Militias: Patriots or Extremists?

They're patriots.

Patriots – Americans have always had the right to be in a militia. And the Bill of Rights should be upheld. The right to bear arms is key in maintaining a government that should be by the people and for the people. If tyranny happens, Americans have the right to defend themselves.

Simple, they're flipping nut cases. Turner diary, Tim Mcvey lovin, nuts. They are no better than Al Quada.

George W Bush was the tyrant that really deserved our scorn. God Bless Obama!

it is just pure racism. The fact that they cannot not name one right they have lost or are losing shows how ignorant these people are. They are following the hate that lives in their hearts.

Imagine if liberals had created militias during the Bush admin. They all be in Guantanamo Bay right now.

I find the idea of the growing militia groups here in the United States. On your program this morning, someone asked "Where are all the minorities?"

Minorities do have militia's too... we just call them GANGS!"

Those militia groups r a big joke !!! If they think they're tough ...... Enlist, go to Iraq/Afghanistan and see war is not a game !!! Shooting @ your backyard with masked faces doesn't make u a tough cat.

These folks are exercising their rights as citizens. Even though the majority of the population doesn't understand them or agree with their beliefs, their presence is important in order to protect us from what our government may become. Does anyone remember their US history and our armed rebellion against the British crown?

I think these groups extremist or not, wont make any effect on our governments military if they did decide to take gun rights away in any form ...

I am so sick of blatant racism and extremism being cloaked in patriotism. These people need some real couch work.

Given the fact that the Obama administration has not advanced any changes in gun control and has taken the unpopular stance of giving even enemies of the state the rights that citizens enjoy at trial, these militias defacto reveal their true colors: they feel threatened by the advancements of people of color, not just blacks, but also latinos who are a larger and growing minority.

I wonder what kind of people are they not to include minorities. I think they are going to far. What are their real motives for all this. They didn't form any militias when Bush was president but because we have a minority for president it is such a big problem.Will racism ever stop?

People need to stop watching Fox News, Obama is not out to get your gun rights and is not 'dangerous' whatever that means.

I think that the baseless rumors about threatened gun rights and ammo taxes were started by the ammo manufacturers and it has worked like a charm. These militia members and ammo hoarders have fallen for it hook, line and sinker much to the benefit of the corporate connivers. Fear is very motivating and the corporate machine knows it!

I believe that most militias in the United States America are patriots. They are concerned that our Constitution has become impotent. All of the Presidents have eroded the constitution and Obama will finish it off giving our sovereignty the rest of the way to another entity. It grieves me. The so called "health care reform" is one big obvious sign. We aren't going to get a choice whether to participate. Where has our freedom gone?

Freedom is not free

The growing militia groups in the US are very disturbing. To answer the question, "Where are the minorities in the militia's?" Well, minorities do have militia's, we just call them "Gangs!"

I have seen nothing to show Obama is trying to take away gun rights and I have to wonder about those that would be against strict guidelines to make sure guns don't get into the hands of criminals! I also wonder if these extremists were around when Bush started taking away some of our rights with the Patriot Act?? Or is it just Obama they are going after??? I also wonder if they realize all our rights that have already been taken away that has nothing to do with gun control such as forced psychiatry on kids now even with so many medical doctors saying how dangerous the drugs are that are forced on some children. Drugs not even approved to safely use in children. Do they care about all our rights or just some of them? Just asking!

People who are passionate about shooting guns and playing "war" will look for any excuse to do it every chance they get. Drumming up excitement and fear of any administration will help them solicit new members and make new friends that will play "dressup" with them on the weekends.

These new gun militias are nothing more than the "new kkk"....point, blank!!!

in general, they do not consist of people of color, and they use this idea of protection of their first amendment rights because its not polically correct to say, we're paranoid about a black man leading the country

it's obvious that this is just the next wave of paranoid white male republicans who are fearful about the country is being led by a black man.

All of these so-called patriot groups are just covers for racisim. Where all of these militia groups when the country was actually being attacked? Is the distrust because the president is black?

They are neither. They are afraid. They are unaware of the content of the constitution. George Bush is the President who took away many of our rights. They are ruled by their emotions rather than their intellect.

I used to be a gun dealer and ran into these militia guys at gun shows and they scared the hell out of me. They were always looking for full automatic weapons or parts that would turn their semi-auto weapons into full auto. They seemed to have paranoia about the government "taking over" so they had to get prepared. But how do they expect their small militia stand up to the us armed forces?

We need a militia. You ask, "Who are these people?" They are defenders of our rights. Stop trying to portray them as extremists. While, as in any movement, there are admittedly extremes, I believe the sudden rise in the militia movement at this time is truly due to grave concerns about the demise of our country.

These groups formed before under President Clinton. They foster antigovernment extremism and in their interview, they indicated that one of their goals was to give the government pause. To do so is fine, but not when you have assault weapons. We've been down this road before. One of the results was the bombing of the Murrah building in Oklahoma City. They worry about the Constitution going away. What rights are being infringed? They can't answer. This is free floating anger with assault weapons, and it's unhelpful.

Miltias serve as a valuable anchor, slowing or stopping the inexorable progress towards total gun control the federal government desires. After all, did Obama not just enter talks with the UN regarding a global gun ban that would apply to the US? The Constitution needs protection.

i think these guys are white panthers without a cause.

Reason for Militias:
President is black.
It's fun to play soldier and shoot guns.
Uninformed people. Don't care about the truth.
Hate
People with low selfesteemm makes them feel important.
Typical redneck thinking..
Ray

I agree with the anchor – why were there no minorities present with the militia?

Please don't confuse the members of the militia with facts!

If you want to put on a uniform and carry a gun, become a police officer or join the army and defend your country. These peple don't love their country or understand the consitution.

These modern-day militias have been shown to serve no purpose than to provide training camps for domestic terrorists. These people are fearful because they are obviously uneducated regarding what is actually in the constitution. It would serve them better to spend their free time reading the myriad of history and law texts that actually spell out the constitutional protections afforded to Americans as opposed to playing war games with semi-automatic guns. Perhaps they could then participate in the political process to make this country a better place for all of its citizens.

The difficult thing in making a judgment about whether the members of these militias are patriots or extremists is that it is all a matter of perspective...whose? They probably honestly believe that they are patriots. I honestly believe they are extremists. What bothers me the most about the kind of person who jumps early and vociferously into these kinds of groups is that they often don't really study or know about whatever it is they are ranting about. "Taking away my rights" What rights has this President taken away, or does he plan to take away? "The constitution" I would submit that these people know very little about the constitution. So, for me, the scary thing is that groups such as these function without any serious thinking about the issues while at the same time they seem to be quite influential. Quite a bad combination...perhaps even extremist!

the fact of the secrecy, and inabilit of these groups to cite any threat other than that of the 2nd amendment throws serious doubt and concern about the true reasons for the formation of these groups.I think it's another obvious way to faciliate the growing racial tensions in this country. I think more investigation will reveal the true nature of these groups.

CNN AM

Forget the Pledge!

How about the pre-amble to our Constitution?

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

As above stated in the Pre-Amble to the U.S. Constitution we are not to be regressive, but rather be progressive to promote the general welfare and safety so as to insure its citizen’s domestic tranquility and to inure the blessings of Liberty.

Despite this, we have become regressive in numerous ways.

IT NOW REGRESIVELY READS SOMETHING LIKE THIS!

“ We the complacent and blindfolded Schnook’s of the United States, in Order to regress to a more imperfect Union, Place inept or creative Judges on the bench, assure for the disharmony amongst the people, provide for assault rifles for the dysfunction of our own defense and now used on the offense against others, eliminate Welfare to the poor, misfortunate, profit off the ill, and with total neglect of the downtrodden and secure the Blessings of the Statue of Liberty’s middle finger shoved up our Posterity, do dis-ordain and disestablish this Constitution at the behest of the “Bank of America”

They're patriots defending the rights of Americans. They know our liberties are being stripped away from us at a rapid rate especially since Obama took office.

Obama rejects freedom as can be plainly seen: Not supporting Irananian citizens during the elections, speaking out against the ousting of the dicator wanna be Manuel Zalaya, shutting down opposing views of fellow Americans, etc. The list is gets longer by the day.

I live in a rural area north of Pittsburgh. Traditionally, hunting grounds.
So naturally I have met some of the people that are connected to militias.

What I see in them are Patriots to the letter of the Constitution. What I don't see in them, is the True Spirit of Christ. Fear is their driving force. They question President Obama's patriotism. Yet, it was their leader in George W. Bush and the Republican Party that led this country down this broken path. To a path to destruction.

They thought they knew something about God and Country, they didn't. The same is said for health care. I'm sure each one of these people are the same that scream at town halls against health care reform.

Fear, it's a powerful emotion. But, they fear the wrong things. They should fear God, not President Obama. They are most certainly going down the wrong path.

Their eyes were closed when Bush push this country into another depression and now their eyes and hearts are closed to see the True Teachings of Christ.

Timothy McVeigh was a veteran who contacted the KKK while an active duty military service member. He later had ties to a militia group. Although he was not Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist or of Middle Eastern decent, American Timothy McVeigh killed 168 Americans, including women and children.

I have a lot to say about that they are here in fayetteville north carolina very strongly and control everything in it,what are u guys going to do about it.the police,the sherriff and others are in it,it is sad to see that we are in the 20 century and we still going true racial hate and the ones that on top of the list in the people that wor for the federal and local govermenet.

These people are nothing but a bunch of extremists who can't accept the fact that President Obama won the election. I'm curious as to what version of the constitution they want to go back to, the version before slavery and women's right to vote or after.

They scare the Hell out of me. I think it has so much to do with him being black to most of these crazies. Some of my own friends have lost it and I cannot even speak to them any longer. My friends have lost their minds and let it overtake them and consume them. They try to poison everyone with their off the wall radical, untrue, crazy thoughts,about our president.

There was a time I felt that militia-members were extremists, but that time has come and gone. Extremists blow up schools in Pakistan killing innocent children, extremists blow themselves up in Iraq killing members of their own religeon, extremists fly airplanes into buildings in New York killing innocent Americans, and last but not least, extremists seek to destroy the values that are the foundation of the United States of America, the vanguard of democracy in the world. No, militia-members are concerned, patriotic citizens exercising their rights to defend themselves (and the rest of us) against extremists.

These groups are no more extremists than the minorty groups that represent changing our society for their benefit. You made the comment on the show this morning "who is joining these groups", do you ask the same question when you look at the NAACP membership? Believe it or not, even though it seems these groups are not comprised of a plethera of minority, they do have the right to express themselves.

Funny how the Bush white house introduced the patriot act, to protect us from all the scary terrorist, slashing away at all our rights. Yet now militias are on the rise with a president who hasn't suggested amendments or pursued gun regulations. I wont point out the obvious but what could be the real goal of these predominately white male militia groups? I just call it as I see it.

It seems that racism in this report is played down. I mean come on, A black president is elected and these militas sprout up and they are all white people... no minorities. I have also noticed allot of chatter online from people I have known, that really don't like minorities. People that don't have any tolerance. They all talk about the weapons they trade or buy.

a revolution is brewing!!

These are extremist, nothing more than acting like the modern day KKK, and are being glorified by the media. Are we any different than people in the middle east that we are trying to protect ourselves from?

How quickly we forget, Timothy McVeigh started the same way and we know what happened next. Freedom of speech is one thing but to train in preperation of taking over the government, is a warning sign and Federal officials better take notice! Racism has been on the rise since Obama was elected and the Republican party has been fueling the fire with Palin and Limbough at the front of the line!

This gives me pause. I cannot understand the difference between these militas and the terrorist groups.

These people are ready to begin a war on their nation should they feel that our freely elected President creates a law that they do not like. Isn't this what Osama and his group says that they stand for as well.

Wasn't this same notion used for all those terrorist in Pakastan and Iraq as they attack their governments and people. This is sickening. And it is clear to see these people are repeating words they hear from Newsmen like Glen Beck, Lou Dobbs and Rush. Not to mention the Republicans in office who keep spoutting all these lies.

Worried about this president? where was all of this worry an concern when the patriot act was passed? That is the greatest threat to our liberty and rights we have ever seen. Or is all of this noise because we have a person of color in the white house?

not to be disrespectful, but, if someone is "fearful" that their constitutional rights are being stripped away, but cannot give one example of such, really is just trying to find an excuse to be against. for those who are afraid of their gun rights being degraded, answer this: what measures do you propose to lessen gun violence among teens and pre-teens?

plus, i am sure those same people would not agree to an Islamic-American group, or any other minority group, forming a militia stocking up on weapons to "protect their rights".

on a personal note, i am not surprise that these militia only comprise of non-minority republicans. to them, an African-American president would be "dangerous for the nation".

I'm more concerned about criminal gangs in this country. They're armed to the teeth, violent, and seemingly unstoppable by normal law enforcement methods. I believe these groups will, in the future, be much more dangerous than the Michigan militia and other such groups. In many ways, they mirror the warlords in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Patriots, as our Government has failed the people. They no longer represent the will of the American People but the special interests of every extreme view in the nation.

Our courts have become churches of evil disguised as law leading the American people down the path of good intentions towards our own destruction.

All checks and balances are gone and the only thing standing in the way of the powers that be from turning thing nation into a total police state is the fear that the American People, as they did after Pearl Harbor, will rise to once again defeat every enemy of freedom as the Constitution and Bill of Rights invisioned and served this country for over 200 years.

When did we all ge so politically correct that things can't be called what they are. The militia groups seem like a new version of an old group, KKK, or "Skin Heads" and racist.s I am sure they call themselves "Christians" also. It seem to me to be a kind of fundamentalism that we critisize in other countries, rather like the pot calling the kettle black. Our next terrorist attack will likely be from within due to the fact that out of control people have guns they don't need. What is it with the NRA in the USA that we allow this kind of disease to keep growing?

Why don't we cal these Militia camps exactly what they are...terrorist training camps?

The only problem here is trying to separate the "real true patriots" from the idiots who use the cover of calling themselves militia to pursue their hate! I would sincerely hope that those responsible, FBI, etc., know who are OK and those that are not! Heck, I guess you could make the argument that the National Guard is each states militia?

I believe that state militias are as necessary to defending our freedom as the standing military. Our rights are disappearing under the guise of national security and most Americans seem to welcome it. The Patriot Act says that if you are labeled an enemy combatant you can be searched without a warrant, arrested and held without trial, not be given access to a lawyer, and not even be allowed to attend your own trial. I am more afraid of the national media and my own government then I am of any terrorist organization.

IT REALLY MAKES ME SICK HOW ANYTIME YOU HAVE A PERSON OR A GROUP OF PEOPLE, TRAINING TO LEARN HOW TO DEFEND THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES THEY AUTOMATICALLY ARE CALLED " A DANGEROUS GROUP". AND JUST BECAUSE THEIR ARE NO MINORITIES THERE, WHY DOES THAT HAVE TO BE IN QUESTION? THIS IS AMERICA AND WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO TRAIN OURSELVES TO DEFEND OUR FAMILY!!!!!!

All Politicians are pledged to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. NOT protect and defend a leader and his socialist/communist supporters. I believe the Militias are PATRIOTS True and Blue. They are prepared to protect and defend the Constitution if the Shadow Government, which is being created by Obama, is activated. Remember Obama has stated that he wants to create and fully fund a civilian police force armed and more powerful than our Military Force. Where have we heard this before? Have we forgotten 1930 Germany? Mainland America was not invaded by the Japanese because they new that American Civilians were armed. We are the Sole Country which Guarentees it's civilian the right to bear arms. Once that right is eliminated we are not longer Free Citizens. We become Subjects.

Sincerely,
Al Gagne
Vietnam Veteran, Registered Voter and Patriot.

These militias smack of ignorance and racism. And they damage rather than help 'their' interpretation of the Constitution.

I don't know what these people are thinking. The Bush-Cheney government did more to strip us of our constitutional rights than any prior administration. What about the watering down of the law that prohibits the use of American troops on American soil? Having said that, I have no problem with being prepared for self-policing and survival. We have seen the governments inability to deal with natural disasters like Katrina. The Militias hearts are in the right place – their minds aren't.

maybe those guys dont trust the new government because they choose not to and by that i mean they may not feel that the current administration is being forthright and honest. and to hold them in a bad light is not reporting the news thats more of an opinion. i did at one time watch CNN all the time but yall just had a kid that says gay people arent getting liberty because they cant get married. well what is the means to an end of marriage? procreation and it comes from the bible and is between a man and a woman. maybe they should get off the CROSS and LET ONTHER GROOP HAVE the WOOD........RANDAL

I think they are necessary to help protect the rights that are constitution guarantees. This administration has done nothing but try to erode everything this country has fought for. Militia's were necessary for our freedom from England and I think they may be necessary to take our country back from an extremist government that is evolving here. We are guaranteed rights through the constitution that no government or world order has the right to remove.

Interesting subject the militias.
However it pains me that Americans and the American media seem to exhibit the memory span of the average 5 year old !
It appears that most of these militia people, and many other thinking Americans are worried about their Constitution being eroded by the Obama administration.

Cast your thoughts back just over a year ago to when the Bush administration was in power. In 8 years Bush and Cheney and the Neocons SHREDDED the American Constitution ! You all stood by and let it happen. There are dangerous elements within the militia, especially racists, but, It is far too easy for you to equate the increase in those joining the Miitlias with Obama becoming President.

Certainly it is an issue for some, but BUSH and CHENEY and all that administration changed in the Constitution should be highlighted and reported upon. Real Investigative journalism is dead in America it appears. CNN runs far too many ONE sided stories. Compared to the European media it always seems that you are afraid of your governments, afraid of upsetting big business etc. The media is supposed to seek and report Truthfully and cover both sides of any stories or multiple sides if necessary. You never report on the BIG picture.
Your Constitution is in shreds already, do a report on how much it has changed since the end of World war II. It is not due to the Obama administration ! Make people aware of what has happened to their constitution and then, better informed, they can make checks against the present and future administrations eroding it further.
Socialism is not your enemy here. What has happened recently is that big business runs your country, that is FASCISM, not socialism. Read your world history – Italy – Mussolini – Germany – Hitler. When big business tells the government what to do ( Goldman Sachs) it is Fascism.

In the words of one of America's LAST seriously unbiased investigative journalists, "Good Night and Good Luck".
Edward R Murrow must be turning in his grave at the current standard of broadcast reporting in America today.

First it's interesting that the folks in the militia are caucasian. They could not articulate why they did not like the President or what specifically he is or is not doing that could cause them concern. Could it be merely because our President is not caucasian that is driving their need to be in this group?. As for the other groups if they truly believe and have true concern why did they not want to appear on your show. Are they ashamed or scared like in the past when another group hid their identity with white hoods?

I believe 80% of these militia's are racist base. When America should have been concern about their social rights being taken away it was during the Bush Administration. That Administration gave this country away to Corporate American and what was left went to foreign countries in the so call Free Trade.

Same old foolishness that was heard back in the 1990s from the suburban whiggers about 'saving' that sacred scrap of toilet paper known as the CONstitution and Bill of Goods from ZOG (Zionist Occupation Government) and the jews. And the jewsmedia shows up to give these suburban whiggers playing at belonging to a private army and how Obongo is gonna take they's guns an audience of even stupider whiggers and muds listening in on the fruited & nutted ZOG-plains.

First of all, the original militias of the 1990s were rural White militias with a Christian Identity and Klan cadre. After Oklahoma City the real militia people went back underground where they still stay. ZOG's sudry agents provacateur then ate out what was aboverground. So by default, since there are no Klansmen or Identity Christians wanting to let the local sheriff know for sure who they are, the jewsmedia isn't going to ever find these real dangerous militias armed for Racial Holy War.

As I pointed out in Issue #6 of Modern Militiaman, there is no such thing as a CONstitutional militia because the CONstitution took away these private militias and armed groups from the People and the states and gave them to the criminal consolidated regime established by the CONstitution in Article 1, Paragraph 8 of said CONstitution.

There has been an upsurge in 'militia' activity as 2009 was much the same as 1994, the year after Waco with a Democrat president increasing the size of ZOG under color of 'law.' However, these militia mattoids will not get very far simply because they are reactionary feeble-minded individuals as opposed to hard-core religious or racial fanatics. They will listen to the jews like Potok at the $PLC and ADL, and in cowardly reaction whine about how they 'ain't racist' when the 'militias' that you ZOGlings fear are indeed these private groups which have already existed of Christian Identity and Klansmen, and which always will exist as long as White men exist.

Hail Victory!!!

Pastor Martin Luther Dzerzhinsky Lindstedt
Church of Jesus Christ Christian/Aryan Nations of Missouri
http://www.whitenationalist.org/forum

I truly believe these groups are primarily harmless. We wouldn't even know about them if a reporter didn't search them out. They haven't been a menace to society or caused mayhem with the government. They, like many of us, don't trust the government. Most Americans feel that they have no control over what the government chooses for them. These, relatively rare, groups have found a way to make them feel like they have more control over their fate. Of course there are degrees of over-zealousness and misguided fanaticism in any group. I don't believe the secret service or FBI need to invade the woods of southern Michigan in fear of the overthrow of the government.

The militias are patriots. There may be some extremists among them, which is true of any type of organization. The mass majority of militia members are patriotic men and women that believe being complacent about our constitutional rights is a bad idea. They also enjoy the camaraderie.

