firearms of military utility or their proper furnishings, being directly contrary to the letter and spirit of the Second Amendment, is inimical to the Constitution, to the United States of America, and to its citizens.

Now—today—we are witnessing the perilous times foreseen by the architects of the Constitution. These are times when our government is demanding—in the guise of measures for the common good—the relinquishment of several rights guaranteed to Americans in the Constitution, foremost among which is the right to keep and bear arms for our own defense. These are times when our government has abdicated its primary responsibility—to provide for the security of its citizens. Swift and sure punishment of outlaws is absent, and in its place is offered the false remedy of disarming the law-abiding. Where this unconstitutional action has been given the force of law, it has failed to provide relief and has produced greater social discord. This discord in turn now serves as the false basis for the demand that we give up other rights, and for the demand for more police, more agents of bureaucratic control to enforce the revocation of these rights.

Legislators, justices, and law officers must bear in mind that the foundation of their duties is to uphold the fundamental law of the land—the Constitution. They must bear in mind that the unconstitutional act of disarming one’s fellow citizens will also disarm one’s parents, spouse, brothers, sisters, children, and children’s children. They must bear in mind that there are good citizens who—taking heed of George Washington’s belief that arms are the liberty teeth of the people—will not passively allow these teeth to be torn out. There are good citizens who—taking heed of Benjamin Franklin’s admonition that those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety—will surrender not one of their rights.

Those who eat away at our right to own and use firearms are feeding on the roots of a plant over two centuries old, a plant whose blossom is the most free, most powerful nation ever to exist on this planet. The right to keep and bear arms is the taproot of this plant. All other rights were won at the point of a gun and will endure only at the point of a gun. Could they speak, millions upon millions of this world’s dead souls would testify to this truth. Millions upon millions of the living can so testify today.

Now—today—is a critical moment in our history. Will we Americans passively lie down before a government grown disdainful of its best citizens? Or will we again declare: WE are the government, government functions at OUR behest, government MAY NOT rescind our sacred rights?

Will we place our faith in public servants who behave as though they are our masters? Or will we place our faith in the words and deeds of the daring, farseeing men and women whose blood, sweat and tears brought forth this great nation?

Will we believe those who assure us that the police officer will shield us from the criminal? Or will we believe our eyes and ears, presented every day with news of our unarmed neighbors falling prey in their homes, on our streets, in our places of work and play?

Will we bow our heads to cowards and fools who will not learn and do not understand the lessons of human history? Or will we stand straight and assume the daily tasks and risks that liberty entails?

Will we ignore even the lessons of this present era—which has seen the cruel oppression of millions on the continents of Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America—and believe that the continent of North America is immune to such political disease? Or will we wisely accept the realities of this world, wisely listen to and make use of the precautions provided by our ancestors?

Will we deceived by shameless liars who say that disarmament equals safety, helplessness equals strength, and patriotism equals criminality? Or will we mark the word of our forefathers, who wrote in plain language: THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED?

Let us make known: We will choose the latter option in every case.

LEGISLATORS: Do your duty to your country. Uphold the Constitution as you swore to do. Do not shame yourselves by knocking loose the mighty keystone of this great republic—the right to keep and bear arms. Read and study the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution you swore to support.

JUSTICES: Do your duty to your country. Examine the origins of our right to weaponry, and uphold the letter and spirit of the Constitution. Read and study the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution you swore to support.

LAWMEN: Do your duty to your country. Do not be misguided and misused. Your task is to serve and to protect – not to oppress, disarm, and to make helpless your countrymen.

To the blind, the ignorant, the apathetic, the safe and sheltered, these may seem to be concerns of another age. They are not. They are as vital as they have ever been throughout history. For times may change but human nature does not. And it is to protect forever against the evil in human nature that the Founding Fathers set aside certain rights as inviolable. For these reasons we must now make known: We will not passively take the path that leads to tyranny. We will not go down that road. WE WILL NOT DISARM.

(C-19)

War Comes to America.

September 11, 2001

‘ I’m afraid we have awakened a sleeping giant and filled him with a terrible resolve.”

-Admiral Yamamoto December 7^th, 1941

On being informed that the Declaration of War from Japan’

was delivered 55 minuets after the attack had began

on the pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

‘A time will come,

and we know not when,

that you will need us, our nation in peril

then we will stand up as we all should

ready to do our duty once again.

But today the sun is shining

nothing to worry about why should we care?

The politicians pass useless laws doing something,

the people grumble but life is still fair,

Only a few are preparing, training, knowing that the storm will come.

You scorn us and call us names,

but that doesn’t matter, play your childish games.

You are still our brothers, our fathers,

our sister, our mothers, our friends

our fellow countrymen.

Suddenly a dire crises has come to our shores

the times will be a desperate one for us all.

Day after day the news full of shocking events,

And the question is asked, will we, will America survive?

The people cry out, help someone save us, or we will all die?

The Air force, The Army,

The Marines, and the Navy

The National Guard, and the Reserves

And the Police on their beat

All will be hard pressed, forced to retreat.

Not some third world country not today

refuges, refuges here in America running away..

Maybe because we forgot our proud heritage

those old dead White Guys said it so well

‘We have given you a republic if you can keep it.’

You laughed at it, you trampled it

you misread it, you don’t understand it..

It’s written in plain English, the words might sound old,

it’s for the average man, not just the lawyers or politicians

our Constitution, a contract that binds the Government not the people.

Full of rights given by God, not by the law.

Never to be taken from you and me, it protects us all.

Ignored, forgotten, not taught in school

that we the people have the power

you and me the vote and the rule.

Freedom of speech, of religion of the press…

Shall not be infringed, stay out of my house, my papers

Judge me once not twice, my property is mine,

A speedy trial near home, a lawyer too before a jury, nothing cruel,

Nothing written then nothing denied, and powers not given are not yours but mine.

All are written there in the ten

But only one has the teeth, the ability to defend.

No army can be large enough, an invader so bold

to defeat the armed people the patriots

the ones who are us all, we the people, are the Militia Men.

Yes we may be old, or young, we may be unfit.

Poorly armed, led, trained and equipped.

Whose fault is that? Yours, mine all of us?

Section 8, part 16 for all to see

Ignored, forgotten by most, but not me.

Stand tall, stand proud a patriot you see,

one who loves his country, who trains for the need.

Scorned, ignored called names, persecuted, jailed, ridiculed and shamed.

Still patriots yes ready to be there, to lend a hand.

Just like at Lexington, to make that stand

To be ready to do our duty once again,

on the line if necessary as we answered the call,

As it was written for you, for me, for us all,

We are the Militia, yes you and me.

Knowing that freedom isn’t free.

JN (I salute the heroes of flight 93, and a Rhodie like me, Rick Rescola, who ran back into his tower, to make one last check to see that all of his people were clear.)

Like most people, for me September 11^th started out as a normal work Tuesday. I woke at my normal time, about 4:15 AM, give or take a few minuets playing with the snooze alarm. A few minuets stretching, after doing my normal 50 push-ups and set-ups, shaved and put my work clothes on. Drinking a cup of tea and eating breakfast in front of the TV, weather for today nice in the upper 80’s no rain, stock market report about the same as always.

Nothing else stands out that I can remember, so I but my plate and cup in the sink and went back down the hall to the bedrooms, kissed my daughter on the forehead and said softly for her to have a good day, and that her daddy loved her. Went into the other bedroom laid my hand on my son’s head and gently told them to have a good day and that dad loves you. I then entered the master bedroom went to the side of the bed my wife sleeps on. I gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek, said I love you see you later honey, she turned on her side and just murmured. Not anything I could understand, I want to believe she said I love you to.

Leaving the house at 5:05 am I had about a forty minuets drive to work, on the way I went over the day’s schedule in my head and hoped that all of the helpers and drivers would show up. Security at the front gate was its normal relaxed laid back, wave at you as I drove into the yard routine.

Getting to the dispatch office I got my first cup of coffee right at 5:50 AM, I then took out the route sheets and checked to see if we had any specials for the day. Just a normal day nothing out of the ordinary, one of my regular trucks was down so I walked out to the shop to see the shift supervisor and asked him if it would be ready by 7:00 AM. He assured me that that there was no way, he had over forty trucks to work on and only seventeen mechanics. He said I could expect it by noon at the earliest.