I believe these people are patriots.We have the right to suppport the constitution.And we should as americans.Iam not one of these militias,nor do i believe the president is trying to strip away constitutional rights.But i do have a hard time trusting politicians.
If these miltias are doing what they say,supporting the constitution,that is a good thing.I believe every american has the right to support the american constution,it is ideals and morals this counttry was founded on.And I believe as americans,we have a obligation to support the U.S. constitution,and U.S. as a country.

they are both extremist & patriots.
our rights going away voter fraud with acorn, black panters at voting [places & holder does nothing / erosion of states rights / favors to unions illegal unions for votes
corruption sen. Dobbs gets sweetheart deal people get screwed & worst, ethics committee says its ok they didn't realize it was a good deal. & the news media hardly says anything
news media that does very little to expose the corrupt government just like in communist countries.
Maybe i should join one

I failed to add this to my earlier comment. So, are these folks training to kill other Americans?

They're Patriots!! Granted there are always bad seeds, or groups in this case, who just want to shoot guns irresponsibly and will claim the name militia and reflect poorly on the rest of it's community. If you are going to call these groups of people worrying about our country's path extremists, then what do you call our national guard? As for the reason why they are forming so rapidly, look at the direction of this country, it's trying to control it's citizens. At some point the leaders of this country have to realize that they cannot control crime and it's not entirely the governments responsibility to do so. It falls on the citizens too but it's come to be that you, law abiding citizens, can't protect yourself (property included) or assist others in need without worry of being arrested or even sued by the criminal. What the hell is happening here?

oh please my friend!! everything in US is within your right!! that is the priced you have to pay as long you keep "FIRST AMENDEMENT" AND LIBERAL COUNTRY !!
YOU LET THE GENNIE OUT..... even religion/faith won`t stop it !! noting will stop it !! so please don`t talk about or even bother to discus it... everything is no border!! with our principal anyting is possible!! Even sometime America need to learn you can`t have both ways!!

in my opinion para-military groups like those in Michigan are a cross between self belief and purity than that of acting as a deterrent. more like a fraction or group that commonly be equated a Junta or Taliban army. As a veteran, you support and defend the constitution of the United States of America, which also includes those that in itself are sworn to defend that very document which also is the requirement of the elected President regardless of gender or ethnicity.

They are extremists, driven by fear propaganda. Also we should not discount the thrill of playing soldier in the woods, being all bad and and mad at Obama.

Our President bows to Emporers and the king of Saudi Arabia, who apologizes for who we are and fails to promote what we do right. A bow is a gesture of subservience, an act servitude.
Do I trust him? I don't believe our President has any idea about the level of prestige that goes along with being President of the United States.
George Washington understood it.Our president bows to no one and neither does the citizenry bow to the president.
Will he do away with our constitution? I don't believe he's even aware of the ways he can try to take away our liberties.
I believe the people are responsible for the protection of our rights as well as the politicians. We can vote them out of office but we must also take note of the nations who surrendered their guns and the ultimate take over of these governments.
Survivalists groups should be left alone as long as they [ose no threat to the public good. There may come a day when their skills will be needed.

They are REAL Brave Americans who are courageously defending our freedoms from the newest and greatest threat. We have uncovered a new leader of Al Quaeda in America. It is Barack Hussein Obama – MMM, MMM, MM America's Enemy #1.

You have to fight fire with fire. In this case, extreme with extreme. Obama is the most far left radical we've had as a President. In the books Obama wrote we've read his outlook on what he see's America to be. With cunning wit and phrases that would go over most heads that have not read the Constitution. He has all corners of government covered. Liberal/activist Judge Sotomayor on top of Judicial branch of Government. Gun control is her one her top issues. A chineese American Liberal/activist Judge who's name now escapes me is on top of the Legistrative Branch of Government. And Obama on top of the Elective Branch. Also majority control of the House, The Senate, Congress, The White House, and 95% of state run media on the Obama train. Nothing he does can be wrong. If people knew the constitution like they know Brad Pitts movie and the singers name of this years American Idols by heart, there would have been no Bush, Obama in the White House. For almost 100 years, the government has played on the American Citizens ignorance to the Law of government and Constitutional law. Cap & Trade, Health Care Bill are unconstitutional and most don't know that, yet we are supposed to trust them to do the right thing. But Barney Frank said himself that you can't trust the government. Bring the government back down to size. Government is the nessasary evil and if left unchecked will turn on it's people. Not the government but the power hungry and deceptive politician we elect to trust them to represent us. No longer trust and the people of America's voice is being silenced by elected officials that have lost touch. They've been in office too long. Time to get them out and bring back freedom in our government. Some politicians are too old and probably wearing DEPENDS while giving their speeches. Anyone that has been in government office for more than 10 years is time to go back to private life, collect SSI, Medicare, Medicaid. Not the 6 figure current salary for life. There should not be a life term in any office in government and it's branches, except civilian jobs in government with no authority. Read the Constitution and you'll realize it's been years the constitution has been erroding. But now this President will finish, try to, the job of destroying the greatest country invented by man with God given rights and freedom. Militias are to protect us from Obama.

I think they are patriots. As you said they are part of the reason our 2nd amendment is not currently being challenged. It would be political sucicide. I find it funny that you seem to think that is because of Obama's skin color. Liberal is the issue, not race. We all know how bad you want it to be race though. People do want the Government to control their lives. It is the reason our country was started in the first place.
I am an idependant who wanted change. I have seen none. It is the same petty politics as before. It just seems now that Obama "acts" above it and you don't report the truth. There is not a crediable news network left. I worry about what happened to the press that used to question it's leaders. Not help it's agenda. As for Fox, it the same as you just pushing a different side. Still no objectivity.
It is obvious every person on CNN is a liberal, even when they try to act like they are not. It is obvious that most on Fox our conservative.
You should all be ashamed. You are allowing the grey to cause harm to our country.

As long as they are not adjudicated criminals or mentally deficient (Ie cannot touch or have firearms / ammo), and they are not attempting to commit criminal offenses of sedation, treason, etc. let them go camping and shoot their firearms.

Those people are not patriots. That is all driven by racism. They can dress it up any way they want but racism is the driver. They can't even articulate what rights are being infringed on by the President. Ignorance again rears it's ugly head!

The many Militia groups that exist in the United States cannot be judged as one organization. There is no doubt that many are extremist, while others are patriotic, but they do have in common a belief that they are protecting their freedom. I am not a member of any paramilitary organization, but I do believe that a despotic government is a real, potential danger. I just cannot understand how these groups deem the Obama Administration a threat to their freedoms. Though I am a rapid Liberal and supporter of President Obama, I respect the right of these groups to exist and operate. If I felt that a TRULY despotic government were coming to power in the United States, I would not hesitate to take action myself. I personally believe members of these groups are misinformed and should focus on deterring future threats, not neo-conservative propaganda.

When government takes a swing, be it left or right, it is inevitable that the citizens that feel treatened will become more active. We saw this with anti-war, pro-abortion groups during the Bush administration and we are seeing it with the pro-constitution, pro-gun groups now. I think they while these groups operate within th law they are all patriots.

I dont belive any militia member cares who is president. They belive in our constitution and keeping our rights and freedoms. They are definitely patriots unlike our elected offcials in washington.

These groups are, in my opinion, every bit as dangerous as Islamic terrorists are to this nation. Their hatred of the President and of our government in general puts them right up there with the worst of the worst. They are no more than the Klan in camo. 8 children, 22 guns, just what we need, the breeding of more hate and bigotry.

Considering the fact that these groups directly inspired the Oklahoma City bombers, it is hard to believe that they pose no threat. The links between these militia extremist groups and racially extremist groups can't be ignored. It is no coincidence that this resurgence of domestic terrorist groups has coincided with the election of the first black president. These people are dangerous and need to be watched closely. The idea that they are simply exercising their rights contradicts the propaganda on their websites and in their printed literature. These groups are heavily influenced by William Pierce's "Turner Diaries" and it should not go without note that the writer of that book was the founder of a racist and anti-government church. These people are as dangerous as Al Qaeda only they live right in our own back yards.

For too many years our current Government has done everything they could to test the Constitution and It`s "Meaning" to the point where we are now actually violating the "Principles" on which it was written, Every time our elected officials try to "Guess" about the intent of a specific Amendment,Right or Law, They actually erode the "Meaning" Further.
Our Constitution Is meant to be somewhat fluid throughout time but NOT so Fluid that updates to it actually change the original "Principles" on which it was Founded.
And you ask WHY Militia groups are so prevalent Today?
If our Government does not stop moving toward Socialism it may get worse.
The more Laws that are passed that erode our Personal Rights and Freedom, Especially when it comes to what you can or cannot do in the Privacy of your own home is NOT to be under any Government Control, It is called Individual Rights & Responsibility, Freedom of Choice,and Nobody should ever be labeled a Criminal unless there is a "Victim" Whose rights were violated in some manner and any punishment should "Fit" the Crime.
"We had to arrest and label him a criminal because he was doing something hazardous to his own health" < – That is NOT a Criminal!!!

Did they murder 14 people in the name of "allah"? If youre looking for extremists you should be looking in to the military murderer at Fort Hood.

(Same Richard as above) I also have 22 guns in my house. I've done my homework, and President Obama has no intention of taking my guns away. These groups cannot claim that they are protecting the 2nd Amendment from President Obama; He is its best friend.

I hope that your network also shows the other side of the 2nd Amendment issue – those who live with the ramifications of gun violence every day – and not just in Chicago. This fear that gun rights and/or constitutional rights will be taken away is groundless. The Supreme Court recently interpreted the 2nd Amendment: individual right to bear arms with the government's right to enact public safety measures such as background checks. Our constitution and our founding fathers understood the balance between individual liberties and the security of society – we see it in all the amendments. As for the lack of political will on the part of our representatives, it is appalling. Over 30,000 Americans die from gun violence every year and very few have the courage to say let's do something about this. Meanwhile, families and friends are left with their loss because legislators "lack political will". We can preserve gun rights while preserving public safety. We just need legislators who have the courage to try.

Rick,

it appears that you have an issue with minorities being in leadership positions. pointing out "A chineese American Liberal/activist Judge" being "on top of the Legislative Branch" appears to be irrelevant to a difference in policy, but a direct implication on ethnicity. if not, then why mention it? does it really matter if that person is Chinese-American?

also, Judge Roberts, a republican, has almost always sided with big businesses if they were sued by former employees for discrimination or other reasons. is not that against your constitutional rights to be treated fairly and without prejudice?

I have had many dealings with these groups and almost always they are involved with a religious cult. It is normal for them to hold an extremist view of the Christian religion, believing they have some elite end of the world destiny. Futhermore, as a US Army Veteran, I do not feel they have earned the right to wear any semblence of a US Military uniform.

Hey cnn, did you ask the Missouri Militia? They are pretty open about their activities and the public is welcome at their events and training exrecises. They a militia that regularly works with police and civil officials, usualy in times of disaster and such. This group also does a lot of community service work. In order to be a member, you must be legaly able to carry a fire arm and pass a state police back ground check, you may not be a member of any hate group. Their ranks incluse lawyers, and other professionals and consits of people of all sorts of ethical back grounds.

Oh, and to the people here who are calling this a "racialy fueled movement", what about the black members of these groups, are they "racist" too?

It is interesting that these militias fear that the Constitution is at risk under President Obama's administration. He is, in fact a Constitutional lawyer who taught Constitutional law. This administration has already taken steps to protect Americans' constitutional rights that were already jeopardized by the Bush Administration's actions. Further, the Supreme Court of the US, whose role it is under the Constitution to protect those rights for US citizens, had declared decisions and actions of the Bush Administration against US citizens to have been a violation of their Constitutional rights, (thanks to masterminds Cheney, Wolfowitz and Rumsfeld) even before President Bush had left office. Perhaps these militias might do themselves a service by gathering facts from solid news organizations rather than allowing themselves to be manipulated by propaganda. Military force moved by propaganda was one of the chief characteristics and tactics of the Nazis under Adolph Hitler's control. These militias appear to me to be following in the pattern of the Nazi brownshirts, and are a far greater threat to this country than President Obama, it seems to me.
(In fact, those whose Constitutional rights were violated when they died in the Oklahoma bombing of the Murrah Building have a militia and one of their members, Timothy McVeigh, to thank for their "protection".) It seems apparent to me, based on facts, that the Contitutional rights of these militias and of all US citizens are far safer under the Obama Administration than under the Bush Administration.
Finally, weapons and "military action" in the name of national defense are much more wisely administered by the offical military than in these self-appointed militias.

So where were the Militias when G. W. Bush took away Habeas Corpus and many other rights?

It is clear that these groups know nothing about how the US Government works. The US President cannot actually implement laws, though he can influence, suggest, or veto bills. This matter is up to Congress and the Senate not the President. And besides, if the Legislative Branch implements a law, the Judiciary Branch can step in to make sure it is not unconstitutional. This is GOVERNMENT 101, they teach this in high school for God's sake. Also, these groups clearly do not pay attention to the news because Obama is having a tough time dealing with Congress and the Senate anyway. The Democrats barely passed their own version of the Health Care Bill, with many of their own party members voting against it. Plus, exercising gun control would be political suicide for Obama and the Democrats. It does not matter if you support the current president, but wouldn't you be worried if an individual took up military weapons because of uneducated fears? These people are not patriots, a true patriot takes up arms to defend his home, family, and country. A true patriot does not take up arms because he/she is worried that our country's first black president might want to take away their MILITARY GRADE rifles... You do have the right to bear arms, Thomas Jefferson himself said "The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that... it is their right and duty to be at all times armed." But this does not give people the right to take advantage of this privilege.

These people are extremist and racists. No question about it!

Potok is off base. Many Americans are worried about a president who has so many extremists and communists in his govt.! Besides, there is a long history of hunting, shooting, and militias in our culture. Where has he been?

these militias are feeding off the fear being whipped up by Fox News. No good will come from this business.

My question to militia participants would be, “Show me substantive evidence of the government coming in to take your rights away?” You’re running around in the woods with an assault rifle, speaking your mind on national television, on the internet, freely debating your political view whenever and wherever you care to do it.

Hmmm....Sorry I hope the the second amendment is repealed. A year ago Nov in CA, my rights as a human being were taken away because of my lifestyle. I have been reduced to a second class citizen. Maybe when more rights are taken away, then people will understand that discrimination in any form is wrong.

The simple fact that they couldn't explain which of their constitutional rights were in danger shows a reactionary mentality. All fury and anger with no though behind it.

These people are just scared. Change brings insecurity brings fear. Training helps them feel better and more in control. Most are probably nothing to worry about.

After watching reports on these militia groups, I believe they are right wing.extremely racist groups. How many of these groups have non white members? These are the knid of people who support nuts like Sarah Palin and Dick Cheney. You should stop legitimizing these right wing nuts.

I think the radical anti-Obama thugs you interviewed are conspiracy nuts and I find it comical that many of them were too afraid to show their faces.

I wouldn't trust them as far as I can throw them, and I find it appalling that you (John) referred to them as "perfectly normal".

They are TIN FOIL hats.

I'd be willing to bet if these so-called "malitia groups" were comprised of Arab Americans, or Muslim Americans there wouldn't be a major discussion about their "rights to form." They would be seen as terrorist cells and would be eliminated...much in the same way the Black Panther Party, and other non-white cells were. Real talk.

People in this country are scared of what this Administration is doing.....go to Gun shows and see all the ammo being purchased.....Look at the success of Glenn Beck !......People just want their country back.....just watch the next election....Militias are just patriots. Amen.

PATRIOTS!

Militias are clearly extremeist and enemies of the government. The militias which were shown are a dangerous as Timothy McVeigh or David Coresh. It is time for Homeland Security and DAF to take action against them and their extremist, national threat.

Simply put, a bunch of poorly educated, dangerously ignorant people looking for any excuse to justify behaving irresponsibly. Any excuse to carry a gun. Ya, we get it...you like guns...get over it and smarten up.

RACISTS!!!! How dare they say they are afraid of Pres Obama. Why? Oh yeah, he's not WHITE. It sickens me to my stomach that we still tolerate racism in this country of any kind. You know what else is astounding about these radical people? If they came into a hospital I'd have provide the best care to them as anyone else – despite their racist ways. Amazing how important a black man becomes when its necessary to save these idiots lives.

Patriots yes, extremists no.

Hum ?? From Canada ... these look alot like terrorist training camps. Extremely disturbing to say the least.

Nut bags is about the only word that can be used to describe such groups. They have their right to assemble and I am not going to take away their right to do so but they claim that Obama is taking away freedoms yet they fail to look at their last WHITE leader who took away more freedoms from Americans that any President. Bush used fear & 911 to make people believe we needed to lose our freedoms so he could protect us. Now the conservative movement looks at a black President who happens to have a name that scares people and once again they want to bring fear to Americans. Look at these groups and you will find no minorities involved in them, this isn't American ideology, this is fear & ignorance. These are people who don't even understand what Socialism is. Their definition is skewed by their ignorance. It is really a shame that this country is so ignorant. But it is also not a surprise to me.

While there may be some extremists in these groups, I believe that at their heart they are love America and love the Constitution. I think they echo the feelings of many in America, including myself, who feel the Federal Government is getting much too involved in our lives. God Bless America and President Obama.

Patriots. The federal government is gradually taking away our freedoms, and Obama has kicked it into overdrive. The 10th Amendment has been flushed down the toilet. I respect these citizens and will join them if it come to that point.

These "people" are extremists. Where were they during the previous administration? It is very interesting that they can't comment of what they are so "afraid of". They clearly have some issues and I find it amusing you don't find any people of colour in their ranks.

My huge issue is that Bush came in and started stepping into everyone's privacy and personal freedoms. Attempting to pass marriage laws, the patriot act, etc.; however, just because a rumor about gun rights and/or socialism (socialism by the definition of a high school dropout), they're gathering?

Where were they when I was being patted down at the airport before they realized there were metal buttons in my jeans? Or perhaps while our country was invading the privacy of millions of Americans for no reason at all other than "they can?" I label extremists just because our last president gained more ground in taking away our rights than Obama has even considered.

These people lack any merit until they figure out who really took our rights away. Obama should repeal the Patriot Act, but of course, these groups would still stay around.

Its hard to say if they're patriots or not. Maybe in the strictest sense, but I don't think they're the most reasonable people. I don't think the Obama administration is stripping away our rights any more than the Bush administration did – with its warrantless wiretapping (also overstepping Constitutional rights, without even bothering to pass a law before doing it). Notice that these groups weren't popping up over that. I think this shows they have some inherent biases against President Obama. Maybe its just political, but maybe its something more...

These people are threats to American security, similar to domestic terrorists. Their concern with socialism is unfounded. I wonder if they were concerned when Bush began spying on Americans at will? When the Patriot Act stripped many individual rights? Are these actions justified since they are security related to these right-wing ideologues?

The actions of such extremists as Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin, Jim Dement, and Glenn Beck fuel these domestic terrorists. One of them in the report was concerned about losing his "gun rights." When has President Obama ever said that gun rights are threatened? They need to do some research into the facts instead of relying on the lies from the right-wing nutcases as Palin, Limbaugh, and Beck. They might discover that things are not as bad as they first thought.

Al Gagne,

you said, "They are prepared to protect and defend the Constitution if the Shadow Government, which is being created by Obama, is activated."

obviously, you did not know that the shadow government was in place well before Abraham Lincoln became president. the idea of a shadow government goes even further back than that.

Various news organizations ran a report on the "shadow government" established by Bush in the wake of Sept 11th. to imply that it's being created by Obama is really just to place blame.

I cannot see how anyone can believe that the people who have joined many of these militias are patriots. First off, none of them can say what Constitutional rights they are losing (due to the fact that no one is losing any of their rights), They also cannot say why they are fearful of our government, outside of soundbites (usually "Socialism, communist, marxist). And all of them continue to say they are going to have their weapons taken away (when no law or executive order has ever been suggested at any time).

People who complain about what's going on in Washington most times forget that they are the ones who have voted our Senators & Congressmen (and women) into office. The members of militias should worry more about exercising their civil right by voting instead of playing soldier because of a specious claim of 'the government is coming for me & my guns'.

they are patriots with some extreme beliefs and concerns. I wish Obama would go and eat some bar b que with them and they would see that he is more on there side than they think. I here he's a pretty good shot too.

Extremists.
They should be carefully watched.
A potential assassin may be among them.

These groups are extremists, perhaps laughable extremists. They generally tragic fat white guys who are clearly racist! Do a visual next time you see a program such as this! They fear President Obama for some strange reason, one of which is a fear of losing their right to keep and bear Arms. Take it from thi Red-Neck Liberal, I would NEVER allow anyone to take away my two high powered bolt action 410 shotguns! Seriously, no one of note is remotely interested in taking away that right!

Neo-conservative propaganda??? That's just the ignorance of the viewer watching cnn or any other channel. Myself, being in the military, for 8 yrs have been interviewed by the media a number of times and although it wasn't turned negative in my case. It still wasn't the whole story, i've seen my sentences cut and pasted in to different segments. Don't allow the media to make decisions for you. They never tell the whole story, they just turn it in to what they think will get the best ratings from their viewers. The news these days is filled with such BS, don't be lazy. Do your own research before you think race is a major factor in cases like this. In the end the president is just the puppet head for the party anyway. The party's to blame, not necessarily the president himself.

Typical ignorant knee-jerk reactionary rednecks...Rant and rave about how their constitutional rights are being violated but if you ask them they can't even name which or how. Ironically, these are the people that no doubt voted for the previous administration that shredded the constitution at will, probably twice. God it must be easy to represent these people in Washington...you can tell them ANYTHING and they just believe it even in spite of widespread media coverage of the subject matter. Sort of makes me sick to have to admit that this is "Joe Sixpack".

I think these people are racist, Obama has done nothing to take there gun rights or any other rights away. These people are just uncultured poorly educated folks who fear people who don't look like them.

I know some of these militia members. Most of them haven't read the consitution.