Back to the dispatch office, a second cup of coffee as I check the list of spare trucks, not a pretty picture to look at, as I knew most were worn out and really should have been in a scrap yard, or already melted down and back out on the road in its new life as a car or pickup. Oh-well I’ll take the best of the worst, and hope it makes it through the day with no breakdowns, keep you fingers crossed, I’ll just have to ask the other drivers to help a little.

Around 6:15 AM my first driver Scott shows up, he takes his route sheet looks to see if there are any changes, none, good. “Fred and Sam were parking their cars as I walked in, I see that David’s truck is down, will you need any help on the end of his route?”

Thank the lord for good and intelligent men to work with, I answered, “ Yes, I’m sure he would appreciate it, I would.”

“OK I’ll call on the radio and head over when our route is finished,” Scott replies, as he gets a cup of coffee and heads out to the yard to check on his own truck. Drivers and crews are now coming in at an ever-increasing pace.

The dispatching for the rest of the twelve trucks that I looked after went about the same; we were short one helper for Mohammed’s crew but they said they could get by. They liked the extra money they get when they do the work shorthanded. Capitalism is great, work hard get paid, work a little extra and get even more money.

Later after our supervisors monthly safety meeting finished at around 8 AM I headed over to the training room, where a good friend, Andy worked, I had made no bones about it, I was actively recruiting him for the Militia. He was a former petty officer who had worked in intelligence, as his last navy assignment, and would make a valuable addition to our organization. The fact that he had two sons one aged twenty and the other eighteen, and both had indicated a desire to learn more about our organization, that should help in my effort.

The training class was about over so I stood at the back of the room to listen. Andy was a good addition to the company, he really cared about people, and the safety-training program he started for new hires showed in the quality and safety minded thinking of the new people when they came to the trucks. I just wish the same attitude would take hold with the old hands, and some of the office personnel.

“OK class take home the papers I gave you and read through them again, when you come in tomorrow morning at 6:15 AM be ready for work both physically and mentally with the right attitude about safety. Are there any questions,” Andy paused no one raised a hand, “ all right then see you all tomorrow.” The class over, the new people randomly stood up, a couple of guys talking to each other as they walked out the door. Andy picked up the extra handouts from the table in front of him, walked around the table and headed my way.

With a smile Andy said, “Good morning Dan.”

I answered with a smile “It is indeed a good morning, sun shining no rain God sure loves us. Did you get to read the Intel. report from Lt. Shannon, yesterday or last night?”

“Sure did, his source of information is a bit dated though,” Andy said as he walked past me and opened the door to his office. He held the door open, “come on in and take a seat, do you need a cup of coffee?”

“If your buying why not.”

“I may not be buying, but I’m offering,” Andy retorted with a chuckle. He then went over to the coffeepot in his office, picking it up and poured two cups, he added sugar to both, and stirred. Picking the cups up he turned and handed Dan his, while taking a sip from his own. Knowing the answer to the question he asked anyway, “what’s on your mind.”

“When you meet Lt. Shannon, Will is his first name, he will tell you that he is over worked and sure could use your help. He is doing a good job as the Battalion S2, but there is only so much one-man can do, and he called me last night to see if you were joining? I told him you had reservations, but hadn’t made up your mind yet.”

Andy shook his head in agreement, as Dan continued, “The report I gave you is a running one, we try to up date it at least once a week, but some times we only make it every other week. Depends on Will’s workload and if he is scheduled to train with the reconnaissance platoon. You know the normal stuff,” Dan shrugged his shoulders and held out his hands, “family commitment, work, church, PTA, all the things that effect our lives.”

“I know all too well what you mean,” Andy answered, “that’s why I haven’t joined yet, I want to and my two boys want to its just the time we would have to commit. To be active, to learn and also to be part of the solution. We would have to give up something and I’m not sure of what that would be right now.”

Dan said with empathy, “It’s a lot to ask of someone, but we need your skills. You are a patriot,

and a man of honor, your sons will learn a lot from the training and from you. I know that I’d like to have you along, but it has to be your choice. I know you distrust the government, most of us do but you have to work within a group to make changes.”

Dan looking at his watch stood up, “Remember the old saying America right or wrong, if she’s right support her, if she’s wrong work to make her right again. That’s how we feel in the Militia, I love America and I know you do too…”

Hearing a lot of loud shouting outside Dan and Andy walked over to the outside door to see what was happening.

Jose, Andy’s office helper was shouting at one of the drivers, “Hey turn on your radio a plane just flew into one of the twin towers in New York.” He turned to the door we had just opened, and he exclaimed in excitement, “I just heard it on the radio, there’s been a terrible accident in New York, some how or another a plane crashed into one of the World Trade Centers towers.”

“Come on, I’ll turn on the classroom TV,” Andy said and waved for us to follow him back inside. We followed him to the classroom just as he switched it on, we were thinking many different things, how could a small plane crash into a building, must be a bad storm, etc. etc.

Andy turned the controls to a local news channel, it took the TV a few seconds to warm up, but it seemed like minuets.

Then it was a live shot of perfect weather in New York, with the twin towers in the distance. One of them was smoking and you could see some fire in the upper third of that building. The scene changed to a different angle a lot closer, and you could really see the smoke bellowing out and up, the news commentator said it was a commercial jet that had struck the building. You could tell the disbelief in his voice, as he asked a question that everyone else was asking them selves, how could a commercial jet get so far off course that an accident like this could happen.

We just stood there dumbfounded, not being able to voice any words to describe what we were seeing or hearing. We must have stood there for four or five minuets watching the breaking news, saying little things like we will need to donate blood to help, maybe some money too, hope the buildings weren’t full when the planes hit. Just small talk, and then you could hear some one telling the cameraman to roll right, there was another plane flying extremely fast and headed in the direction of the other building. You could hear the screaming engines of the jet as the camera focused and took in the next ten seconds of horror. The plane moving on a direct line to hit the other tower and at the last seconds banking so as to strike the most floors, to do the maximum amount of damage.

The three of us just stood there watching the plane hit the building and seeing some of the fireball burst out the other side. A vision that will be burnt in our minds forever, just as it was to the American service men and civilians at Pearl Harbor, that 7^th day of December 1941. We were all stunned, lost in deep thought, several minuets passed and then the other shoe drooped.

The TV reporter announced, “We have just received word that the Pentagon in Washington has just be struck by a plane in the last minuet. As soon as we can we will air video live from Washington DC”

“Some one just declared war on us,” Andy said stunned.

Dan exclaimed in a hushed voice, “Yes we’re at War, but with who?”

.

Then Dan said, “I’ve got to go, I have at least a dozen calls to make, and I’ll have to post a message on my cell phone message pad for the guys that will be calling me.”

Jose asked with a concern tone in his voice, “What did you mean, we’re at war,” holding on to Dan’s arm to stop him from leaving and forcing an answer?

Dan looked at Jose’s hand on his arm; Jose seeing that he was stopping his boss’s friend from leaving let go. Dan then said, “Easy to figure out one plane is an accident, two planes, the two towers, stunned me for a few minuets. But three planes, and two cities, that’s a major hijacking, that’s coordination and planning, and it’s also meant to get our attention.”

Andy added, “Remember how the last cowered in chief covered up flight 800, the shooting down of a civilian commercial airliner over New York harbor. The people who did that didn’t get the headlines they wanted, maybe it’s the same group, or friends of theirs.”

“Then add in the cover up on the USS Cole and the Embassies attacks in Africa, were we under attack then and the President did his best to ignore it.”

Dan agreed as he said, “But now it’s an open war, and the present administration won’t cover it up, this President’s to honest for that. At least I hope he is, and the Ex-President should be hanged for treason. Hell I’ll even buy the rope and furnish the gunnysack to cover his sorry ass face. Andy you’ve told me more about the Cole incident then the papers or the TV news let on.”

In exasperation Dan continued, “Before the day is out, I’ll bet you they have it pinned down to one or two nations or a terrorist group behind this, I just hope that this enemy doesn’t have any more surprises for us today.”