Pedro,

there is a difference between protesting with signs versus protesting with guns.

I feel all Americans should arm them self's this government boarders on treason,every company and foreign country has more say than we do because they bribe our official through lobbyist's and leave us holding the bag when the crap hit's the fan. It's not just the president it's the senate and congress

Patriots or extremist, I would say neither. For no apparent reason they are afraid of a black president. people seem to be afraid of the new, the differen. or maybe they just want to belong to a group. There is allot of insecurity out there, both finamcially, and emotionally.

why don't you investigate the people who hate americans and teach their followers to kill americans..the militia groups are standing up for american rights. they don't want to kill americans they want to protect america.. where is the story that tells about the people who really hate america.. the radical muslims...are you afraid you might hurt their feelings..? their right here in america, too. using our constitutional rights to teach hatred and to try and destroy us...and you guys are worried about patriotic americans...fools

If these people are concerned about the constitution, look no further then the last administration. The Patriot Act, Dept of Homeland Security
Chaney trying to rewrite the Constitution to give the President powers he does not have. This is no more then " we don't trust a black man or any other minority in the white house. Racism is alive and well and lives in America.

I think these guys are nothing but a bunch of armed good old boys, that have nothing on their minds except getting to fire weapons and dress up , when the know deep down inside the real military is busy fighting terrorists, they are busy fighting their own goverment , they are a sad looking bunch indeed, I wonder if they have white hoods with their uniforms!!

We need to stop playing this is not about any rights you can change the white sheets but we all know that they are the KLAN but we're gonna play around until blacks, spanish and Jews are being killed I mean really
are we gonna act like this isn't whats happening here?

I think these militia that are cropping up are patriots...sadly with little education and who are easily led down the wrong path. The fears that are being stirred by the extremeist of the right wing and that are persuading these people is what this nation should be afraid of.

I have friends who were always reasonable people who have lost all sense of reality because all they listen to is Fox "news". When you ask them why they are so afraid of this administration, they have no answer that isn't directly out of Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity or Limbaugh's handbook! That is scary!

These are radical brain washed fanatics who listen to Glenn Beck. The Repubs. count on firing up these mostly uneducated people to support their party. If they only new how pathetic they appeared they would go back to their trailers.

Clearly this militia groups are wholly unpatriotic. They are white power extremists and they are extremely angry that President Obama is leading this country. None of their constitutional rights have been affected, so it's obvious that there only problem is that a black man is leading this country now. Consider what would happen if all black militia groups started popping up everywhere. I am 99.9% sure that most white people would be quick to call them dangerous and extremist and would find any reason to shut them down.

Yes these militia's are necessary. And yes we have been losing our rights ever since the passage of the "Patriot Act " They must have pondered along time on that name,because it is anything but !

These extremist believe most people are stupid and blind and that they can cover up their real motivations and bigoted hatred. They hide behind guns and wrap themselves in the flag and constitution. But they are all about white power and hate for others. I will be watching CNN Breaking News when they report on the murder and killings in that guy family with more guns than kids. It always happens when you combine ignorant people and weapons. We reap what we sow!

After the Democrats lost the house and senate and a couple of presidential elections because of their gun-prohibitionist ways, they have learned their lseesn, at least for now.

None of these laws did the slichtest bit of good anyway. So, paradoxicaly, the Obama dminstration has actually been good to the lock and load crowd in their rush to prove to the "left-necks" (moderate to progrssive gun owners) that they have reformed their antigun ways.

These are just good Americans feeling so threatend by this administrations policys that they want to protect all of our rights.

Where were these "patriots" when the Bush administration was violating the 4th Amendment with the Patriot Act and warrantless wiretapping? Where were they while that administration violated the 5th and 6th Amendments by detaining American citizens for months (or even years) without due process?

They are both, a little extremist because most of them do not understand the complexity of the government and very patriotic because they are willing to defend the flag and the constitution no matter what.
This is what makes them more patriotic than extremist and they feel that they should be prepared for anything or in other words "better safe than sorry".

Ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!Constitutional Rights are being infringed.... yet they can't mention one right that has been taken away.

Please the problem here is clearly illiteracy and by that i do not mean just getting a Univertsity Degree as clearly these day just going to school does not make you a literate.

i think they are just looking for recreational activities to keep busy as unemployment is so high. If only they can remain in their own backyards!!!

Extremists plain and simple. These milita people have very misplaced fears and they are taking up weaponry to bolster their ego and status amoungst their peers. I would almost feel sorry for their misplaced sense of justice if it weren't so forceful and angry in nature.

These are good American Patriots with their Chinese machine guns. Get the irony? Hey! Pay attention, as Jim Acosta mentioned, Obama hasn't proposed any new gun control laws. President Obama and the democrat s are NOT socialists, any more than Bush and the republicans were fascists.

With all of the CZARS that Obama has setup and the way he is getting friendly with countries that hate us, along with the takeover of PUBLIC companies, I wander what he is up to. If compaines like Ford, GM, etc. are PUBLIC companies, WHY is the goverment taking control? Could this be the first step taking away rights?

Yes I am afraid of constitutional rights disappearing.
The ""open"" Obama are hiding behind door, the will not list the sheltered phone co. The patriot ACT. What a farce, the loss of constitutional right.
Obama and his Czars which have no oversight by congress,
I have 6 'semi-auto 22lr pistols and 15k round of ammo (got got to buy when available for price). I shoot 5K rounds a year in 'bullseye'!!! Am I a nut, or just cost conscious??

If I do not have medical insurance I will be fined!!! I now am paying 6K dollars for medical and it will go UP!

These dangerous extremists are nothing more than hostile, angry racists with guns. Substitute the camouflaged masks for hooded sheets, close your eyes and listen to the broadcast. For the reporter to describe these thugs, dopes and goons as “friendly and hospitable” is moronic and insulting to viewers.

I'm pretty sure these guys are the good guys and are only here to resemble the real patriots for a real cause. That cause is freedom. We are against anyone that will try and is trying to take that away from us. Even if it is the Government.

God Bless this Nation The United States of America.

I think the majority are patriots; there are of course the exception in any group. The majority of people are scared when they see/hear each day what our politicians are doing to our country...
We have lost the right to teach/pray certain religions in schools, however we can teach/pray the koran and accept middle east prayer.
We have lost the right to have a national language. We have lost the right to celebrate Christmas in public when the majorit;y clearly want Christmas. We have lost the right to privacy. We have lost the right to government 'by the people'.

Because our volunteer military has been corrupted by GI- Bill bribes and wars of false pretense, the natural born citizen is gravitating towards what they believe to be a trustworthy army. As citizens, every one of us is a soldier, and as soldiers, every soldier is a citizen. It is our duty to protect the Constitution in the event of invasion from foreign entities, or in the event of government tyranny, and also to protect our property and families. Hence the second amendment. President Obama should be aware that in the event of States sovereignty being circumvented by the lending of Federal dollars and the declaration of martial law during a state of federally declared emergency (and the legislation and enforcement of Federal Laws thereof) , the constitutionally legal militias of the sovereign states of the United States of America will exercise The second amendment right to bear arms against government tyranny or foreign invasion.

I am glad that the constitution protects the rights of all Americans, even extremists motivated by fear and propaganda who are playing GI Joe in the woods to give themselves the feeling of security they feel they need. I just wonder what the founding fathers who developed the constitutiuon had in mind. Do you think they, in their wildiest dreams, could have imagined 2009?

Patriots do not have to be extremists, just as muslims don't have to be suicide bombers.

These individuals are extremists, not very bright ones, because it's like a person saying, that because I have 40 bibles, that my religious rights can't be violated.
Extremists are people gathered for reasons of a selfish matter, and only add negatively to any situation.
Instead of the same old camouflage and country mannerism, a true milita should be respectably dressed and non- suspicious, then maybe their views will be listened to without – bias.
If the world comes to an end, ... does any man know, how many guns you will need to stop the world from ending?... please don't answer that, .... if you tried to ....your an extremist.

As long as they are responsible, I'm fine with it. The question here is, why are so many people questioning the environment Obama's creating. It seems people from both parties are realizing, that Obama and his reps have lost the U.S.image of a tough, strong, value driven country. He is more worried about his popularity, rather than calling thngs how they are and doing what's right.(Ft.Hood is a terrorist act) He's more like a young punk with power, rather than a President What a shame.

Please do your reasearch before trying to defend your constitutional rights. President Obama was a Professor of Constitutional Law. I truly believe he knows The Constitution!!! No Excuse for Violence.

I am positive that these people are racists. They cannot explain what constitutional rights they are losing, but they state that they are anyway.
Yet for the previous eight years their phones were tapped and had no privacy online, at their doctor's offices or in their mail. Their children were going to be called to a draft at any moment so Bush would have enough troops to invade two countries, one for absolutely no reason at all. I don't recall all the outrage then. These folks cannot accept that they have a black man for President. It is plain and simple.
These people are the ones who are dangerous. Of course they are going to appear somewhat normal on camera. But as Mr. Acosta stated after his piece aired, one of these "militia" members invited him into his home. They have something like eight kids. His most prized possession was his gun rack. They have about 22 guns in their home?
Do you still want to believe these people are "normal?" Normal people have much better things to do with their time.

C,mon we all know the answer to that but the media cannot say it so I will. They are extremist who look at our president as a threat because he is african american plain and simple. Do you see any minorities in any of these so called militias? They see anyone that is not white as a threat to them and their country especially if they are in a position of power!

I'm amazed at these people who let "their" president spy on them (and lie about it), approve torture, freeze Habeas Corpus and lead us into a war using 9/11 as a reason even though Irag had nothing to do with it. Where was their great concern for the Constitution then? I"m pretty sure Cheney would've used the Constitution for toilet paper if he had the chance!

What has President Obama done do earn their mistrust? Take actions to save us from another Depression? Try to get health care to people? I guess listening to other's opinions and respecting their right to those opinions is terrifying to these groups.

The extreme right is more dangerous with their blind following of any right wing leader no matter what the policy.

They are true patriots. Yes, the government is slowly taking away our rights. But I will NEVER give up my guns. My assault rifle is for my protection, and this is a right. If it comes down to the govt turning on us, then yes I will fight against them.

You should have asked why so many of them are overweight.

In case of emergency they will need to be in good shape physically.These guys would probably have heart attacks trying to get out of their own way.

When they violate the law,we'll see how tough they are when they wake up in a cell somewhere with a 6 foot 5 inch,290 lb roommate.

Silly little boys playing Army.

With all due respect, LEGAL MILITIAS formed under the excercise of the second amendment, are not terrorist simply because they disagree with the direction the President is leading the country. To make comments such as that are extremely shortsighted and even masochistic seeing as how in the event that you choose to dissent, for any issue, you automatically place yourself in a self-described category of 'terrorist'.

In todays political climate, anyone who believes in our constitutional freedoms (patriotism) would be labeled an "extremist".

To answer your question about our children, not enough time nor space is available to answer that question. What you have to ask yourself is "Does the goverment give the people power, or do the people give government power?" The answer could be given by any of our founding fathers. When the people rely on the government for security, we lose our freedom (our God given rights). It was Thomas Jefferson who siad that where security exists, freedom and liberty do not. Keep that in mind when you are thinking about whether "I" as an American know what's best for me, or if the government knows what's best for me........YOUTUBE Fall of the Republic.........

I Think its a little of both.You have to go off of how people present themselves. these were groups made up of members from the same race probably sam social-economic backround and probably the same state(South Carolina,Kentucky lol,Kansas,Mississippi) back country .they are also rolling around in the woods much like the terrorist over seas do when there training for the latest attack. The pesident is doing more than any other president has done as far as travel in the first year.and whites like they always are are the only ones to have a problem with people and like always create the problems even though they cant identify the ones they have(Like never....Maybe because the dont know it.....like never...Iraq,Aghganistan,Korea,Vietnam) you all really sometimes need to take a step back and chill because nobody in this world is really feeling you. we have militia groups over here for our president while they have al queda and the chinese army to keep whites in line.

Good morning,

I think these people have the right to form militia's and by doing so, have just confirmed that their constitutional rights are NOT being taken away. How ironic that they think that it is Obama who 'could be dangerous for the country' and fear that the Constitution is 'slipping away'; instead of the former Vice President who regularly shredded the Constitution and created his own shadow government. May I suggest that these people go and visit the US Constitution Center in Philadelphia and spend a day realizing how this great country works instead of listening to talk radio for their knowledge base.

Not only do I not think these people are patriots, I think they are racist gun-nut idiots who use "being concerned about the Constitution" as a euphamism for being worried about a black president who is challenging their warped litlle world views just a little too much for comfort. Where were these "concerned patriots" when the Bush Administration was actually walking on the Constitution in the name of "homeland security"? You said yourself that they couldn't explain how their Constitutional rights were being infringed. Not only do I think they are going too far, I think CNN is going too far by giving voice by giving voice to this idiocy. And, as always, doing so with the bare minimum of fact checking....

These so-called "patriots" are really extremist gun crazy nuts just looking for someone on whom to vent their pent up frustrations. To think that Obama or any President can "take away our freedoms" is dumb thinking. Our country has survived because of our checks and balances, no one leader can exert that much power. I wonder at the political affiliation of these guys and gals. I'll bet they're related to the Tea Party bunch.

What concerns me most is that these militia's and other groups cannot articulate what rights have been taken from them, what has been done to threaten the constitution, what way and time do they want the US to go back to and why. I think that CNN and other news organizations spend too much time reporting these things as cute little quips, when they are questions that need to be asked and answered. This sort of thinking is what endangers us. When people make unfounded statements, and others march to it as though it was true, then they become dangerous and could lead to our country being torn apart. The only threat to the constitution that I can remember was the patriot act which republicans and democrats passed. This is the result of fear and irrational thinking. Please focus on why these people think as they do. I think it will be very telling.

I feel that these groups are extreme in their idea of defending the constitution. Citizen raise guns to defend the country under the leadership of our Commander and Chief rather we agree or not. There is a great deal of information that public can't be made privy to due to security measures. So one cannot possibly fathom the reason behind the decisions of our Presidents. Especially during a time of war. Anyone questioning the demonstration of laws in the nation or their region of it, should challenge such through legal and/or lobbying methods.

Exactly what is the diffference between a masked, gun-toting coward in Michigan and a masked, gun-toting coward in Iraq? Oh wait, THERE ISN'T ANY!. Clearly we have a lot of work to do here at home once Al Qaeda is taken care of.

Paranoia strikes deep. Into your heart it will creap. There's a man with a gun over there telling me I've got to beware.

Bush did more damage to the constitution with the Patriot Act - it took only months to roll out but will take years to repair. However, these militias are grown-up boy scouts and in a natural disaster setting, I'd want them for protection & help. As long as they are respectful / mindful in exercising their rights, then they are patriots and I encourage it. And I'm a democrat living in the South.

It is quite reveiling that one ignorant person calls this racism. The Right to Keep and Bear Arms – The Second Ammendment is more infringed than the First Ammendment; why? Are they not equal rights? If you want to understand th militia's fear just look at Pres. Obama's past votes and his choice for AG. Nothing open minded about guns. Remeber if you outlaw guns only outlaws will have guns.

Using your logic, any citizen who dissents and is armed is automatically a terrorist, and I'm sure you wouldn't want to label yourself as that simply because you're armed angry and dissenting.

Shame on you cnn, and not these groups. What groups? You interview what looked like a weekend warrior gun club, and now want to polarise a non-issue with this question. Are they extremists or patriots? I would have have to interview each group and decide case by case. I think cnn is the extremist in this case. Extremely poor reporting. Shock Jock sensationalism may sell comercials, but your not selling me. Why can't I find an american news station that tells me the news? I will keep listening to the BBC, I just hope I don't get a snooty english accent.

Every time somebody disagrees with this president it`s racist! I am so sick of that one! I don`t care what color he is. He is DESTROYING this country! I am GLAD there are militia groups! I feel better knowing they are all over the United States. Take a good look at what Obama and his congress are trying to do to this country. Out of control spending, putting people in jail for not having insurance (unconstitutional), wanting to pull out of Afghanistan? (what did our men die for?) oh I could go on. Of course other than Fox who tells the TRUTH about what this administration is up to, most people don`t have a clue or don`t care. They will be the first ones screaming when they find out ALL of their rights have been taken away. Wake up AMERICA! GO MILITIAS!

they are right wing extremist's,something like the tea party protestorsat the town hall meetings.

You fail to understand that incomplete reporting like this adds to the frustration felt by some in this country regarding Pres Obama, his Administration & Media Bias.
The report clearly stated that the Obama Administration has not introduced any anti-gun legistration. That is incorrect! Please get your facts straight, you can start by looking at this bill introduced in the house ...."HR 45 Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sales Act of 2009"

To me they look like extremists. I can understand that some people like guns and want ot own one or two but the leader of the group interviewed with 22 guns at home and 8 kids says it all.

Patriots nor Extremists any group of people that hate another group of people because of their color,way of life or because there not like them, is a hate group, same as KKK so Militia group as well as KKK are nothing but Terrorist and should be treated as such.The United Stated of American needs to act on these groups, the same way we act on Terrorist ,because no matter how you cover it up their all the same,they have the same ideals.

Its strange to me that the government is only useful those who are afraid of it when it can provide them benefits. Like animals in a cage these militias are set to strike at the urgence of the leader who serves the koolaid. And then they disappear back in to the fabric of America. Ask yourself, how are these so called camps any different than an idealogically based terrorist training camp? They train with their most prized possesions, guns; with people who typically are mentally weak and lack strong independent skills. They tend to believe that their constitutional rights are in jeopardy and so they arm themselves as if they can stop perceived government intrusion. At least terrorist training groups are singular in purpose (destruction of America), however misguided. The militias have a broad crossection of extremists at many levels, including facists, racists, bigots and good ole "christians", of course. They call themselves "patriots", so what does that make the rest of us? It just amazes me that people like this can be so gullible, like lemmings.

The "anti-Obama" militias are a bunch of racist bigots.

Over 100 militias have popped up since President Obama took office...they say they are worried about losing "their America", but this is NOT their America, it is ours.

They are not "partriotic" or "real Ameicans" but just a bunch of racist slime who have felt it ok to "pop up" because of the GOP and their 100% white party of racial inciters, both during and following the election, beginning with the whacked out palin and her, "He's not like us" comments at ther stump speeches, and followed through by the remainder in her party AND the GOP.

Interestingly, the militia members, along with republicans in general, all same the same thing, but cannot name one single "right" that has been taken away from them. It's hard to come up with an answer to that when no right has been taken away and their main reason for even saying it is about being raicsts.

Hey CNN, try sending out a reporter of color the next time you go interview one of these anti-Obama militias, because you won't get the same warm welcome, that's for sure.

Amazing, Obama has been more a friend to gun owners that any president in recent memory, including the Replublicans. The only battle going on is in the heads of these paranoid bigots.

They are extremists. White, overweight, right wing yokels who watch to much fox television. Funny they spoke of protecting America and their guns, then the reporter is shown how to use an Russian assualt rifle. They are so easily indoctrinated to fear our new president ,simply because he is half black. Patriots? not likely. Real warriors have no need to pretend to be warriors. Wannabee's who never had the guts to sign up and serve their country!

i see that many are comparing the National Guard to these milita groups. however, a major difference is the National Guard work for the government. they take their orders from the government. they don't stand to fight against the government.

apples and oranges.

22 guns and eight children in the house? I hope not your everyday patriotic family. Afraid of a man (Obama) who is working to help the voiceless and the powerless? Not to mention those who own small businessess obtain affordable healthcare, and in a short time has made progress in stabilizing this country and the world economy. All -white and multiple gun -toting people dressed in camafloge who are claiming their rights are being threatened? They couldn't hide their ignorance if they tried! Extremist and very scary.

Wow, I find this very disturbing and frightning as an African American. I charge you in the media to do what Matthew McConneghy did while he was defending Samuel L. Jackson in the movie "A Time To Kill". Close your eyes and visualize these men in these extremist groups as African American. What actions would our law enforcement officials locally and nationally be taking? We know that their would be an all out assault on the group to disarm and disband them. What a bunch of crock and bullcrap when this group talks about the Constitution! When will this country come to it's senses, or does it take more postal shootings,
Fort Hoods, and the other violence committed with guns! Wake up America and smell the gun powder!!

Allow me to introduce myself,
I am the current acting XO for the 5th col NW region.
i have several degrees in business and computer science.
i work just like you, i pay taxes just like you, i love my wife and kids....just like you. i have read many of the comments post on here and would like to express my opinion on this matter. there are several comments questioning as to our membership, agenda, political motivation for joining/forming militia groups.
1. yes they are several members "of color". so no we are not racists. we will support and defend any and all citizens of this nation, regardless of color or even religion for that matter.
2. we have NO intention of over throwing or disrupting the government in as far as they conduit themselves according to the constitution in keeping with the original intentions of the founding fathers intentions
3. we see ourselves as patriots who wish to protect our nation and fellow citizens from a possible arrogant and out of control government
4. as far as what "rights" we see that may be in jeopardy;
a. the right to free speech in that unless something is express that is politically correct or in line with the main stream those individuals are harassed and at times subject to unnecessary use of force and even incarceration.
b. during Katrina the right the posses firearms by lawful citizens was revoked unconstitutionally by a city police cheif and enforce by military personel
c. the use of military personnel in a policing role (which has happened other times besides Katrina)
ETC,ETC,ETC
we are men and women from your neighborhoods. business owners, accountants, lawyers, doctors, even a few busboys. you see us every day. we attend your churches. we belong to bowling leagues...we are everyday people that see a very real threat emanating from the high levels of government and we are prepared to stop them and defend....YOU..if it becomes necessary.