“Dan before you leave swear me in, I mean it, don’t look at me like you don’t understand what I’m saying,” Andy asked?

It wasn’t amazement on Dan’s face as he said, “Andy we want people to join us based on logical arguments. Not to join know when you are mad, because later and with second thought you might think later you did it on the spur of the moment as a reaction.”

“No Dan I’m not mad, I may be shocked and stunned but not mad, and I already wanted to join. I told Jose yesterday that I would be signing on, he was also talking about joining too, weren’t you Jose?” Both men turned to Jose who had been listening to them and watching the atrocity, the real ugly world that had visited America today, on the TV set.

Jose was feeling fear at what he had heard from these two friends, about the U.S. being at war, and the events unfolding before his eyes on TV. He was a young man with a wife and child at home. His grandfather had been part of the Mexican Army that went overseas during World War II, he hadn’t seen any direct combat but his unit had been shelled by enemy artillery and had lost several men that were killed and injured. Papa had said that war killed with no warning, he was afraid to leave his home and go off to die. But he was a man too and his country was being attacked, he answered, “ I want to join but I’m…, I’m not sure. I don’t want to say I’m afraid. Scared yes, I need a day or two to think about it…, would that be OK.”

Dan could understand the feelings, and the emotional strain Jose was going through, “As the old saying goes, ‘Been there, done that,’ so take your time. I don’t think anyone is about to land any troops on our shores. And don’t be ashamed to be afraid, we all are afraid because we don’t know what the future holds for us. It’s how you handle that fear that makes you a man Jose. Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear. Not the absence of fear.”

Turning to Andy, Dan said, “I’ll swear you in tomorrow night, that way your sons can join at the same time. We’ll make it formal with another officer as witness, I can get Lt. Shannon, or one of the company commanders. I really must go,” he shook Andy’s then Jose hand, and headed out the door.

Too much to think about but not enough time. Make decisions on what you know and act, don’t let the numb and hopeless feeling fill your mind. Yes America was under attack, call your people let them know that they could give blood, and assist where we can, remind them we are Ameri-CANs, not Ameri-CAN’Ts. These thoughts and others ran through his mind, as he walked over to his pick up truck and got in. Starting it up he backed out of the parking spot and pulled over to the company fuel pump. He got out and started to fuel both tanks, he then realized he needed to turn on his two-way radio and let the head dispatcher know he was leaving the yard.

Leaning in through the open door he turned on the two-way, his boss was telling all the crews,

“The president is heading to an unknown location at this moment, the TV just announced that two or three other planes may have been hijacked, and that all commercial planes are to land at the nearest airport that can take them. And as of now all international flights are banned form entering the US airspace.”

“I want all of you to say a little prayer for the people in New York, drivers try to keep radio traffic to a minimum, and keep your crews working, I will come back to you with more news later. It’s OK to turn your dash radio’s on to any station for more news,” he added as a afterthought.

Boy that’s big of him Dan thought, a month ago he said the crews shouldn’t have tunes even mounted in the trucks. One thing that he did say I really liked, for all to say a prayer for the people under attack; the guy wasn’t all-bad I guess. Finished fueling and headed out, he waved to the guard at the gate, saying to himself, ‘I’ll bet we have to start up a better security system then the fat old guy’s that just sit around now.’

Using his cell phone Dan made a call to his wife assuring her things were all right, Dan made a few calls to some of the guys. He had to wake up the Battalion Sergeant Major, who worked nights and didn’t get to bed until around six AM. Dan didn’t want him to wake up after noon and just get hit with the bad news.

None of the people in the local Militia had any idea that at this moment, some of their brethren were in a fight to the finish. That a small group of them decided that if they were to die at least they wouldn’t go without a fight. The fourth and last plane hijacked was heading for a rendezvous with destiny, the individuals aboard knew that they were going to die, but they weren’t going to be used as a flying bomb against the capital, killing how many more innocent people on the ground.

Since they had been hijacked for over twenty minuets, and herded to the back of the plane; the passengers had listened to the flight crew tell them not to resist, that would only make the situation worse. The hijackers had known this and once in control of the plane, they left the passengers alone. They had a guard posted outside of the cockpit door to watch but not to listen to them. When he say several get out their cell phones he encouraged them to make calls thinking they would be easier to control when they heard from their family’s. Their leader hadn’t informed the guard that they were behind schedule, otherwise he might not have allowed the calls to be made.