This is an extremist group that has been brainwashed just as the Jim
Jones,David Caregish and followers of such cults. They simply listen
to harsh rhetoric without understanding what is being said.When they
finally realized that this is just another hate group bent on destoring this great country of ours, when they try to remove themselves from this cult
it is too late.AS you think back each of these mention groups and many morelike them end up killing themselves and have not accomplished
nothing but mass suicide and banished into infamy,I say be careful
of what you ask for, you might not like what you get.Guns are a danger
left ind the hands irresponsible people.

Read the Constitution, the Militia is an integral part of this nation's history – and future.
For those who believe that our "rights" have not slowly been infringed upon don't know the truth, othe than what is spoon-fed to you by the main stream media.
Do you remember what Woodrow Wilson had said, "Liberty has never come from government. Liberty has always come from the subjects of government. The history ofliberty is the history of resistance."

To love one's country does not mean that you must love it's government, or even support it's government. It is to the people of this nation that true Patriots stand for; not for corporations, not for lobbying groups, and certainly not for a government that has ballooned out of control.

An objective study of the past 50 years of this nation would reveal a lot – indeed, it would present the American government in a most revealing, and embarrassing way.

Do we need a Militia – YES. Should it be well trained – YES. Should it be of the people and for the people – YES. Should it be controlled by the government in any way – NO.

In the words of Ben Franklin,"Those that would give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
Sound familiar? This nation has become afraid of it's own shadow. The government has used "feared" to over-come "reason".
At least we have a Militia to defend the 97% of US citizens that are either too scared, too uniformed, too brainwashed, or just don't care to defend thier rights themselves.
But, when one believe everything that the government tells them, without bothering to research the facts for themselves, you can expect as much.

In my view, the militia groups are true patriots. Although I do not belong to one of these groups, I would not hesitate to fight along beside them if the need would arise to protect our Constitution and our freedoms. And I don't believe RACE has anything to do with this at all. Everybody always wants to play the race card when they don't like something. With all the talk of Muslims and the war of Jihad now a days, I for one feel safer with the militias in the country. Instead of harping on the militia, the true patriots of this country, you should be reporting on all the Muslims in this country who are laying low right now waiting for their call of Holy War on Americans. When that day comes there will be a lot of people that will be very thankful for our Militia groups across our great country.

I'm concerned about all forms of extremism that are cropping up in our country and across the world. I really don't understand what's causing people to turn to religious fundamentalism and political extremism. Twenty years ago, the vast majority of Americans were centrist in their outlook. The militia men need to read the American Constitution, because President Obama has adhered to its tenets far more than our previous, right-wing president. I would expect nothing less, since he taught Constitutional Law earlier in his career.

the second ammendment was written in a time when armies and militias had basically the same weapons. how can anyone hope to defend against "smart weapons" armed only with a riffle? AND, in my lifetime, no administration ignored the constitution and civil liberties as boldly as "W". i feel most militias are extreme patriots peppered with some close-minded hate-mongers amongst them

What I want to know is what law enforcement agency put you up to weed out (in this venue) to present this story with unidentified and possible law enforcement people pretending to be "militias" so as to drum-up some got "intel" for the police to target "extremists" here in America? Your entire story was unsubstantiated and displayed no responsiblity or accountability, and just looked to me to be an exercise in "baiting" people to "out" themselves as "potential militia members' because of your erroneous assumption that the viewer is an idiot and would actually comment truthfully, like in Communist China's "One hundred Flowers Bloom" policy of Chairman Mao, who allowed people to "write freely" what they thought about this or that, and then in a few days, at 3 o'clock in the morning, they were dragged naked through the snow and taken away to the Lao Gai gulag and beaten... It's just appears too transparent to me, and I know that often times the FBI and other agencies have pressured media organizations to "hold" stories or to even make up and plant phoney stories just to see what kind of reaction was received, and what kind of "intel" people would be so stupid to volunteer, in their letter to the editor. CNN must take Americans, and white Americans especially, for fools; you forced Lou Dobbs to resign, and Howie Kurtz on CNN Sunday Morning "Reliable Sources" stated, that with his "birther" position about President Obama, and no one being able to produce a birth certificate, or that his outspoken words about criminals entering American territory through a very pourous border, that somehow expressing his opinion about tougher border controls is somehow "anti-American" and made him a lightning rod for a Latino population (which views him as a "racist") forced your producers and executives to tell him to "tone it down", and that now that Glenn Beck is gone over to FOX, you expect Americans to actually BELIEVE your hogwash stories, or to actually want us to tell you what we really think about your phoney news program! You gotta be kidding!

ignorance – racism – stupidity and bigotry – need i say anything else?

I don't think all the people in that militia group are crazy or racist but, I believe they have been badly misinformed about various issues. However, it would be a mistake to not ignore the underlying racism of "patriot" movements that has always been present in America.

If we had not had a militia long ago we would not be the free nation we now are. We do have the right to keep and bear arms, to train to use them, to prepare for invasion be it from abroud or from within. China now owns a majority of our companies. Should we fear our goverment? The goverment is now going to control our health care, spend billions of dollars to fund the infrastrucure of other nations while our own infrastructure falls apart. Our goverment spends billions to bail out large failing companies, while small buisiness go under. If the auto makers want to succeed let them pay their employees and exec's a wage that puts them in line with the rest of the working class. A high school drop out can stand on the assembly line do a repetitive job for far less than they are currently paying. What the union controls that! No we the people control that by what we purchase. What, excuse me the goverment controls that because they can take our tax dollars and bail them out so we can pay 35k for a 15k vehichle. Wake up America taking up arms means more than taking up guns. What happened to Goverment for the PEOPLE by the PEOPLE ? We the people have failed ourselves by not controling our goverment. When is the goverment going to pass law that bases their salary based on the average income of the people they represent?

Jack

PATRIOTS. And they will all vote next November.

I have been involved with a small hunt club here in the north east upper poconos contrary to what was said of me i have been to the club meetings fund raisers and such how ever when a new member saw me on club grounds he became upset that he is in a club that allows a black man to be a member a few days later i get a call to inform me that i am now out of the club and dont come to any funtions again. I grew up here and the new members are from NJ.

When the president of the United States bows to the King of Saudi Arabia is that patriotic or extreme? To me it's not far from shouting "Allah Akba" before pulling the trigger. They are Patriots and in all reality there are a lot more of them in the US than these few groups you call militia, they are called WE THE PEOPLE and it has nothing to do with who is President it has to do with the President being patriotic him/herself. We do not have a king in the United States and never will as long as we have the patriots called WE THE PEOPLE.

The 2nd Amendment was create as a counter-balance to the central government. What happens if a local or state militia actually decided they have just cause to use their weapons such as the mentioned ‘Socialist Agenda’. I personally think certain aspects of Socialism are based on a higher standard of human civilization.

Our nation has lived so well by using a economic system based on primal needs and desires as the catalyst to motivate and produce. Are we as a nation ready to evolve into something more human, better I believe? The only way I can see weapons such as assault rifles not being necessary IS by changing our economic and values system.

All I hear about these militias sounds like a bunch of boys having their toys taken away from them. Pres. Obama is not taking away any constitutional rights to own a gun, although I would applaud him for doing so. If your toys were taken away it would only be assault rifles and handguns anyway, not hunting rifles, which is why the right was given in the first place. People then had to hunt for food and protect themselves from the elements. We now have an army and a police force to that for us. Give it a rest guys and quit pouting. Aren't you tired of hearing about another drive-by shooting or another armed robbery? Maybe you like to hear about someone's family member dying because someone had the "right" to own a gun.

We should remember that it was the militia (private citizens with personally owned firarms) that stood against the worlds best army at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. Why ? To protect their rights to own personal firarms as this is the cornerstone of protecting personal freedoms. That is why the Second Amendment was included into the constitution. And this is what the Second amendment meant by the term "militia", just as it was defined at the time ( Colony of Virginia as an example where it meant every able bodied man between the ages of 16 and 60).
Today we see an increase in the membership of militia groups because of increased concern for preservation of our rights to own personal firearms as protected by the Second Amendment. This is an exercise of constitutionally protected freedoms, and so long as these militia groups remain peaceful and loyale to the principals of our Constitution which protects the rights of all Americans, they should be encouraged.

The question was raised as to whether the Militias were actually a racist based group or not.
I understand their fear of gun control and the loss of their clear 2nd Ammendment rights but, which Americans do they believe are entitled to these rights? Are black Americans entitled to these rights? Are Muslim AMERICANS entitled to these rights (even if they are second or third generation Americans)?
I think if these questions are answered you will find the answer.

.As a man 58 years old I have watched over the past forty years the erosion of personal freedom as a slowly closing net. One can merely look in any direction to see it.
When I was 16 I was given a social security card to track retirement income. Today you need one when one is born and there is not a place one can go from a doctor's office to motor vehicle where one is not asked for an SS number. Why? I invoke the Privacy Act of 1974 at every circumstance where I am asked but how many even know that exists let alone use it. Lack of knowledge will soon cause this freedom to disappear altogether.
Probable cause used by law enforcement has dissappeared.
4 years ago an unarmed friend of mine was shot by police and killed in his own yard. No investigation while we in the community were outraged.
Visting New York State for seven months from Seattle during the period of 9/11 I was pulled over by police 11 times in a week and a half after not being pulled over for 15 years prior.
With things like rendition all rights as an individual are lost including ones right to a fair trial.
Homeland Security has rights which exceed anything ever seen.
Do you think flying was always like it is now?
Sophisticated technology has led to every phone call I make or e-mail I send being monitored. My home can be accessed via satelite even by me.

What is the purpose of all of this? To protect me? It is a sad commentary that I am now more concerned about this monitoring then any threat I may face. I feel I have a better chance of being run over by a bus or struck by lightning............twice, then ever being affected by an act of terror.

Personally I see the Democrats as protecting any remaining liberties I may still have. This is America and Militias have the right to a dissenting position even if I may not agree with their philosophies. I do not see any threat of Socialism whatsoever.

One only has to try to build something,
apply for anything, or protest the wars to see that government has far exceeded its bounds.

Richard I totally agaree with ur view on this topic. Were in real trouble if we can't tell the real intenition between the good, the bad, and the ugly. Militia or patroit? Y does one need to hide their face? The last people to hide their face in our country (kkk) lied, killed, stole, and sold people and land. That's not the country I want to be apart of for a second time. How can u trust someone who hide behide a mask.

SLPC's Potok declares anyone in tune with his personal definition agenda a threat or hate group. His utter consistency in this regard makes his voice irrelevant. Democrats have historically centered their legislation on an expanding government role. Among those who value individual freedom in lieu of government control, a concern arises about the probable loss of rights in this environment. Some people don't like the idea of capitulating and declare a need to "get prepared." If they're not out shooting up the populace (read Col. Hasan), I've no discomfort with militias, even hundreds of them.

One of the posters had said that Obama had adhered to the tenents of the Constitution. Really?

Explain, then, why he violated Article 1, Section 9 of the Constitution when he swore an oath to the United Nations Security Council?
This happened almost 3 months ago, in NY, when he took the "head chair" of the council. (But, as it wasn't reported on main-stream-media, it must not be true....)

Do you research, Rebecca, he, Obama, committed treason against the very Constitution, and nation he swore an oath to defend.

Explain that....

Just because some of you idiots can read from a bill passed years ago, doesn't mean the words on a paper are true.
YOU ARE NOT IN IRAQ,.. if you use those weapons on anyone in this country you will lose more than your rights, in reality you need to read more books and less gun manuals, people of the offices fight with pen and ink not violence stop pledging to the flag with your hand over your heart, if you dont have a true heart.
Stop making gun owner look like fools, because you hurt every in the long run, and all races have gun.
But if these idiots wanna fight and train,.... then why are we looking for 40,000 + to go overseas.
Everyone in my fathers family was military and still believe that arguements can be settled through peace.
So reveal the true reasons for the Michigan milita, The dont like President Obama.
Wow these nuts are actually going Rogue Ha..Ha..Ha..

In their minds they are patriots. In reality they become extremists with constant indoctrination about religious and political purity and peer presure. I know, because I was caught up in that for several years before extracting myself. This is the environment that created Tim McVey and other terorists who labeled themselves as patriots.

Patriots. These groups are alright. I don't belong, but realize how people feel. The Constitution supports them. Our founding Fathers supported them incase the government turned bad. It still stands. Problem is, I have no doubt that the Government keeps track of every newscast as yours, labeling the participants as subversive, and is probably monitoring this blog as well. SB

The civilian militia is a long-established part of our political system. The founders of our country explicitly stated it consists of all citizens from mid-teens to mature persons;it's purpose is to defend the country against both exterior enemies and the possibility of the emergence of a tyranical government. The prohibition against having a standing army was also meant to deter the government from imposing odious conditions on the populace. This reticence to maintain a standing army continues today – Congress must vote annually to fund all military operations. The re-energized militia movement should be welcomed by the government. It indicates the determination of more and more citizens to take seriously their responsibilities to protect their country and their Constitution.

What is the difference between a semi-automatic firearm and an automatic firearm? Can anyone buy a automatic firearm?

Members of the militia are patriots. We, as American citizens, must always guard against socialism, fascism, or any idealogy that would give the elite control over our country. I believe that all governments, if given too much power, will become corrupt. Our constitution is what has made the United States a great country and we need to always defend it.

As a democracy, our right to vote is the most sacred. Where were the militias during the 2000 and 2004 elections? The documentary "Uncounted" is factual. The notion that Obama wants to take our guns is paranoid and delusional. The nutcases who listen to Limbaugh, among others, instead of reading actual documentation are our biggest threat to national security.

Hey Mr. Rob,

All the males in my family have served this nation too – even though this nation's government had done unspeakable things to my family, my ancestors.
My family still chose to defend this nation – not it's government.

And, seeing how you like to read so much, read this document written by a judge. It's a long one – 31 pages, but, as you like to read so much, you should find it very informative.

http://www.stevequayle.com/News.alert/09_Global/090805.Matrix-US%20.Constitution.pdf

As a democracy, our right to vote is the most sacred. Where were the militias during the 2000 and 2004 elections? The documentary "Uncounted" is factual. The notion that Obama wants to take our guns is paranoid and delusional.

These people only agree with the government when Republicans are in power? That's not democracy and it certainly isn't support of the constitutional privilege provided to us to vote for those who run our country. And then to pledge allegiance to the result whether or not you agree with the policies.

We need more of these croup's. The government is getting to out of hand. the government is getting to strong all they are doing is standing up and protecting there rights.

It appears to me that most of these people are Republican Extremists. They have taken it upon themselves to protect thier rights to bare arms, (which has not been threatened) and to come down on the President because someone told them he is not following the Constitution, (which is not really true). They should be left alone and ignored so they can slowly disband and disappear when they find out they are wrong. The President was elected by the people and should be allowed to perform his duties as he and his administration sees fit and proper. President Bush had his chance, now give President Obama his Chance. If we bare arms and protect the USA that is fine, but how about becoming a Centrist and dropping this EXTREMISM on the right and on the left. All they do is make enemies.........Do not let anyone divide and conquer.

I think these groups are are just thinking and feeling like most of us americans. That our debt is spending out of control, The goverment wanting to push healthcare reform , over the objections of the american people. There seems to be this attitude in washington of goverment taking over and SO WHAT YOU GONNA DO ABOUT IT to the american people.When people object they are called teabaggers. People are not teabaggers,they are all of us letting their voices be heard. They are just people like you and me who are concerned about our debt , apparently the people we voted for ,who work for us do not care its all about politics.

Im also an african american, and I'm appalled at President Obama's actions so far. So far, he's given billions to bankers, trying to force a hostile takeover of the healthcare industry, already did a hostile takeover of General Motors, conspiring with General Electric to so-called modernize our energy grid (i point you to the comments made by Obama that says electricity prices will necessarily skyrocket under his Cap and Trade legislation), when we know they're lying, we don't need wires to transport electricity, or 'smart grids". Electricity propagates freely through air from the dielectric breakdown of the air molecules (i.e. lightning). General Electric has been robbing us with their money making apparatus known as power lines every since they stole Nikola Tesla's patents for the wireless trasnmission of electricity, and now Obama is going to give them OUR money to upgrade their money making apparatus. Obama (and congress) are using our tax dollars to shore up and fortify their apparatus for a hostile takeover of states, in other words, all the so-called jobs saved is a load of crap, they're trying to save the emergency services they'll need in place in the event of a hostile takeover of the states (police, firefighters, ems) using martial law and the circumvention of the Posse Commitatus Act (which prevents military incursion against citizens on U.S.soil).

How is it that we have come so far as to call true patriots who merely believe in the constitution and do not want our God given rights stripped away by those treasonous traitors who would rather have Global Government. In todays backwards thinking, Christians, pro-lifers and patriots who believe in our Constitution have been labeled terrorists by groups such as the SPLC. I guess we are a threat to their tyranny and elitist, globalist agenda. The truth is, they are the terrorists that we should be concerned with.

People in this country want everything the easy way. The movies and television glorify war and fighting. Instead of joining the military and directing their antagonism toward our real enemies they invent in their own minds an imaginary enemy. Then they go out in the woods and play with their guns to make themselves feel like heroes. Where I come from we all grew up with guns but we were taught they are not toys and should never be used for play.

Anybody who has the testicular fortitude to stand up against a tyrannical government, is automatically a patriot to me. and I don't care that the president is black. I don't want any checks from the federal government. Looking at the hostile takeover of General Motors and the Banks, the government seems to think they can print this fake fiat paper and bribe anyone and anything in order to lend them into debt. Once you'e in debt to the government, they think they can tell you what to do and have full dominion over you, or your business. Screw the Federal Government. Power to the people. Return the printing of currency to congress. abolish the Federal Reserve, and return to a gold or silver standard. Remove monetary incentive to join the military, it's supposed to be a volunteer army, not a bribed one. Slow down congress passing legislation NOBODY HAS READ. That's a blatant misrepresentation of the people of the sovereign states. I'm glad Dennis Kucinich listens to his constituents and voted against Pelosicare because i called his office and told him I voted him in, and I'll vote him out. Use the leverage provided to you by the bill of rights.

Our Patriotism is our right. Your Anti-Patriotism is your right. I don't understand the conflict against being able to protect ourselves. Law abiding citizens are being killed everyday by criminals, and there are People out there that are telling me/us that I/we should not be able to carry to proctect ourselves thats nonsense, simply crazy. If someone attacked you with their fists are then you are not allowed to put your hands up to defend yourself. Thats what your saying when you are trying to take our rights. Criminals will be criminals with or with out guns they could use knives it doesn't matter. Criminals are still going to try and kill you if they get that thought stuck in their head.

You couldn't ever pay me or bribe me enough to join this military and be made to perpetrate a war based on false pretense. That's why Major Hasan shot up that military base. I have a question for you all, WHO PAID HASAN TO SHOOT? WHO PAYS LOCAL MILITIA? Answer is: Nobody, they believe in their hearts what they do is right. If government had to put their kids up first to fight in war, it would be a lot more planning and less gung ho stupidness, and wars of false pretense would not occur. Likewise, if congress and government has to abide by the same crap laws they're trying to impose on us, They wouldn't do it.

I'm willing to lay down my life for this country , but not for any lies. And I would join local militia for FREE. Or to look at it another way.. for FREEDOM.

Awww, too bad the military was in a state of delusion in thinking they could bribe everyone with college paid for and GI-Bills. Apparently, some people you can't bribe, say hello to Maj. Hasan.

They are not extremists, they just want to be prepared to save your butts if things go bad. Such as the government becoming Fascist. The militias are the true patriots in this country, not the military. The military works in the corporations interest, militias work in the peoples interest. Defend our constitution at all costs. Militias are not racist as most of you think, the news just decided to put a militia up that did not have minorities, where that militia is located maybe its a high white population. The militias in Chicago are mainly black/white, does that mean they are racist against hispanics??

I believe these are regular folks who believe in their Constitutional rights and are just frustrated with the current economy and the current direction the government is taking us. They are within their rights, and all they are doing is preparing, just in case. In the process, many are becoming better educated at how our government and economy works.
They aren't planning a "take over" or anything violent. They just want to be left alone. If someone were coming to do something to you that you felt was illegal and opposed to your beliefs, most people would want to be prepared to handle it and do something about it.

Dennis Kucinich is for taking all firearms from the people, which is my only sticking point with him, and probably the reason I wont vote for him next time, even though his vote may stop this atrocious thing called healthcare reform, and even though he supports Ron Paul's Audit the Fed bill. Tough choices.

These are patriots. They have their right to bear arms and to believe what they wish just as our President believes that socialism and redistributing the wealth is good for the people. I don't know who he is talking about. Perhaps those who continue to be in slavery to the government because they don't have enough intelligence to understand that the government is now their "owners". The government loves the fact that they don't embrace their freedoms to be who they want and can be. They are their slaves.Their puppets to do and say what the liberals want them to. I feel sorry for the people who still hold onto the fact that the government is there to take of them because in reality it is using them. It is holding them back from being who they have the ability to be. It is keeping them down.

My husband and I
have always been registeried republicans.
We're also of the Christian faith
from Catholic and Evangelical backgrounds.

My husband has received
an honorable discharge from the Army.

Sometime before 1999
we desired to embrace the survivalist mentality.
In case of a local disaster.
We could be better equipped to help out in our community.

We attended some 'Christian Militia Meetings'.
Believing we were within the law of personal protection.
From any lawless persons of harmful lootings.

We do believe to be living
in 'the end times' of Bible Prophecy.
But, we found that these Militia groups taught the
fear our government; instead of Trusting In Our God.

They believed in some Interpretations of Bible Prophecy.
Which ultimatately led so many into The Big Y2K Scare.

Thank God we were not involved in the spreading
of these fearful scare tacts.
As we declined any further envolvement
with those 'Christian Militia' groups.

Instead, my husband decided to get involved in training
for our Community Volunteer Fire Department.
Becoming a Volunteer EMT and Ambulance Captain.
Also serving as one of the Board 0f Directors for our area.

Of course, in no way do I stand as
a voice of experience in all the Militias.

But I pray we have all learned from the false Church prophecies
of those who producted the fears of Y2K.
As they also made a lot of money from those who bought into it.

Racism? Is that the only word you know? You are incredible!! Red, yellow, black or white- our freedoms are for everyone!!! I find it interesting that the only people yelling "racism" are the people who use it as a weapon. Stop the excuses. Is that the only argument you have. Are you so ignorant that you can't look past color to the real issues. I AM SORRY BUT YOU ARE THE RACISTS-NOT THESE PEOPLE. We are all American. It is sad that you can't come up with a better argument because this one is GETTING REALLY OLD AND OVERUSED!!!!!!!!!

Do you wait until you LOSE your rights to defend them?
no.

They are patriots.

i voted for obama. i also own several guns. i do not buy the BS that the current administration will take way America's 2nd amendment rights. i seems to me that, as a country, we are at a crossroads. i voted for obama because i felt that he could pull power from the privaliged and re-delegate it to the public. if this does not occur by the end of his 1st term, or if sarah palin is elected president, i believe that the only solution to our country's problems will be an all out uprising

i pray that this can be avoided
but i will be the first man in the streets if it does

JIM

VIELDING GUNS IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY IS NOT PATRIOTISM, IT IS VIOLENT EXTREMISM. THERE ARE SEVERAL CAUSES OF THIS EXTREMISM, I WILL OUTLINE FEW OF THESE HERE.

1. OUR COUNTRY IS A BASICALLY A CONSERVATIVE COUNTRY. WE NEED TO RISE ABOVE THE CONCEPT OF COUNTRY AND MOVE TOWARDS NATIONHOOD WHICH WE HAVE NOT ACHIEVED IN TH ELAST 200 YEARS. I HAVE APPREHENSION THAT COUNTRY IS GUIDED BY SOME KIND OF SECRET SOCIETIES WHICH MIGHT HAVE ROOTS TO SUCH EXTREMISM. HOW CAN WE RECTIFY IT AND MOVE TOWARDS TOTAL INTEGRATION AND ABSOLUTE NATIONHOOD? HERE ARE FEW SUGGESTIONS.

1. DROP THE SECOND AMENDMENT FROM THE CONSTITUTION. IN VIEW OF HOMELAND SECURITY, PENATAGONE AND POLICE FORCE IN PLACE THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS TO DEFEND THE COUNTRY HAS NO RELEVANCE TODAY. WE NOW HAVE MECHANISM TO DEFEND OUR SELVES AS A NATION. I HAVE ALREADY GIVEN MY COMMENTS REGARDING THIS ELSE WHERE ON CNN WEB SITES, BUT PERHAPS THEY DID NOT POST IT.

2. THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS IF CERTAIN SECTION OF THE SOCIETY DOES NOT LIKE THE DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED PRESIDENT IS LIKE RAISING THE PRIVATE ARMIES WHICH WILL LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF MAFIAS IN THE COUNTRY AND DISINTEGRATION OF THE NATION. WE NEED TO MOVE TOWARDS INTEGRATION FOR THE BENFIT OF ALL AND NOT ALLOW THE DEVELOPMENT OF EXTREMISM AND ULTRA-CONSERVATISM. ALL THE POLITICAL PARTIES NEED TO DISTANCE FROM THIS EXTREMISM IN ABSOLUTE TERMS.

3. WE HAVE TO DISMANTLE THE NET-WORK OF THE SECRET SOCIETIES WHICH MIGHT FEED ON THIS KIND OF CONSERVATIVE IDEOLOGY. BRING A STRICT GUN CONTROL LAW AND STRIVE FOR THE INTERGRATION OF THE SOCIETY. THERE IS NEED TO GET AWAY WITH SECOND AMENDMENT IN "ABSOLUTE TERMS". THERE IS NO NEED OF GUNS IN A DEMOCRATIC AND CIVILISED SOCIETIES.

WITH BEST WISHES

PARDEEP M BHATIA

Well at least they are not mindless "politically correct" sheep that look forward to living in a bankrupt and socolist country. I suspose that if they were a orginized gang selling dope, doing drive by shootings and terrorizing people then they would be accepted by a politically correct society and a liberal/socolist leaning press.

Another thing, I've always found that when someone accuses someone else of something, racism, bigotry, whatever, the accuser sees himself in the accused. A lot of paranoia showing here, too! And thank God the real Aryan airheads have chimed in with their opinions!! We really need more of them for sure. People who call themselves Americans have come to this country because they want to live a life with freedom. Not having to worry about some guy blowing his family away!! We as Americans, whether you were born here or naturalized, need to stand behind the government we all had a hand in electing and believe that it will do what is right for the WHOLE population, not a choice few. And militias began because we were at war with the English for our freedoms. If you want to defend your freedoms, do like eveyone else does in the present and join the military.

God bless them, i see nothing wrong with what they're doing. it's probably like a hobby to them along with fellowship of the same mindset. as long as it's organized and no accidents occur, let it be.
goldieshouse.piczo.com

To those of you who say "Just one man can't take away your rights." Just one man can't do that. Of course not. 1930 in Germany just one man couldn't invade Poland, Chezchoslovakia, Russia, North Africa, Belgiam, Holland, France, Italy, etc. Just one man couldn't round up 6 million Jews and exterminate them. Of course not. Keep believing that and when they come for you just keep saying "Just one man Couldn't be doing this."

My Father enlisted at 17 years old. He served in North Africa, Scicily, Italy, France and Germany. He was always my Hero I looked up to. He told me that someday this could happen in America. I am witnessing it today. I am thankful he is now longer around to witness this himself.

these people seem to be somed up in the taliban, alquda, whitehawk
flavor of hate.When these groups loose on ideas of what proves to
be right, the only other option they can come up with is fear and
warmongering, causing discontentment with their neighbors. God
sees the intent ot the heart.He is the ultimate judge.Extremist reme-
ber Samson of the bible how he avenged himself aganist the Philistines.God is in control.

I agree with Mr. Rob and Mr. whitehawk. To me they look like nothing more than a bunch of illiterat, out of shape, over weight idiots who have nothing more to do with their spare time than play soldier. If they truely loved their country or state, they would join the military and become a productive member of society. That will never happen because these types will never put their life on the line for anything. They like to complain, but don't offer an alternative. They give the word patriot a bad name.

How can CNN have a story about militias without addressing the role FOX NEWS plays in influencing such folks with altered facts and predetermined narratives? Fox news directly plays a role in perpetuating the atmosphere of paranoia provoked by half facts, lies, and an audience unable to dissect information. We can't expect all people to have the higher cognitive ability to critique information. However, we should expect that information be called what it is. Fox Propaganda should be called for what it is: politically-motivated propaganda, pure and simple.

Because they are not Muslims there are not called Terriorist ... Extremist not to me they are terriorists plain radicals ... they should be stopped but wht the heck its a free country ...

then let the Middle Eastern Countries have their armed Militias too only the are the terriorist ...

crazy huh ....

All those that think militias were not created when Bush was in office. You are DEAD wrong. They have been around since before our nation was a nation. It has nothing to do with race or religion. These are men who are keeping trained in case the govt becomes a tyranny. Those who scream racism are the real racists. Many of these guys have former military experience and again are here to protect their families. They are not extremists. They clearly have nothing to hide and if majorities wanted to join they are more than welcome too. Lets get rid of all the racist comments on here and try thinking of another excuse please.

the last time i googled "Bill of Rights" or "US Constitution", i saw more information than just the 1st and 2nd amendments. perhaps these militias should take some time to go over the actual facts of what they claim to be defending and not pick and choose which is the most convenient to their cause. maybe then they will more correctly honor our forefathers for ALL that they did to provide for our freedoms instead of just relegating to the old, tired and whiny adage of "right to bear arms".

Why is this even a debate?

Yes, they're extremists. They have taken up arms and are essentially threatening to take action against their own govt/country. I'd say that's extremism, if not terrorism. If these guys were muslim there would be a sh*tstorm.

I think militias are against the law. They should be brought to justice. This is a criminal activity. Once they are start running out funds to support their organization, they start committing crimes like any other gang. In Colombia militias started in the 1960’s with the same patriotic idea, and look what happened. They got involved with drugs, kidnappings, and other forms of crime to become one of the most dangerous organizations in the world. Be aware!

a bunch of deluded lunatics and morons, who like to play toy soldiers and think wearing camo is a fashion statement.

The absolute worst suggestion made here is that these overweight sluggos should come out of the woods and demonstrate their 'patriotism' by joining the police and the armed forces. God Help you if they do and your military and cops are so desperate they accept them. Abu Ghraib will look like a Sunday School picnic.

No one should ever loose their rights under the 2nd amendment. However, people that believe that they are the only ones to defend the Constitution should read it and then ask if they are true patriots. If not, then their definition of the Constitution places them in a false belief and they are extremists looking and waiting to have an excuse to strike and impose law and restraint on others, the American Taliban.

No names...masks...sounds like the KKK to me.

Besides, the right to bear arms means the right to serve in the U.S. military, where the real heroes reside.

Has anybody studied Ideological Subversion? What Yuri Bezmenov was warning about is happening in this country. Forcing people to do anything against their will is wrong, and everybody has an individual right to protect themselves from such force. You think forcing Iraqis to have freedom is wrong, do not force things on me. Any action that does not come from mutual voluntary consent is force. Follow due process on just cause only, stop unnecessary search and seizure through the Patriot Act. Stand down the 3d Infantry 1st BCT deployed here in America. Do not force healthcare on me. Do not use my tax dollars collected by force to bail out large bankrupt companies. Regardless of my ethnic background, as a human being, my life has value, and I have natural rights just like everyone else. You do to.

Patriots

These militias are no different than those that formed militias to build The United States with in the Revolutionary war. Our Government even still recognizes these types of militias today. Look it up U.S.C. 10- chapter. 13- section 311. They are considered to be an unorganized militia vs the Organized militia everyone knows as the National Guard. I would even bet you people didn't even know that the Federal Government has about 70% control over the National Guard and the state only 30%. While the State can have 100% control over an unorganized militia if they decide to call them up for duty.
These unorganized militias are still important today. They were last on alert for protecting this country during WWII on the west coast in Washington. I am sure they will be called to duty again if we ended up in a major war like that one again.
As for all of you who don't agree with the militias being formed to protect the country from tyranny. Lets just say these people are only exercising their 2nd amendment right. "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.”

Patriots or No Patriots!! Its not our decision to make..Only time tells the true story..

I think these "patriots" should be sent to Afghanistan. After all they are a militia. Let them get a real taste for the everyday struggle just to stay alive and see how "patriotic" they will be.

...Lee Miracle. A military veteran and postal worker....in other words, a guy who has been on the federal payroll his whole adult life is against the government? Hey Lee...get a job in the private sector and refuse your veterans benefits if you hate the feds so much!

CNN is corporate spun media. American militias and truthers are patriots. Obviously there may be a few who are racist, just like there are politicians who sell their souls to Satan, but overall these militias are training to help all you sheep when your dazed and confused. Don't let government propaganda divide the population into groups or else it will be impossible to unite.

If you read the bill of rights you will see that these people are exercising their constitutional rights. Guns don't kill people, people kill people. Don't get me wrong, I voted for Obama. But I call 'em like I see 'em. The minute liberals hear the word "Republican," or "Guns," or "Militia," they run screaming. Get a grip.

militias are a right we have and shouuld maintain not just as a check against our government but against other gov'ts also it's a right everyone should have protecting yourself isn't a joke and it never was even if you don't like the Idea of a militia you may be glad someone else was in one someday the world can be a scary place sometimes banning guns and militia's is never going to be the answer depending on where you live walking to the store can be a risk everyone needs to know how to defend themselves not just the military and police

They are pathetic

They are patriots! If things go bad it is good to know we have people prepared to help defend our freedom. It is good for our country to have patriots such as these be prepared for the un-thinkable.

They are idiotic paranoid morons. They would also be destroyed in about thirty seconds if it came down to it. Embarrassing dolts.

These people are crazy. Crazy and dangerous.

They're also delusional. I suspect they'd be the first to soil themselves if ever in a dangerous situation. The psychology of their playing out to overcome their own fears and shortcomings is staggering.

I agree with some others. If these guys are wanting to protect our country, they should join the military instead of playing war in their backyard. Sounds like some of these guys need a new hobby.

I don't think everyone will be complaining as much when they are out there saving our butts.

It is easy to see that there are some people who do not understand that "The Right To Bear Arms" does not mean "start an uprising against people we do not like in government". To my knowledge there have been no laws passed or proposed under Obama that curtail the sales of firearms or amunition.

I have no problem with the right to bear arms, but they say they are preparing to fight against government tyranny. My problem is, who decides when a government is overstepping its bounds? These guys, who probably have no idea what Constitutional Law even is?

What is a democratically elected government chooses a policy they don't agree with. Is that the time for their revolution?

These are self appointed "gods" that are determined to exercise their compulsion to control everything around them. They must be stopped.

President Obama expanded gun rights since taking office. He signed a bill allowing people to take guns into parks.

The problem with extremists is that they don't listen to facts. They believe in their own dogma without regard to the facts.

When I hear people like these militias saying they fear Obama will take away gun rights, do they even know that he actually expanded gun rights? How many of these militias keep up with the actual facts?

And how do they define "when the state becomes the enemy?" In a democracy, you have to learn to compromise and it seems these people don't want anything to do with compromise.

When a military force does not answer to a civilian government, you have a military dictatorship. These militias represent, therefore, are nothing but military dictatorships in the making.

Paranoid lunatics and VERY bad Americans.

I dont see any thing wrong with what their doing im all for right to bare arms but i dont see why they dont enlist and help are nation instead of causing controversy.

You people kill me. You have nothing better to do than scream racism at the drop of a hat. Where do you get that? Nearly all of the private militias across the country existed PRIOR to the current presidential administration. They didn't just form when a Black president was elected to office.

For the most part they are patriots, but it would seem that they are preparing for war against the President and his administration. That is certainly not patriotic. It's one thing to disagree with the President's views; I certainly do quite often and that goes for every President. But let's take it down a notch as Americans. Us citizens have more in common that politicians and news outlets would like to admit. Don't let political talking points divide our nation; it weakens us as a people and as a country.

Tim Mc Veigh anyone? Hello? Terrorists are terrorists, whether pretending to serve country or God.

Nut-balls, but very disturbed and dangerous nut-balls.
These people have nothing in common with the second amendment.

They are definitely freaks. Not patriots.

Plain terrorists that can't handle democracy. Lets uphold the constitution and protect this country from ALL foes, foreign or domestic.

They are patriots, mostly. A few are... questionable in their mental capabilities.

I, and every free person in the US, is a member of the militia, as defined by the Founding Fathers. The only difference between "us" and "them" is that they are training in the use of firearms and are prepared for warfare should it become necessary. That kind of training changes people – ask the military. The only reason people don't label the military as nutjob extremists is because they are sanctioned by the government. Militias don't want / need the government to recognize them.

Should the government ever become truly tyrannical to the point of a second American revolution, those people in the trained militias will probably prove to be invaluable, while the rest of us roll over and take what the government gives us.

what a childish bunch of fools. do they really think they better patriots than anyone else simply because they are ignorant morons that like to poop in the woods & watch fox tv in their rv's. a true patriot would grab their fake tri-cornered hats and shove them as far up their rear as possible...no wait...nix that idea...they would probably enjoy it!

The way things are going, these groups may be the only thing that saves this country from the deathgrip government continues to tighten around the American peoples throat & wallet.

You people bad mouthing the militia should check your history books and remember what role they played defending this country and securing our freedoms. Gee the people who FOUNDED this country thought it was that important you should too

Amendment 2 – Right to Bear Arms. Ratified 12/15/1791. Note

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.

You liberal idiots cry "the second ammendment refers to a well organized militia", so they organize a militia and you still complain? What do you want, well, actually, I know, no guns, period.

Folks, the militias have been around for years, not just since Obama was elected president. They've been around for decades and we haven't heard hide nor hair from them. They're Americans, not Al Queda. It's so sad to see how judgmental everyone is in their commentary. Just because someone is different from you, doesn't make them a bad person.

the gangs, mass shootings and 17yr old kids killing each other every day are more of a threat to your gun rights than Obama could ever be. Thanks to Fox News people are focusing their despair in the wrong direction.

So people who spend their time "practicing" with automatic weapons in fatigues in the woods "in case" the government displeases them at some point in the future manage to have a mainstream news medium actually pose the question as to whether or not they are patriots or extremists? The former term is way too generous and the latter term is too sanitized. How about asking whether they are
" sane or insane", "responsible citizens or potential assasins."

Ignorance and over reaction will be the fall of this country... oh and for the people that work with the Postal Worker shown in this report, be careful.

Funny, but who exactly are these militia going to fight if they decide they don't like the government? Obviously they're going to fight and kill Americans. They aren't patriots or even extremists, they're traitors.

Lose an election and suddenly it's okay to wander around threatening the winning party with guns? Because that's exactly what these people are doing. If they don't like what the winning side does, they will fight them.

They're no better than the confederate traitors that fought against this country or Al Qaeda. They oppose democracy and freedom and despite platitudes claiming otherwise, have no respect for the office of the President.

Simple truth is conservatives lost an election and think that gives them the right to break laws and violently oppose a sitting President in a time of war. If Al Qaeda could ask for anything, what about having groups of armed nutters roaming through the states, putting it's residents in fear for their lives and whose ideals threaten the properly elected government of this country? Well sounds like they have chosen their side, I chose America.

the fact you say they dont include minorities is correct in the fact they accept americans. If you keep referring to americans of any culture as minorities then you really dont have a clue. There are different cultures of americans in these organizations so please get your facts straight before you start yelling racism, ect.

small arsenal of semi automatic weapons vs F-22s or Abrams.....who's gonna win that fight? U.S. Military would crush them...the days of a possible armed revolution in America is officially over.

These "patriots" are stupid and have a complete lapse of logic and reason.

"the question that crosses your mind at one of these exercises is: training for what?"

Thanks Mr. Acosta but I can form my own opinion about what their training means.

Patriotism is a disease of the small minded.

My son is a United States Marine. He is a patriot. These people are losers.

Well, the Second Amendment requires that militias be "well regulated." I wonder if these militiafolk conveniently forgot that part of the Constitution.

I would consider them to be Patriots if they were not so secretive and extremist. I own about 12 guns, but I am not stomping around a camp training for World War 3. I keep them for recreational protection purposes. If you really want to be a patriot then just join the military. You may disagree with the government or the people in charge of you, but you can be proud that you are actually helping the country.

Typical that CNN would infer things these people never said or did. I also think it's typical that CNN slants the topic to demonize and villify people excrcising their constitutional rights. I never felt the need to join any militas yet I believe they have every right to exist wether they are left or right. CNN is showing their editorial colora again and those are of opression and disdain for our form of government and our constitution.

Look up the word Patriot and look up Patriotism in the dictionary. Dissent is the greatest form of patriotism any nation will find. IF your government chooses to invade on those rights guaranteed us by our Bill of Rights, that same Bill allows us to fight back in the form of a militia. The Patriot Act is the cornerstone to removing these rights from all of us. There are comments about racism, etc., but it's nothing to do with that at all. It's a group of people that believe in preserving the rights we share as Americans.

I get a freaking laugh out of the people who call this racism. You guys are so dumb, it's mind numbing reading your comments. I have to read a book to get my IQ back up. The only reason racism still exists is because morons like you play the race card everytime someone does something against a black man. It's not racist, they don't like Obama because he's screwing up our country. They would be doing the same exact thing if Obama was white. This is why everyone is voting Republican now, is because you guys haven't had a year, and more than half the country hates democrats already.

The exact phrase is "WELL-REGULATED MILITIA" that means exactly what it says. If we (the left) would have formed "Militia's" in the 60's there would have been a blood bath. If you are going to be a defender of the Constitution then you should actually read the Document and defend ALL of the Constitution, not just the part that suits ya. Putting together an armed group with the pretense of over-throwing the Duly Elected Government is Treason not the act of Patriots. refer to Article III, Section 3 – Treason
Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

The Congress shall have power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.

This is theoutcome of so much misinformation, misrepresentation, hatespeak and fearmongering by the right wing and the right wing media. Facts are irrelevant.

No rights have been lost and realistically the president of the United States couldn't take away any of their rights even if he so desired. Only our legislative branches can do that and nothing is on their agenda even close to suggesting such a thing.

Right now the only right being assaulted is women's right to choose. Maybe we should be up in arms.

Patriots; and I'd like to join them. Americans are devoted to the Constitution, not the President. I personally believe the President may be a strategic plant from the MiddleEast. Extreme? Maybe, but I'd rather be skeptical and safe than sorry.

Patriots. Extremists are those who go on shooting rampages and attack their fellow man. These men are preparing for a defense of their–and your–rights.

These people are fakes, pure and simple. They get their courage from a bottle and their toughness from a gun. If the Bush Administration had requested Americans to turn in their guns, these militia-types would be the first ones in line to submit, right after Hannity and Limbaugh told them to. Real men have real jobs and don't have time to run around playing army men.