When the passengers of flight 93 heard about the terrible events occurring in New York and Washington DC. they realized what their fate would be if they just sat there and did nothing. After passing the cell phones around so all could say good-bye to loved ones, the unorganized militia then decided to do something. If they were going to die, ‘let’s not hurt innocents on the ground, if we are to die let it be at our choosing and time, not of the hijackers.’

To the spoken command of ‘less roll,’ they forced the hijackers to crash the plane into a field in western Pennsylvania rather then lose control to a mob of civilians.

The terrorists lost this last battle that day to ordinary people, because the American Militia had reported for duty.

‘By calling attention to a well-regulated militia for the security of the Nation, and the right of each citizen to keep and bear arms, our Founding Fathers recognized the essentially civilian nature of our economy. Although it is extremely unlikely that the fears of governmental tyranny, which gave rise to the second amendment, will ever be a major danger to our Nation, the amendment still remains an important declaration of our basic military-civilian relationships, in which every citizen must be ready to participate in the defense of the country. For that reason I believe the second amendment will always be important.’

--JOHN F. KENNEDY

(C-20)

Just Doing My Job

‘Carpe diem’

(What might have happened on that fateful day?)

‘Carpe diem’, Seize the Day

Normal people run out of burning buildings,

Hero’s run back into them.

JN

‘The right man in the right place at the right time.’

The Washington Post Company

“Don’t panic guys just keep moving we are at the second floor.” Rick said breathing hard, “we are all going to make it. Gary switch out with Bill, he’s about done in.”

“OK boss,” he answered. Then Mike who had proceed them and was down by the lobby doors yelled back up to the six men helping carry the improvised stretcher. “Rick I have two EMT’s and a back board waiting, if my count is correct that should be all of our people.”

After the group of men carried the young lady into the lobby, the medics took over and asked her name, to see how responsive she was.

“I’m Marcie Moretti, and except for my broken leg and being stepped on in a few places, I’m OK.” Looking back at her rescuers she’s say’s, “I don't know how to thank you, for not leaving me up there..”

“We couldn’t leave you or any other people up there Marcie,” several of them answered in unison. Rick was on his cell phone trying to call his boss. To let him know that he thought all of their people were out of the building and to tell him he was going back up to help others evacuate. No luck though as the local cell/s were out.

A couple of the police officers that were helping keep the lobby clear started pushing the group towards the exit doors telling them, “People you need to leave the building, head across to the parking garage and then on out of it to the next street over.”

“Officer, I’m the security director for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, and I’m going to go back up to the 44th floor and have one last look around,” he said as he turned and headed back up the stairs with some other fire and police rescue crews, as two of his security officers followed their boss.

One of the Police officers was going to stop them, but changed his mind as he said turning to Rick , “you know that floor. When you get done take a large marker and write on the stair side of the door ‘All Clear, PO’ for me will ya?”

“Sure thing,” came the replay as Rick quickly climbed the stairs. At the 20th floor the police and the rescue crews had to step to one side as a small group of firefighters were helping several badly burned people down the stairs past them. The one policeman asked Rick, “Miss Moretti you know who her father is don’t you?”

“No who is she?”

“Just the rumors, but a buddy of mine in the FBI told me about the stories, but they haven’t any actually proof. Her father has done at least 20 hits for the mob and not one solid lead connect him to them, or to any bodies!”

With a small laugh Rick replied, “You don’t get to the top in any field if you’re not good, and if what you say are true he’s one of the best.”

One of the firemen helping the injured people down the stairs asked for some help and Rick directed his two assistance’s to help them.

Now the stairs seemed to get steeper as they tired and it took the rescue people and Rick quiet a bit longer to get up to the 30^h floor.

As the group of firemen and police officers with Rick passed the 36th floor they heard the deep sound of metal growing and then what sounded like someone opening and slamming a large metal door, and the sound was getting louder and closer, and faster as a wind storm was starting to blow down the fire escape stairs right into their faces….