"Patriots – Americans have always had the right to be in a militia. And the Bill of Rights should be upheld. The right to bear arms is key in maintaining a government that should be by the people and for the people. If tyranny happens, Americans have the right to defend themselves."...and other similar comments are a load of crap!!!
where are we? in the stone ages? "tyranny"...where are you man?do you even know the real definition of it?

these people are a bunch of biggot nutcases, afraid an African American president poses a threat to their 'white America.' It's great they want to gear up and train to fight, but how about they fight the drug cartel problem in Mexico, famine and genocide in Africa, or free trade? They are just a bunch of undereducated hillbilly trash.

I guess they forgot about the part that says "I will obey the orders of the President of the United States."

As an active Soldier I am offended by these "patriots."

It has nothing to do with racisim.
Slowly, one item at a time, the government is chipping away at our freedoms. Instead of aggressively enforcing the exsisting gun laws and putting criminals behind bars forever, they make more restrictive laws for the honest people.
God bless them, I hope their ranks swell.
One coment said that minorities have malitias as well, they are called gangs!
Only these gangs sell drugs in their own neighborhoods, intimidate their own people. They are thugs. But it is not politically correct to criticize them, so they continue to destroy their own and are pretty much left unchecked.
The malitias are honest hardworking people with a job, that want to uphold the consititution.
Our present attorney general has already said he does not believe in the second ammendment rights of honest citizens.
That is why there are growing malitias.

Just part of the American gun culture at work. I agree with you Gary. twenty-two guns in one house! Give me a break. Boys with their toys playing grown up. Thank God we free of this mindless culture in Canada.

These are the same white right terrorists who gave us the Oklahoma City bombing. Of course, to them, that's patriotic. Funny how losing an election turns these people. Just six years ago, they were telling us that if you didn't agree with the president (i.e., their president) you were unpatriotic. They're nothing but a bunch of mass murderers waiting to happen (and you'll see it when one or more tries something and then claims they were "patriotically defending the constitution" when trying to assassinate our president or blow up one of our bases). You don't have a right to be in a private militia group. Look at the 2nd Amendment. It's called a state militia for a reason. If these paranoid folk want to be in a militia and exercise some citizenship, they should take off their masks, grow a couple of stones, join our armed forces and earn the right to wear a real uniform. You would've thought that we'd learn our lesson after the '90s. I guess not.

kind of ironic that these 'personal-rights-preserving militias' didnt spring up around the time of the previous president, when we lost a whole chunk of them.

These guys have been around for a long long time. They didn't form simply because our new president is black. They have always doubted whoever the president tends to be. Have they killed anyone? I don't think so. It is still a free country. Leave them alone. And no, I don't own a single gun.

I always thought that the militia was now the National Guard, and that it was the job of the state and not the individual to form a militia.

But what's in a term like "militia"? I won't complain until somebody dies. Then I'll complain.

We have the right to bear arms against a crooked Government, including our own. Think of the Militia movement as a potential 'bail out plan' for the American people...

They may be patriots, but the truth is, the army would come in and blow them away if they were doing anything against the law.
Let's not forget Waco Texas. Very disillusioned patriots.

A couple points:

Where were the armed militias during Jim Crowe when Blacks were being persecuted against by the government on the Local and Federal level?? According to the 2nd amendment the militias should have gone to arms against the US government based on how their FELLOW AMERICANS were being treated....oh...wait....THE MILITIAS themselves werent treated that way so no reason to get the Assault Rifle.
What does the total number of militias in this country (if they can come together) think they are going to do against the National Guard and their weaponry?? Sounds like suicide to me.
If it is about survival, then Kudos. They are training themselves to be able to defend themselves in the event of a cataclysm (hope that is spelled correctly). Preparedness is great.

The effectiveness of the self proclaimed militia can be described to two words – "Ruby Ridge." Who are they kidding? If the tyrannical government wants to do something, it will. There is no justification for this nonsense, they are just boys with toys.

They are neither. The polarization implied by the question in the title of this article is exactly what the problem is here. Republican or Democrat, our Presidents have been allowing or urging an increase in the size of government for decades. It is sad that Americans continue to divide themselves irrationally. I believe in the 2nd Amendment, and I worry about it just as much as I worried about freedom of speech during the Bush years. But to imply that the Constitution is ever not threatened is a joke. It's strength is our strength and as long as we look for superhuman leaders to either carry all the blame or do al the idealizing we are doomed. I would like Obama to talk to these Americans, and acknowledge them.

But another real joke is that the military has the capability to crush a homeland insurgency at will. So though I respect the militia men i think they have a false sense of security. Again I trust in the Constitution, but I the most important thing is not that we demonstrate ALL our rights, no just the bearing arms but also political action. I love that Americans stood up for Obama but will all those Americans sit down when another Republican leads? That's the biggest joke of all...

They are a dangerous fringe goup that needs to be constantly monitored!

Why is it an either-or? Why can't they be Americans who are exercising their right to bear arms and assemble as they wish?

CNN, stories like this (and what it tries to insinuate) are the reason you continue your freefall in the ratings race. Keep up the good work!

They are adults living out childrens' fantasies of "shoot 'em up." Where were they when the Constitution was truly being undermined by illegal domestic surveillance? They don't actually know what the Constitution is, or what it does, and I find them to be both dangerous and foolish – neither of which is patriotic.

How sad for those of you who believe everything Obama tells you. Maybe some of you should start to pay attention to the facts and not what they tell you on t.v. We'll see what Obama's plan is and I think some of you are going to get a slap in the face! Stand strong in our right to bear arms!!

I prefer to rely on the Supreme Court for an interpretation of what is and isn't constitutional, not some shadowy weekend warrior with an agenda to sow. When these groups become obsessed, things like Oklahma City happen, so there is a legitimate law enforcement reason to keep an eye on them. But, at the same time, I think the right to bear arms does in some way add an element of protection, perhaps not against one another but against foreign intruders and criminals. I think it should come with more emphasis on lifetime teaching of the constitution though because it is too easy to rile up the ignorant into misquided rage.

If they were Muslim, we'd arrest them all immediately.

How can you judge them unless they act? Someone compared them to Al Qaeda! How does training themselves make them the same as a group who slaughters both the military of their enemy and innocent civilians. Some people seem to forget that the reason we won the Revolutionary War is because of militias. I'm not saying they are necessarily good. But training to defend yourself does not make you good or bad. What they do with that training is what determines if they are patriots or not.

Why does CNN report this and not give a report on the real terrorist? I just think we are going in the direction to turn the blame on Americans and not where the blame really is. I don't believe a word of this article the way it is told. I would like to hear the other side of this. These men are not the terrorist. Remember the warning that was issued about those who might be extremist and even the teabaggers who just want their country to remain a free country without socialism were in the mix. Why bring this up. Are any of them muslims in this article? Just wondered since that is who attacked us

...also, this is not racism as others have stated. I don't care what color the President is. i care about the constituion. Personal point: My first choice for President was Condi Rice. But she didn't run.

Most are extremists only a very few are so-called patriots. Do to them like many in other countries do, cut off their heads.

What a wonderful idea to teach kids and teenagers how to handle guns and shoot people. Beautiful. Very nice. Lets hand eveyone an AK-47 to "protect" themself. Heck, why not hand granades? Why not a bomb? Keep it up and keep hiding behind the "First Amendment Right".
We should stop crying and feeling sorry whenever some kids goes to school and shoots up other kids and teachers. Hey, its his "First Amendment Right to bear arms" right.
Hey, heres an idea. Why not we should give all our kids some sort of firm arms. They need to "protect" themselves in school, right?

Where were these militia when Blacks were having their rights trampled upon? Oh yes . . . they were the ones doing the trampling. It is new new KKK trying to disguise r8cism as patriotism.

A lot of people who are against this are saying "go enlist, they're doing it to feel strong, they want power" But they aparently didn't read the article where it says multiple times that the peope in here are EX- LEO and Military. Its true that our oaths are to the consitution and not to the president, but it doesn't mean that its against him. Obama's already infringing on property rights (money) and 1st ammendment rights (media's censored to hell, fox attacked until no one takes it seriuosly.) Racism has nothing to do with it. The only people who think that race is an issue are themselves racists. Some people are beyond even considering it a factor, but others have it integrated with their lives.

These people are just excersising the ENTIRE 2nd Ammendment. If you don't believe in the consitution, then don't complain if other people do while you live in this country.

Whether or not we think they're extremists or patriots, if they want to be in a militia, it is their right and they shouldn't be begrudged for exercising that right.

My opinion though:
The real patriots are our men and women fighting and dying for all of our freedoms and rights in Iraq and Afghanistan, not these guys playing soldier in the woods.

I do believe in the right to own guns. I also believe groups like this pose a larger threat to our country right now than al Qaida. These militias are not dangerous because they own guns, rather, because they believe the racist garbage and the neo-conservatism propaganda they have been spoon fed by their parents, fox news, and extremist web sites.

I see many people here asking why they need to hide their faces. Thats obvious, they fear retaliation and many of your comments confirm it. I am wary of such groups, however, if they are not harming anyone who cares? The Consitution and Declaration of Indepence affirm the rights of such groups to exist. You would do yourself a world of good in reading the Constitution and the Declaration before commenting on such topics.

They are patriots until the point that they demean anothers constitutional rights to enforce thier own beliefs, then they become terrorist.

The only reason AG Eric Holder isnt going after our guns yet is it would be suicide for the dems in 2010.Obama like all liberal dems do not believe inthe right of private firearm ownership.The facts can be checked with your fingers.Rham Obama Biden Holder and Clinton have all supported anti firarm measures.And the SPLC calling these people extremist is funny.I guess if they wer around in 1775 they would have called George Washington and extremist.
One more thing is what these people are afraid of is complete government control of their lives.And the governments track record managing things is pretty sorry.If I pass a bad checks due to insuf funds they will put me in jail.When government does it its good fiscal policy.

These groups did not "form" since Obama became president. Some of these groups have been around for decades. Certainly some of the ideology is a little shaky but they are not a threat to anyone.

I think militias and gun ownership do make us stronger as a nation. However, it's just a shame that these kinds of activities are often a front for racism and other forms of bigotry.

I'm confused at how this is racism. I remember hearing all about these guys all the way back to the Reagan administration. I'm also not sure why they're suddenly so news-worthy.

While none of the guys in THIS story are white, I'd be surprised if there weren't some blacks or latinos or asians in these groups too.

I wouldn't partake in this sort of activity myself, but if some guys and gals out there feel that they want to do this, then it's their right. I think these guys would have more fun if they used paintball guns though.

If they want to defend the constitution then don't they need to obey all laws. Or are they saying they want to defend with guns their own version of the constitution, regardless of laws that are properly passed that they may or may not like?

Also, I'd hate to stroll in those woods (is it a park?) when they're practicing patrols. What are they shooting at, or pointing at, in the woods when they're pointing their guns (is it loaded guns?) everywhere? At the firing range, are they picking up their bullet casings, or are they trouncing themselves on other local citizens' constitutional rights to have a clean environment?

Freedom to bear arms, written into the constitution, was written at a time when there were less idiots roaming the streets and should be ammended.

They're clowns. A bunch of overweight losers. Pretty funny actually. "Just the fact that we're out here gives them pause." Yeah sure. The local boy scout troop looks more dangerous than these guys.

If these guys are worried about their country, let them join the army and go into real combat and fight in the war their hero, George Bush, lied us into! These racist jerks wouldn't last 5 minutes in real combat! Hell, we have to send them back home to Mommy the first time an RPG landed within a mile of them. One good Army sniper team could take out an entire state"militia" without ever being seen! Their hero, George Bush, that draft dodging jerk used his Daddy's position in government to keep him out of going to Vietnam like a real patriot. Hell, he didn't even finish his obligation in the Air National Guard! I might add that a lot of real patriots, members of the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve, volunteered and served with distinction in Vietnam while Georgie hid behind his Daddy.

Or are they terrorists, or terrorists in the making?

There is every evidence that these are disturbed, fearful, unstable people.... just the kind of nut cases who should NOT possess firearms!

Call them what you will... automatic, semiautomatic... it doesn't matter;
civilians should not possess these weapons. It should be a felony to possess them... and the same with ammonium nitrate!

Many observers around the world believe that our (once?) great nation is dying; the evidence is there is great abundance: the corruption of Washington, which has become acceptable and expected; corporations essentially running country; a highly toxic food supply; toxic water; declining educational standards (for example, 1 in 5 Americans can't find America on the map!); declining resources while population merrily grows.

There is nothing new in all this; empires like species rise and fall. I hope Barack Obama can revive a dying patient.

Boy, are these guys tough. But apparently not tough enough to join up and go to war. These overage fat, white guys are nothing more than people with too much time on their hands. The leader, a Postal worker (why am I not surprised?), are looking for their 15 minutes of fame. Drink your beer, shoot at small animals, and then hope your child doesn't get into your 22 guns and end up shooting a neighbor's child. Disgusting.

the michigan militia was around a long time before president obama like around the time michigan and ohio bacame states yes there may be extremists in many militias but maybe thats a fact because they are not maintaned by the right people our gov't not maintaned by the right people could be a bad thing also before everyone starts shooting down their own rights you should look at the bigger picture and the world we live in today not everything is all peaches and cream in the world

These people are just playing "soldier" while justifying it by acting like they think they are defending "The Constitution". Are they? Of course not. They are on the border of being domestic terrorists. They would only die foolish deaths in a real conflict with the agencies of OUR government.

Most are whackos who feel unempowered, and their guns are like a security blanket for them. And most probably believe their rhetoric. In the big picture, America doesn't need more protection from the government by a bunch of white guys who feel disenfranchised, with no checks or balances on their behavior or trigger finger, no accountability to an electorate, and very little grounding in reality.

After all, they think running around in camouflage with some unlicensed automatic weapons is holding some bizarre winning hand against the helicopters, snipers and listening devices of the FBI, the numbers and teargas of the police authorized to enforce laws in their home states, the desires of their fellow citizens for the judicial system to decide our conflicts - they are about as far from reality as one can be.

I think it's a sign of distrust of the federal government and not necessarily Obama that feeds into this kind of movement. What people perceive is an increasingly involved Federal Government that tramples States and Individual rights in the name of "security" and "protection" while providing little of either. The Katrina debacle is a textbook example of our country doing many things TO the people of this country, but very little FOR anyone. And that same indignation exists in Blacks as well as Whites. What happened to the largely black populace of New Orleans and the greater area was a travesty. Would you trust a government like that?

I agree with you Dan Corrone. These folks have no business doing what they're doing. They're acting stupid and ignorant and using a corrupted view of the Rights afforded to us in this nation. Just because they walk around acting like badazzes spewing weak justifications based upon ideaologies that have been taken WAY out of line by our forefathers, they do what they do. They have no training or teamming to understand what a true military like the U.S. Army works at living - day and night. They THINK they know, but they do not. They're living on borrowed time until something or someone does something stupid and then innocent people will die. And within these groups, there is little control for any one individual to maintain law and order. If any one of us were to walk upon these folks in the woods up here in Michigan, we'd be shot and left to die. These folks have a very corrupted and evil view of the world. They don't want to help but only to serve their selfish needs in thinking that they are better than you, me, and the military. They're a bunch of stupid rednecks and hillbillies. I ought to know; I've been a resident of Michigan for 47 years and these numnuts are dangerous.

These people are wack jobs, plain and simple. I suspect some of people are also affliated with neo nazi or white power groups and the KKK. These nut bags have always been around and the downward spiral of our economy and (the fact they don't like black people) gives these poorly educated people false ammunition to further their extremist views. I think these groups need to be monitored closely by the FBI, Homeland Security and all levels of law enforcement. Lets not forgot that Timothy Mcveigh was part of these circles, an American traitor who killed innocent children and in my eyes is no different than Muslim extremists. We the people of this country need to report any and all activity that these people engage in. They are the threat to this Nation and the security of our families. Never forget Oklahoma City people. It is this ilk that fosters this type of insane fear and extemist views. I'm sure drug use is also involved with many of these people, scatch the surface Im sure you will find a few meth labs or backwater stills. These people need to be identified and their backgrounds checked, That is why they hide their faces, they are criminals. Using fear and false patriotism to further their radical agendas.

Another example of how those that "claim" to be "Patriots" do so only when one agrees with THEIR agenda.

Thes groups are simply American versions of the Taliban!

I think that we need militias. I know this may sound crazy coming from a 30 year old black male but they do serve a purpose. the down side of this is they serve there own purpose first. it's not the USA but their own sepretist vision of the USA and this is fact. There are things that have been taken away in past administrations that they somehow overlook yet the rumor of new gun legislation has been taken as a call to arms. If these militiamen were patriots you would be hearing of them rounding up the enemies of the state that we know are here. forgive me for being so judgemental but this isn't happening because hey, no one wants to lock up family.

im sorry but this irrational fear that the government is going to become an enemy to these people such that an armed militia is needed to protect them is pretty ludicrous. I completely respect their right to do anything they want but they are fueled by an irrational fear whose closest relative is racism, pure and simple. Groups like the KKK rose during reconstruction in the late 19th century for similar reasons; What they are doing is legal but I cant approve...they think the constitution is being violated right now? id love to see them all, especially the new members take a constitutional literacy test. I wonder how much they would know about amendment 13,14 and 15.

It is interesting how these people justify racism, none of these people were so up in arms about George Bush & Dick Cheney and their lies, sending Americans to a war based off greed & lies. Now an African American is president attempting to get health care for the unfortunate (Something that Europeon countries have done for years!!).
These clowns have to hide behind their masks, & someone said it bests go to Iraq/Afganistan & fight – shoot your guns there & show how brave you are.

Your ancestors were not the greatest role models, they misinformed you and now you suffer the consequences of their ignorance. I'll pray for you and your children so they don't suffer from your ignorance.

Extremists.
They're threatening terrorism because they lost the election.
Why else would they wear masks?
It's like people showing up at events where Obama is speaking. If anyone tried that under Bush, they disappeared, or are at Guantanamo.

They are extremists and terrorists. And I find it funny that we heard about the Michigan Militia during the Clinton years, then they "dissappeared" during Bush/Cheney...and now, suddenly, our so-called "patriots" pop up again. Funny, it's always during Democrat presidents that they feel the need to intimidate others.
They are no better than what we are currently fighting. They don't have a political, ideological leg to stand on, they don't take part in the process and laws that the REST OF US follow and abide by, so they resort to threatening people with camo and guns. Cowards, just like al Qaeda. And if you call these guys patriots, then Al Qaeda members are freedom fighters. You can't have it both ways, just because you agree with one and not the other.
AND, why aren't these guys in Afghanistan or Iraq? I wonder what a soldier fighting overseas thinks when he sees these clown walking around pretending to play GI Joe as he's dodging real bullets and IEDs. These guys are fighting the very country he's fighting for. You should be REAL proud.

Sounds like a bunch a rejects with old ideas. If they had a life they would not spend it "training" or pretending they are of any importance. There are thousands of more effective ways to help our country that people are doing every day.

all of these "patriot " bozos put together wouldn't last 30 seconds in a conflict with a single basic Marine or Army platoon. Add in 1 Blackhawk copter and it might take 15 seconds.
These are the children the other kids wouldn't let play toy soldier with them in their childhood.

If they like to play war they need to enlist and go to Iraq and Afghanistan and if the taliban and terrorist. These are kids in adult bodies and want to play war. Cowards, scared to go into real battlefield.

Why is it that whenever a bunch of white people do something, it's racist???? It's OK to have black this, black that, hispanic this, hispanic that, but let a bunch of white crackers get together, and OMG, they gonna kill somebody!! It's OK to to be racist towards a white person, because hey, that white person deserves it!! He/she earned it!! Oh, and by the way, I voted for Obama. I was nervous wreck thinking McCain would become president. I think MY president (Obama) will be one of the most revered presidents of our history, and is making a lot of positive strides in healing our country in different ways. And, OMG, I'm a cracker with 8 rifles (prefer the 22 w/ scope) and 10 shotguns!! Gonna go target practice this weekend!!! As a sport, you morons......

They're losers.

They're nuts. Thanks to the Second Amendment, we're all screwed until these crazies die off.

By the way, we the people have a right to protect our lives liberty and freedoms. I am wondering if Sotero agrees with that as her answer seemed to not come forthcoming when asked if she thinks the people have a right to defend themselves. Please get the answers from those who wanted this article printed. I think the poster Gary needs to enlighten the rest of us on exactly what he is speaking about. By the way, I am a grandma in Texas. I don't have a clue what this administration is doing and none of it makes a lick of sense whatsoever.

These guys are just gun worshippers, pure and simple. They have thousands investing in assault rifles and camo gear and dream up scary sounding scenarios to justify their militia activities. I don't fear them any more than a non-militia whack job.

"Today, we need a nation of Minutemen, citizens who are not only prepared to take 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." -JFK

Militias is not only patriotic, but American.

Beer, Beef Jerky, Machine Guns. Thank God I don;t live near those retards.

If they really were brave...they'd go to Iraq. Not shoot cows at nearby farms.

Militia were here before Obama and they will be after Obama. Quit calling any group primarily comprised of white people racists. We don't all any of the so called minority group's racist yet they do not include whites unless they are white haters. And this country is not led by a black man. He is bi-racial. His mother was white not black.

If our founding history were any clue, then they are both patriots(lovers of country not nation) and extremist.

Patriots.

I believe there is a point missed here:

It's not about what rights have been taken away, its about what rights could be taken away. The militia exists in their mind as a preventive measure, should the government move to take away rights.

To the idiot who rants about how these guys are idiots, and "are not in Iraq" and should use the pen, not the sword, think about this: The jews in Nazi Germany were intimidated out not only by force, but by laws passed by the Nazis. I don't claim its likely, but consider what happens if one political party garnished enough clout to change the rules and permanently subjugate the minority; how do you ink your way out that?

They are cowards. If they were so invested in patriotism, they would enlist and serve in the armed forces, but of course that's risky, whereas playing weekend soldier in the forest is not. These militias stem from the remnants of the KKK, various Neo-Nazi groups, and the like. They constitute the environment in which homegrown terrorism thrives. They are not different from Islamic terrorists; if anything, right now they represent a clearer and even more present danger. BTW, the ignorance of these "wannabe constitutional scholars" is shocking. From conspiracy theorists to assassins and terrorists there is only a step in this regard.

Ignorant white men who don't have a clue. No Dem (Obama included) has ever come after their guns. Many Dems own guns too.

They just can't accept a duly elected president who happens to be half black. I am white and we are not going back. All these folks want to do is return to the 1950s and early 1960s. Demographics will do them in and they don't even realize it.

These people are NOT patriots. If what they are doing is not illegal, why do they wear masks? There have been NO rights infringed by the Obama administration; where were these people and their guns when the Bush administration–who DID curtail rights–were engaging in illegal wiretaps and lying about the case for war in Iraq? Are these people stupid? Is it because Bush is white and Obama is not? Better wake up and see the future: caucasians will not be the majority within a few years. However it will still be America, and ruled by laws.

To paraphrase Jefferson's warning about slavery, however updated: I tremble for my country when I see how a divisive abandonment of facts leads to an irrational fear of change. These people have other real things to fear–an increasingly violent America where firepower is considered the way to resolve problems and insecurities. Yes, they should watch a lot less Fox 'News'.

I don't know first hand, but I expect that if any of you who think these people know little about the Constitution went and talked to them, you would be surprised. What they don't understand, is how our representatives use the Constitution to justify everything that the government does.

I am so sick of every person who doesent agree with obama is a rascist. Obama is black and hes president no need for any more excuses to equal rights. The whites are the ones being punished here. I believe the man has no right to be in office. He is on more talk shows and sporting events then being in his office. Do your job obama and maybe half of america wouldent feel the need to start organizations to protect ourselves. Theyre should be more groups just like this one!!!

Stop always jumping to racism. Just because they want to form a militia and upkeep their rights, doesnt make them a racist. And right on to the individual hit spot on target about the british crown.

They do need to be monitored, and if they do get out of ljne and harm anyone, then they need to face justice, but right now, they are much safer then gangs, and i mean gangs of all color.

I guess its a little late to ask the obvious questions to everyone who says everything is fine but hell i will give it a shot here are a few.

1. Where is the pledge of allegiance in the schools each morning
2. Where is the american flag that use to be in every classroom
3. When is the status of americans going to be honored over illegal immigrants.
4. When are americans that obey the laws rights going to be upheld over a criminals
A. Criminals can get a college education paid for by the state
(does your child get this or you have to work to pay for it)
B. You get one chance to convict the criminal and if he finds a loop hole he is free and cant be charged with the same crime twice.
(however if you find them guilty they get to fight it over and over again to try to get off.

Just a few minor ones i thought i would bring up.

Your rights who cares apparently you dont

I think most of these individuals mostly just want to dress up in war costumes, run around the woods, and play kiddie games with real bullets. However, as a group, or a so-called "movement", they can be dangerous and threaten my liberty as much as any other extremists, be they left, right, christian, muslim, or whatever. Therefore, I hope the children stay in the woods where they have fun and the FBI can keep an eye on them so they don't hurt someone...

They are driven by fear. And that has never been good for anyone.

Patriotism and defense of the constitution means aligning oneself with democracy. In a democracy you may not always like the results of an election, but you go along with it since it's the will of the majority. These clowns do not care about democracy or the constitution. They are upset because the majority does not think as they do, and has not voted for who they voted for. They would usurp majority rule if they were able.

for those who feel these men are not patriots let me quote a few of my favorite Thomas Jefferson quotes, one of our greatest founders:

"Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny. "

"For a people who are free, and who mean to remain so, a well-organized and armed militia is their best security. "

"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government. "

As of Jan 2011, the online retailer I buy my ammo from will no longer be shipping to California and many other online retailers as well. Let's see who do we have here in California? Pelosi and Boxer...what a pair! Of course Obama is not directly looking to ban guns in the open and all at once. He's doing it through other means. It will be a three step process to disarm every legal U.S. Citizen. Well guess what folks, if that happens, you think that all the criminals are going to turn in their guns because Obama says so? Good luck with that one. What are you going to protect your family with? Yourself? A butter knife? There are not enough police officers to protect every citizen or have a 3 minute response time. If we did have a police officer for ever 10 people, then people would complain that we are a police state...blah, blah, blah. You keep bringing race into it and it has nothing to do with race. There may be a select few who are motivated by race, and that is their choice and their right to believe what they want. You call us gun-nuts and extremists...however, when the fecal matter hits the oscillating rotator, this is one gun-nut/extremist that will turn his back on you. NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

After reading many of these comments, i see this country is already lost. Many here think that their elected officials have their best interests in mind. Far from the truth. They seem to dismiss as nuts etc. people that have a deep concern for the welfare of this country. I really wonder how they would feel when the government turns on them, and their freedoms all disappear. Would they turn to the militia or just bend over and take it.

These men are patriots, its an americans right and duty to defend the constitution under all circumstance. It is our constitutional right to have a well regulated militia, the liberal idiots who wrote on this wall saying that these men are racist have no platform to say such a thing. It is our constitutional right to bear arms, do you not wonder why that was included in our constitution? Its because if the government begins to infringe on our rights it is our duty to this country we oust them. Every dictator that has ever come to power, including hitler, stalin, ect has taken away the peoples arms so that the masses would be unable to do anything as things got progressively worse. Im not saying Obama is doing anything of the sort, im just defending the rights of the people to defend ourselves. And for those people who think legal guns is the cause of gang violence and gun violence are wrong, its very easy to obtain an illegal gun, you can bet no gang member has ever filled out a form to get a legal gun. The constitution and the rights it gives us are timeless.

Whitehawk, there's nothing in Article 1 Section 9 that even refers to the President, much less there being a rule against him accepting "head chair" of a council between nations.

There is, however, one interesting line: "The privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it." Remember a President who did that? Hint: it was a very short time ago.

Keep up your petty nitpicking, though. Thinking people see right through it.

Hmm these people give off a vibe that they want to start the next civil war. Lol just watch something happens in 2012, they started it. Reminds me of that tv show Jericho. Creepy people.

Patriots or extremists? Shame on you for pretending this should even be up for debate. These people are ignorant, paranoid, and armed to the teeth. What is scarier than that?

Obviously some of the people here cannot read, nor have paid attention to this article. Some of the people in the militia are ex law enforcement and veterans. Nothing wrong with them starting a militia as it is a right we all have. First thing people of color think is racism, I say get a grip. Blacks as much as whites are racists, and I'm not totally caucasian myself. On another note, the Democrat Party can rob, cheat and steal from the very people they are supposed to be helping in the form of increased taxes. It's no wonder people are angry in this country and tea parties are coming back around, history tends to repeat itself, just in a more modern time....

Sure, they're patriots until they do something criminal, like has happened many times in the past. Militia, KKK, call it what you will.

In response to the comment that Obama is in talks with the UN about a global gun ban. This is not true...at all. Here is a link to what you are referring to: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/sgsm10537.doc.htm

The talks are about cracking down on illegal arms dealers. This has nothing to do with taking away your guns, it has to do with stopping guns from getting into the hands of criminals, gangs and warlords. Do you want more unaccountable guns in the hands of these people? This in no way infringes on your guns or your gun shop's right to sell them legally.

I actually believe in the importance of militias and am proud to live in a country that protects their right to exist...but that doesn't mean that some of their members aren't nuts (just as it doesn't mean that all or even most of them are).

Dont forget militias like this were what founded this country. They serve their countrymen, they make decisions based on the good of the neighborhood, not for the good of reelection. If you truly believe the government will always be there to protect you, your are living in a dream world.

Maybe these guys should join the Army or stay in the Army, they don't make any sense.

I don't know any of these guys well enough to say if they are nutcases or not. However, I see many nutcases on this website who automatically relate the existence of a militia with racism. Fact check: The Michigan Militia existed long before the Obama administration. It is not surprising that they resist him, considering that the group is generally anti-government. May I also point out that Obama is becoming unpopular with many Americans for many legitimate reasons, and I have yet to hear complaints about his race. Democrats can play the race card over and over again, but soon, Obama is going to have 100% Democratic support and 0% everyone else. They will surely continue to remain utterly clueless as to why this happened.

These folks are afraid and cowards. Their anger is thinly veiled fear. This is racism and narrowmindedness and extremely dangerous.

tiredofit: No right to be in office? How about the fact that he was elected by the people? I suppose you'd prefer the supreme court choose your president.

I think the guy who said fear drives gun and ammo sales hit the nail right on the head! And what makes people the most fearful? The answer of course is ignorance, plain and simple. There is a large anti-intellectual movement right now spawning tons of mis-information being spilled into the airwaves 24-7. And who sponsors this movement? Why the military industrial complex of course. My hope for America is that we realize we are all in this together. Everybody should watch Lord of War.

Why don't you little militia boys playing dress-up join the real military and do something for this country? I know why, because you're a bunch of uneducated goofballs and were voted "most likely will commit an act of domestic terrorism, racial abuse or domestic violence" when you were in high school. Glenn Beck is not a role model fellas, he's an entertainer. Obama has not taken any of your civil rights away, although I would if I could because you are dangerous people..... i.e. – Tim McVeigh.

I invite good American to join the Liberty City Militia in Miami, Florida. We too believe in defending the Constitution of United States and the Bill of rights. We prefer to be called, “The Freedom Fighters”

Let’s face it Militia’s are as American as apple pie and French Fries.

They have 100% right to do what they are doing, but from having spent about half my life in Michigan and having met some of these people, they are an extreme danger to society. These people along with the rest of the gun totin' fanatics are worried Obama is going to take guns away...let me ask you this, what has changed? Nothing! Quit being ignorant rednecks and actually educate yourselves from outside sources instead of "educating" eachother about how the world is going to end.

The real danger to America is not a government, but islam and islamic threat to souverenity of this country, as their goal is creating a global khalifat (see Europe). Islam is absolutely incompatible with American history, culture, life style, principles, religion, laws. Muslims must be divide from America by boars and distance.

Just because they wear a mask does not make their activity illegal if this was the case then halloween is a big criminal endeavour.

How many of you are worried about the Constitution? (all hands raised)
How many of you have read the Constitution? (all militia members make "duh" face)
How many of you know anything at all about Constitutional law? (again ignoramus looks on all faces).

Whitehawk's comment (just a few entries above) is baloney, like a lot of the others here, in that he doesn't seem to actually know what Article 1, Section 9 of the Constitution says. The U.N. is not a country, king, or any other person, so swearing any oath to them would not violate the Constitution anyway. People don't join the U.N., countries do.

Not to mention that member states do not pledge the loyalty oath to the U.N. to be on the Security Council. Obama may be the first President to chair the Security Council (different from the U.N. assembly,) but he is not the first American to do so.

Only U.N. employees pledge an oath of loyalty to the assembly, so Obama would not have been asked, expected, or required to make such an oath to chair a. Just because you want it to be true, doesn't mean it is true. It never was reported that Obama made such and oath, because he did not.

Patriots, of course.

So after reading the above, I've come to the conclusion that there are quite a few "really interesting" people out there.

Do any of you even pay attention to what you're reading? They didn't form the militia just because Obama became president. These types of militias have existed since the founding of the nation, and it's absurd to call them extremists or racists. They're exercising their rights as citizens, and frankly I find it disgusting that some of you call them hate groups or extremist fanatics. If anything, you should be grateful. They are there just in case. It's not like they're going to jump out of the woods and declare war on the government for no reason.

Read the Constitution. I am not a rascist, have two graduate degrees, worked in public service for over thirty years and a former Marine who served in Vietnam with a Purple Heart, Combar Action Ribbon and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

I dearly love this nation but am saddened by what has happened to it. We need a third party to represent those citizens who are tired of the professional politicans that are owned by big business, especially the banks, oil and drug companies. We need Congressman and Senators who will work for the people not corporations. Until then we have a reason to be afraid of our government. It no longer belongs to us!

There were many militias around before Obama was president. They aren't new. So if they existed before Obama why all the talk about racial motivation? I think it's just another way ignorant people can try to throw out the race card as an outright lie in order to demonize a group of people that they disagree with.

They are idiots. They are nuts. They are the future terrorists that America has to worry about

They are dangerous and are as extremist as any Al Queda member.

They should send them to Afghanistan to replace the U.S. military.

I think these people have watched Red Dawn a few too many times...

The minutemen were considered traitors by many. Who's side would you be on?

The members of the militia are just doing what they feel they need to do. They're not doing anything wrong, as a matter of fact they're just doing what the Constitution allows them to do. If you don't want a gun, don't get one. If you don't want to be in a militia, don't join. But to throw labels at these people like "nut-jobs" or "racists" with absolutely no basis or facts is just wrong. Let them be. If they're left alone and not ridiculed they'll fade away. Keep attacking them and you'll just feed into their alleged paranoia. It's amazing how "tolerant" and "accepting" the liberal left really is... Not!

There is so much ignorance out there. Our forces in Iraq and Afghanistan have had their handsful fighting asymetric warfare against untrained militias.

Too many of you seem to think that a breakdown in social order is impossible. The truth is that we are really all just one natural disaster away from being without food shelter and water and having to fight for our lives.

They are not all crazy racist people. The local militias here often have ex-armed forces personnel and police officers. They can and will be effective if they ever have to fight. They don't just train to shoot a gun, although there is alot of emphasis on that. They also teach first aid and survival techniques, like how to secure fresh water and build shelters. Most of us will never have to call upon those skills but it is always good to have them...........just in case.

Dan Carrone, how is militia=racism? have you looked at a dictionary lately? Please! we are far off from racism now a days. How many more excuses will racism be used for? We are talking about the freedom of America now. America may become a socialist country, the road is being laid right before our eyes. Wake up!

They're fantasizing a fascist paramilitary coup. You be the judge.

You people are pathetic. How soon we forget and become complacent in our ways. I will agree that there are extremist groups that should be dealt with legally. However the majority here wish to paint all with a broad brush, claiming racism, hate, ignorance, etc. However if we were to take that same broad brush and turn it to crime rates etc, you would start yelling profiling, racial discrimination etc. I believe the term I am looking for is hypocrite.

blackpeoplesrights November 16th, 2009 2:51 pm ET

Where were these militia when Blacks were having their rights trampled upon? Oh yes . . . they were the ones doing the trampling. It is new new KKK trying to disguise r8cism as patriotism.
Actually you're wrong, the Black Panthers were very active then but you obviously don't have a clue who they are. They are a milita organized around race.

George Washington, Paul Revere, Thomas Jefferson...The fathers of our nation were all militia men. They fought against our government at that time because they believed it was needed for America to be free. These men are prepared to do the same thing if needed. They might be crazy or extremists but so were the fathers of our nation. Only history will determine whether they are right or wrong. P.S. I am a liberal.

I have to laugh that these people think they have a chance against a military that has spent a large amount of the last 20 years fighting militias. Never mind the fact that the militias they are part of aren't regulated and are, in fact, not legal.

They have militias in Iraq. They're made of of males of a single race organized to purge their enemies. Sounds like a good idea on the home front. Thanks, gang, for trying to turn America into the western equivalent of Iraq and Somalia wrapped up in red white and blue.

tiredofit,
Exactly WHY do you believe Obama has no right to be in the office? And exactly WHY do you feel you need to protect yourself from this government. Are you sure that HALF of all AMERICANS share your sentiment or do you need to step outside the area you currently live in and see what the rest of the world. It could do you so good. Take this comment very seriously. It is a warning. I'm trying to save lives here because 'd hate to see the results of the US Military having to deal with this issue, should one of your radical Tim McVeight type groups really step out of line.

These folks aren't true Christians nor true Americans. America stand for democracy.

What kind of people try to get their way through violence? Al Queda, Nazi's and these nuts.

Extremism is extremism. Dogmatism is dogmatism–no matter what the brand.

The "Southern Poverty Law Center" has been hilarious for years. They must have been supporters of George Bush.

Patriots. Our founding fathers would be proud to see groups like this. They are simply Americans who believe in their rights, freedom and independence, principles that this nation was founded upon. They left may cry "extremists" or "racist" but they are ordinary men and women working to ensure our rights and freedoms. It is a perfect example of the intent of the 2nd Ammendment; a check against the government.

This would be a great opportunity for another beer sitdown. I bet if Obama went to Michigan and sat with that group, fired the rifles with them, and talked about his beliefs both parties would have mutual respect for eachother, hopefully at least!

Patriots? Extremists? How about jackass'? I own rifles for hunting and would use them to protect my home and family, but I don't need to run around the woods to feel good about myself. I agree with an earlier post – if they really do care about America, enlist and fight a real war where the country really needs you. Not some made up fairytale...

Just speaking from a black persons perspective. If Obama had all of these intentions on creating a military state and enlaving the citizens of the United States, you better beleive that Michele would be the first one in line trying to kick his A$$. lol. Come on people why would he want to send anyone back into a form of slavery. His Wife and daughters ancestors already had to go thru that. Come people think.

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

I have met a lot of people, some quite Liberal, who agree with me that Americans that respect the Law and support the constitution have not only a right to keep and bear arms, but a right to practice it as a group. Would that be called a "militia" and if so, why is it wrong? Why should they be unduly feared. By the way, I voted Democrat most of the time and I have a multiracial family.

Everyone thinks they are a patriot. If one feels need to revolt against the system, then how are the upholding the Constitution? If you don't like the Constitution, there are avenues for change that are part of the system. And if you don't like that system, you are free to persue any LEGAL avenue for change. Armed revolt is not a legal, constitutional method of modifying the system. If these groups are persued by law enforcement for activities that may be considered ilegal, then they can only blame themselves.
Don't forget, the Nazis were patriots too.

for all those out there bashing these guys, you need to open your eyes and look at the big long term picture. We have a dictator sitting in the white house. Your freedoms may not be gone right now but you can bet down the road they will be if he (Bobo) stays in office. Then what are you gonna say? The American people need to take back this country and make it what it once was. Close our borders, kick out the illegals, make people go to work rather than sitting on their asses and living off the people that do work, forget about being politically correct and do the right thing.

It amazes me on how well the government controlled media machine works like a charm!. It is doing its job i guess, lets convince the minorities that malitias are racists, that they are crazy nut jobs, and that they are a detrement to the government of this country!! and they are stupid uneducated rednecks.. but if a person with some common sense would just look at the things the government has actually done over the past several years they would understand where it will be in another 10-20 years!!! so what that obama is president it just so happens that he is and malitias would be doing the same thing when the next president comes around and have been doing long before clinton, bush, and obama were around. So keep on believing the government run media and blame everyone else and chalk it up to racism and live blind and die blind!!

While I think most modern day militias are a bit extreme. And yes undoubtedly some are racist, the idea is a sound one.

In theory a militia is a group of civillians willing to defend their country from foreign and domestic enemies. Their reasons for not joining the military or law enforcement is simple, they prefer other jobs-and have no desire to make violence a profession. Not to mention, militias aren't required to fight in wars they do not believe in. I whole heartedly support these, and would deem people that fit this ideology "patriot-lites".

However, if they truly were a militia they would have no issue letting people know what they're doing. There should be no secrecy because their reasons for forming a militia should be fairly obvious. To protect the country we all love. I think there has to be something going on that is either illegal or goes blatantly against what a militia was originally intended for. I'm a firm supporter of the second ammendment and own a dozen or so firearms myself. However I think a line does have to be drawn somewhere, not sure where it is but a group of armed men partaking in military like exercises sounds like their roster should at least be made public. While I typically don't buy into the whole "if you have nothing to hide you shouldn't mind the government looking into it" argument-I do think in situations like these the government does have a right to now you're in a militia. If only so they can ask for your help when (and if they actually need it...can't think of militia's contributing to the country after the Civil War-correct me if I'm wrong) and if they need it.

I'd honestly like to believe that some of these militia groups are formed to protect this country, and the people that reside in it. Regardless of the color of their skin. And on a side note, I see a lot of people drawing conclusions that if you don't like Obama then you're a racist. My lack of love for our current president has nothing to do with the color of his skin, but rather the way he's handling our current situations. With that said, I do not wish to see any ill will fall upon him. Regardless of his policies he is our president, and more importantly he's an American.

I can imagine the meeting at CNN.......
"Oh no, a radical Islamist just commited a terrible crime in Texas. (again) This will hurt our guy in the whithouse and might focus attention on radical Islam. We've got to do something. Wait I know, lets get one of our big lib reporters to go out and find some right wing militia members. Yeah! We can make them out to be the real nuts and maybe save Obama while at the same time deflecting attention from the Muslims. Great Idea. Who do we send?
I know, Jim Acost. He's one of our best progressive friends.
Go get em Jim..... And the rest of you remember don't report anything that might appear negative to muslims"

No doubt that meeting took place about 2 weeks ago at CNN HQ.

Whitehawk. You really need to go back to school. Maybe take a few constitutional law classes.

"No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States: and no person holding any office of profit or trust under them, shall, without the consent of the Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title, of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state."

First off. The UN is not a foreign country. It is an international organization of which the United States in a member by signing the document establishing the UN at the end of World War II. The presidency of the Security Council is a rotating title that falls to a different Security Council member every month. It goes to the senior member of that particular delegation. So, when Obama was at the meeting, the seat fell to him. He did not take a "loyalty Oath" as you stated (only UN Employees do that). Bottom line. The UN isn't a king, prince or Foreign state. It is however an organization that the US is a member of by treaty that was approved by Congress!

You types really irritate the heck out of me. You find so much wrong with this guy, yet the previous administration did more to undermine your "rights" then any other president in the last 100 years! Get a grip my friend. Pull your head out and do some reading about your country. I would suggest that you NOT get your information from the Internet, but from your local library. Start with actrually reading the Constitiution, and then maybe follow it up with the Federalist Papers.

And as to the Militiamen. They are a bunch of fruitcakes. They want to run around in the woods and play army, then fine. That's there right. But if they so much as put one pinky toe over the line, then it is my hope that the entire weight of the US government comes down on their heads so fast and hard that they never know what hit them.

Patriots, not extremists.

Many of you have given up reason for madness. This has nothing to do with racism, and before you drag Bush back into the picture please note that a number of these militias existed pre-Obama.

The wool is covering your eyes and you are far too enchanted by "change" that you don't see the big picture here. These militias are forming in response to piling evidence of the introduction of a New World Order. They are willing to defend democracy and all of our rights as afforded by the Constitution. Those of you that vehemently defend Obama are contributing to the eventual downfall of this country.

Ahhh the Americans...right to bear arms..BS. And you wonder why you have so many murders and idiots like Timmy McVey? These groups are nut cases, what to be soldiers but too crazy to be one. I would be scared if I was an american but thank god I'm not an american. It is reflective of your government and society. You are not the best country in the world by far so don't even pretend.

Uneducated, sad, individuals who gain information from FOX News and its hit parade of fools: Glenn, Sean, Bill, Brit, and soon no doubt, Lou, too! Thes people have a right to do what they are doing, nevertheless how sad that they would rather run around the forest playing cops & robbers than actually read a newspaber, read a book or otherwise atempt to obtain a broader point of view. For now, thank God, they reside in their little pockets of white perfection. Yet one more example of why we are the laughing stock for the remainder of the civilized world.

These militias keep stating that they have the right to defend their family's....against what??? Last time I checked that was the civic duty of our police and our army. Well since most of these so-called "militias" are arming themselves to protect their families, I guess its ok for minorities to arm themselves to protect their families too? Sounds like a revolution to me. What about Al Qaeda??? They state that they are arming to protect muslims and their faith. Does that make them a legit organization with a just cause?? Militias are just a bunch of guys/gals who are looking for a reason to blame all the trials and tribulations that almost everyone in America is going through right now. You can't keep blaming other people for your demise. These people need to grow up and take responsibility for their part of the current state of the union......because when its going good, they sure in heck like to reap the benefits (i.e. welfare, unemployment, tax stimulus, etc).

I bet the crime rate in that town is really low.

The media is having a hard time putting these groups into a box these days due in part to the fact that mainstream news is now only "secondary" news for many Americans. Is it time for a revolution? Is our political process working for the people of this country? A lot of people are asking themselves these questions............ but the problem is that with the ideological divide we have now there are dramatically different opinions on what needs to change. As with the 90's when the economy improves so will these groups diminish.

J. Spinell,
If you can't see the racism, you're blind. It was obvious at the McCain/Palin rally's and now it's the same folk, trying to disguise it as patriotism. Take off the blinders.

Stupid is, as stupid does.

Its Awesome keep making money for me , I sell guns and ammo. I love Obama , he scares the bejesus out of some white men and then they run to me to make me more rich. Thanks Obama for my scare white dude stimulus package.

while I would put them in the semi-"extremist" column, the spirit of fighting for freedom and defending the Constitution I would classify as "patriotic". Definitely should keep an eye on them though.

on a more humorous note, if Russians invade the US like they do in Modern Warfare 2, these guys could provide significant help in guerilla warfare until the Army arrives.

Sorry if it offends to exercise a basic right, which is not only reserved in the Constitution, but explicitly expounded upon in numerous speeches and letters by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Hamilton, Adams, and many, many others.

While many of these organizations my harbor racist leanings, or outright racism, not all do. All are, however, concerned where BOTH parties are taking our country. It is not just the President, whether George W or BO, but the Congress, Senate, and Supreme Court that are under scrutiny.

If you are not aware of the slow erosion of your freedom of speech (you cannot complain publicly about an employer on certain forums, even if the events are public fact and not opinion), freedom of religion (you cannot exhibit many symbols related to your religion in your work place as a government employee), right to bear arms (you have to get a permit to carry, you can't own certain arms, and before you spout "common sense restrictions", read the Federalist Papers front to back!), the complete abuse of the 10th Amendment, and the erosion of your protection from unreasonable search and seizure (your phones can now be tapped without a warrant, your home can be searched before a warrant is issues, your property can be confiscated without a warrant for search, and only "probably cause" is required to search your person or vehicle by traffic cops), then you are hiding your head in the sand and probably have not read any of the actual documentation that was generated during the building of our Republic.

These militias didn't just spring up this past year after Obama was elected! Militia groups began to form not long after the deadly standoff at Waco, Texas, in 1993; by 1995, they had spread to almost every state. Personally, I think there were small pockets of militia before that, but they were unknown to the general public. It is not against the law to organize, nor to be in a militia. If it were not for militias we would still be under British rule.

PATRIOTS..........................

Wow! Frightening! And what's with all these people saying we need to "protect" ourselves from "the Government". People forget when "the right to bear arms" was first written....it was a bit different back then; wild animals, no official police force (and we had to "protect" ourselves from the native "savages"...yeah right....who were the savages????). State Militias constitute nothing more than a bunch of right wing rednecks, trying to justify owning semi automatic weapons (apart from when they're being "sportsmen" hunting unsuspecting animals.....humm....lets see....a high powered, semi automatic rifle with a powerful scope versus an 8 month old fawn....now that's SPORTING! ).
These people like to kill things, plain and simple........like someone said in a previous quote....Wackos!

These fools think they are going to win any skirmish with a military outfit? With the weapons the military has it will be over before the shouting stops. What a bunch of racist morons. Where were they when the so-called Patriot Act was shoved down our throats

these guys are patriots, hands down. they need to be awarded for excersicing their rights while we still have them. SIGN ME UP!!!

The difference between these guys and terrorist and gangs is that...they haven't committed any crimes morons. They're not extremists, because they've done nothing extreme...only exercise their rights, come off it. It's amazing how we allow hate speech and constant self loathing against the white man...allow preaching against our soldiers and harm on our people in our own back yard...yet everybody flips out when a few white dudes who don't feel sorry start loading up and target shooting in their back yard because they've had enough.

No better than Al Queda? How many buildings have these PATRIOTS flown planes into? Racist? How is training, for anything, racist – unless you are training to burn crosses or something? And comparing these groups to gangs is crazy. How many drive by's have you seen militia's do?

These people are patriots and if they want to have guns and train, then what does it hurt? We (the people) let the government do whatever they want, even if it hurts the people (such as passing socialized medicine) and we don't say anything. Someone gets a gun, and everone goes nuts. And one other thing, I am so sick and tired of everyone talking about racism....how is this racist? The people that keep bringing it up are racist....they are just trying to stir the pot and get things going. No one cares what color you are – that is except for all the people crying racism.

Lastly, why does everyone all of the sudden think the Constitution is no longer valid? Is it because Obama believes it's not valid? And yes, some arguments can be settled peacefully, but if an armed aggressor breaks into my house at night, I will tell you this, I will not try to talk him into leaving with my mouth. And all you pansies out there that think peacefully talking your way out of a situation will work – such as an armed robbery, home invasion, or terrorist activity (ie the recent Ft. Hood shooting), you will get yourself killed.

These clowns are not protecting anything of mine. Just more survivalist types whipped into a frenzy. Its so much easier to panic than it is to think. Seems to me the political process still works, and more useful to be involved in the process than to alienate yourself from it. Clearly right wing hate mongers get elected in other places, presumably the constitution still works there.

The actual battleground here is the voting booth. Claiming America has lost its constitution after the election a year ago simply indicates the depth of disconnect present in these people. The fact that a mainstream political party in the US seeks to radicalize its members rather than encourage them to move forward is simply sad. What ever happened to the "Loyal opposition" and the role they play in government.

Of course, maybe Glen Beck is right.... FEMA had to make those death camps with SOMEONE in mind.

Patriots, leave them alone.

"I am so sick of every person who doesn't agree with obama is a rascist."........................................AMEN

These ignorant fools not only are extremists,thet are extremely dangerous and should be kept under surveillance

this is nothing more than your basic "White Trash" acting out. They have lost their jobs because they have no marketable skills. They are angry and they want someone to pay. When they strap on a gun they feel powerful because deep inside they feel lost and scared to death that minorities are taking over Amerca. American society is a sick and hateful society. Everybody wants something for nothing. Everyone want the easy road. Everyone want a pice of the pie or all of the pie so no one else can have pie! Add the hatefull right wing Christians and you have a society that is going to h__l in a hurry.

They wanna play soldier..??? Then they should enlist and serve their country....not horseplay in the woods

This notion that one man – Obama- can control so much is just crazy. Every 2, 4 and 6 years we choose different representatives of our Federal goverment. Ditto for our ability to choose our state and local officials.

Poor people, if it wasn't for hate and fear, they would have nothing at all.

I am fine with gun ownership and people playing army in the woods but it not "Patriotic" to think that your threats of force are how most Americans choose to "Keep Washington in check."

I am a Patriot. My weapons are the ballot and objective information. It's served as a much more effective way to ensure our families' freedoms than any gun ever has...Unless you believe that Mao, Stalin, Hitler, Bin Ladin and Chez were smarter than Jefferson, Washington and Adams. I suppose we could take our cues from Burma where the "Patriotic Junta" is securing freedoms for all.

THis is the usual fare for the idiots at CNN..Find white people doing ANYTHING and portray them as racist idiots..

Um... CNN.. if you are looking for lawless bands of armed militia.. amybe try your "BLack in America" segments?

With comments like " I am going to transform the country."; "The Pacific Rim shaped my view of the world'" (mostly Muslim population); Don't use the term "War on Terror"., etc. it is probably safest for most Americans to be doubtful about the future of their freedoms.
This thought is further strengthened when you consider that our government is going to treat terrorists as American citizens in N.Y.; it threatens the survival of capitalism; and it is attempting to take over the internet and our communications systems.

They are not only idiots and extremists; they are racist as well hence they can’t be called patriots. If they were patriot, we would be seeing at least some diversity in these groups. They're all whites. Additionally, what if American Muslims formed such a group citing fears of losing their rights? (Which, as we all know were taken away to a certain extent)

These men are asserting their rights as citizens. Face it, they're not extremists. They are excersising their rights, and essentially, if/when the gov't ever decides to enact some sort of police state of some sort, these militias will probably be the ones that will fight to prevent it. In times such as this, where political unrest is global, being prepared for rough times is probably the best option.

Be careful about what is going on in congress, A bill introduced in the House- HR-45- although labeled a fringe bill with no real chance of going anywhere, seems to be backed by the administration. You can go to the Congressional websites and see for youself what is going on in Congress, more people need to see for themselves and make their own decisions about who to back, and who to contact about what is going on.

i don't think anything will happen as long as the Government to include the both houses of Congress, the Judiciary and the Executive branch continue to uphold the Constitution of the United States. The view of most militias is that they are protecting our rights or defending the Constitution of the United states. When I joined the Military I took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against enemies both foreign and domestic. That oath means that should the government violate the Constitution we the people should take action to fix the problem. That generally involves legal means, protests, and information campaigns. The need for a militia would only come to being if the government sent troops to qwell any legal demonstrations and refused to change or undo the violation. Violence is always an absolutely dead last resort. Until then I will use the most powerful weapon I have to fight a corrupt government, my vote. If things should however change my firearms are well kept and my ammo bin is full and in the name of Liberty will be used if needed.

Cheers,
James

I deffinately agree with saying they are extremeist. And I really hope that the kids with guns is a metaphor and there aren't really children with guns. Thats sick. I think that they should be monitered, their public disreguard for the president is something to be wary of.

Reading these comments, I cant help but feel disgusted that these ignorant idiots call these guys "extremists".
These idiots saying this because of "racism" or religious fury, etc etc.
Do you morons know that majority of militias built up during Clinton's time??? Was Bill Clinton black or white? I forgot...hmm....
Its sickening to read all these comments discussing militias as they are some form of extremist organization. Do you morons know ANYTHING about our founding fathers, the American Revolution, the Constitution, or the Declaration of Independence???
Our Constitution, yeh that still means something you little jokes, gives us Americans the right to organize a militia in order to protect its citizens. We also have the right to free speech, right to bear arms, right to due process, etc etc. Do you clowns need a reminder??
This is what happens when you send your kids to public schools.
I just want to say that you idiots, NOT THE GOVERNMENT suprisingly, are the reason why this country has gone from a once Constitutional Republic to a Banana Republic. Your absolute ignorance and stupidity ENABLES the government to slowly strip every Constitutional right away from you. Your ignorance ENABLES poverty-pimps like Sotok from SPLC to blindly steal every right you ever had. And you morons don't even care??? Don't you understand that ALL throughout history, governments when their power is unchecked, become tyrannical???? Are you serious??? I know some of you morons watch movies, so do me a favor and think about any historical movie with a government out-of-control and tyrannical in nature.
And if you buffoons think this is just because of a liberal president, you are soo off-base its hilarous. Bush violated the Constitution on a pretty much daily basis, it's just the MEDIA didn't HIGHLIGHT militias then? You get it? Comprende??? If you clowns still think Obama has not violated nor hinted at violating more of our Constitutional rights, do the research yourself or keep on sucking your thumb waiting for your welfare check.

looks to me like a bunch of paranoid nutjobs

Patricia J Wallace....are you or your husband part of this militia? Must be because only one of their own could justify them as militia and not as terrorists.

OMG....you people think this is about racism and a bunch of other useless things? No one is saying this is about racism or gangs. They are not extremists. They are practicing a constitutional right that we were all, as US Citizens, given. This is not about attacking anyone. If you all would know your basic American History, the Militia Act of 1792 was written by Congress. Who do you think defeated the British?? MILITIAS....everyday, hardworking people who loved and wanted to protect their rights and country. Get a clue people...these are not extremists. Extremists want to harm others and are violent. These people are not hurting anyone, are staying within the legal limits, and only plan on being involved, if someday, God forbid, our country falls apart and our rights are being taken away. Remember, your government should fear the people. The people should not fear the government.

They're patriots – anyone who says otherwise should seriously relook the U.S. Constitution. We have the right to form militias and bear arms. What they're doing is perfectly legal and within their rights. As for people comparing them with gangs, I'm pretty sure you won't see any of them doing drivebys in their local neighborhoods in attempts to solidify their "turf."

These are model U.S. citizens and the kind of people that made our nation into the powerhouse it is today. You have my support!

These guys are crackpots.

Neither.

Just because they are exercising an American right doesn't automatically make them patriots. And it's because they are acting under an American right – and knowing that they are doing so – which proves that they are not extremists.

I just hope that they don't end up using their political party affiliation as an excuse to start something that can become extremist, simply because they don't agree with the things happening in Washington. That's why we have our other rights: freedom of speech, protest, etc. The use of violence is an absolutely final resort.

extremists. Timothy McVeigh had ties to similar groups.

If you were in Canada you'd Be Classified As Terrorists

These militias have been around for decades, adding racism to the matter is simply trying to sell newspapers.

Its funny that the words "Southern Poverty" would appear in an article about militias.

It is almost inevitable that any armed group operating on the fringe of society will eventually turn to more sinister agendas. Just examine the following:

1) The remnants of the early Black Panther movement turned into founders of the urban street gangs like the Cryps.

2) Early biker gangs were formed to celebrate brotherhood and unity among war veterans. Later they became criminal organizations.

3) White supremacist skin head groups may have started under the guise of protection of whites in prison/inner cities, but they later became nothing more than meth trafficking organizations.

You take a group of armed, angry individuals and it is just a matter of time before someone realizes they can easily leverage the members into whatever agenda they choose.

Hey Erica, when blacks were having their rights trampled on, I believe a militia was born....ever heard of the Black Panthers? People learn to fight back when they do it with intellect, not violence. They're called "lawyers."

I've never met these people. I don't rightly know if they are "kkk" or "racists" or "extremists". They sound like concerned individuals, serious about a cause. Says here that they have families.. and they don't seem to be breaking any laws. So you say they are jumping to conclusions about gun laws? Mmmm. This is ironic. Talk about fear and paranoia. Some of these comments are extreme assumptions.

Someone please show me where the issue of minorities or race was introduced in this piece. Why have so many responses called it out? This has nothing to do with racial persecution. This issue is about the fear of government controling the lives of private citizens – all races included. Please study your history for a better understanding of how these people might justify their fear. The American Revolution is a good place to start, but you might also have a look at the dozens of other historical global examples where people have been subjugated by their government (or their radical leaders). You might be as surprised as I was to learn how similar our circumstances are...

These people are patriots who understand their role in the US government - the ones that watch the watchers.

I'm pretty sure most of these groups would also help defend America against a foreign invader if need be, unless these milities start crossing the line they should be allowed to continue.

It isnt that serious. I can care less if they are playing in their backyards. As long as they are not out hurting anyone or being disrespectful and minding their own business who cares. I personally dont agree but everyone can have their own opinion about things. That is why America is GREAT. I didnt care much for our last Commander in Chief and I cant very well expect everyone else to like this one. However I do sayto those that dislike him, give Obama a chance before you pass your judgement. America gave W. 8 years.

I think that this whole ordeal of these groups will show the test of our original constitution and our rights as citizens of this great nation. But if we want to lessen our worries of these groups,[not saying they are doing anything wrong] we should use the rights given to us and take this fight to the white house and use our rights to get what we need and build a much stronger nation.

Patriots. If any things happens the ARMY/Marines/AirForce will join the State Militia Movement!

Interesting how these nuts called themselves "militias or patriots of the constitition." so then are Afgan/Pakistan the local fighters who tried to kill our soldiers-militias, patriots of the Curan? If these guys are so tough, join the real wars and help fight the people who want to do us harm.

If these militias are racist as is suggested by several commenters, then how do you explain the fact that many of these groups have been around since the Clinton era. While some of these groups may be racially motivated, many of them have existed for years and were created out of a fear that the 2nd amendment would be taken away in the early 1990s. Unless Democrat is now a race, most militias probably weren't formed based on racism.

One other item of note, just because some one does not like or agree with our President does not mean they are a racist.

Obama is the answer, not the problem. George Bush and Dick Cheney created the problem.

You people hurling insults and calling them extremists or terrorists are simply broadly generalizing on what YOU perceive a citizens militia to be.

All these people are doing is disaplying their Consitutional Rights to remind the individuals that make decisions in this country that the citizens are who own this land. Not the lawmakers and politicians.

Someone said they should join the military if they want to play soldier. Thats not the point, joining the military is the antonym of joining a militia. The military OBEYs the politicians. The militiaman obeys his own ideals, not someone elses.

Militias established this country in it's fight for independence, and if our own government should stray to far into the course of tyranny, than I'm glad to know someone will be there to fight the hopeless fight it will be.

The government will crush any citizen defiance of it's creeping tyrannical ways I am sure, but like the patriots of Gaza, I'd rather die on my feet than live on my knees. It's the principle that matters.

If you don't think we need to protect ourselves from the government infringing upon us as much as we need to protect ourselves from Al Queda and entire groups of people that hate us, you are mistaken.

Once upon a time federal Income tax didn't used to exist. Now my money is garnished and put to use in ways I don't agree with. Bailing out failed enterprises and corporations so they can fail again with their wasteful ways in ten years (or less), providing for those who would not plan and work towards providing for themselves, handing it out to foreign nations to fix foreign problems and essentially just tossing it up in the air.

The right to bear arms is essential and the government needs to be reminded that it's only true power derives from it's citizens and the LEGAL inhabitants of this land and it's only purpose is to serve their interests.

The nonchalant "whatever" "so what" happy go lucky technologically distracted mentality of the average modern day American is exactly why we are left with the government we have.

Who cares where our tax dollars go right? There's got to be something good on TV and if not check your Twitter. You'll find all you need to forget about the ongoing tyranny of the American political landscape.

Destroy and Rebuild.

[...] CNN engaged in biased reporting today when it characterized the Southeast Michigan Volunteer Militia as a group that represents a potential threat to the government. CNN will continue its series with a report on the Oath Keepers. On October 21, Chris Matthews attempted to portray Stewart Rhodes of the Oath Keepers as a gun-toting maniac. It remains to be seen how fair and balanced CNN will be toward Rhodes and the Oath Keepers. [...]

[...] http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/11/1...#comment-49876 ============= [...]

[...] CNN engaged in biased reporting today when it characterized the Southeast Michigan Volunteer Militia as a group that represents a potential threat to the government. CNN will continue its series with a report on the Oath Keepers. On October 21, Chris Matthews attempted to portray Stewart Rhodes of the Oath Keepers as a gun-toting maniac. It remains to be seen how fair and balanced CNN will be toward Rhodes and the Oath Keepers. [...]

[...] Militias: Patriots or Extremists? By Jim Acosta Out in the woods, 30-minutes from the nearest city, the Southeast Michigan Volunteer Militia meets for [...] [...]

[...] CNN engaged in biased reporting today when it characterized the Southeast Michigan Volunteer Militia as a group that represents a potential threat to the government. CNN will continue its series with a report on the Oath Keepers. On October 21, Chris Matthews attempted to portray Stewart Rhodes of the Oath Keepers as a gun-toting maniac. It remains to be seen how fair and balanced CNN will be toward Rhodes and the Oath Keepers. [...]