An oath to the Constitution, not the president

The leader of this group and followers are fools. No one is taking their guns. Maybe if they read a newspaper instead of listening to people like Alex Jones, you know what I am about to say. The Supreme Court this year stated, right to own a gun is an individual right. Made Wash DC lift its ban on guns in the city. Now why would they do that if they were taking your guns?

It is people in media like Alex Jones that is the cause of such vicious rumors. people like him should be held accountable for spreading fear and lies to get a dollar. Now cause of people like him, he have uneducated & uninformed people making claims that have no basis. Pretty sad that so many live on misinformation and refuse to accept truth right in front of their faces.

I am glad that The american people are forming groups to protect themselves from the govenment and the criminals they should go around attacking street gangs and crime syndicates since the govenment is to lazy to do it

I don't think that our foundiing fathers ever thought that there would be billions of guns on this planet when they wrote the constitution. I'd support gun ownership if there were only as many guns and gun makers in the US as there were then and not now. There were only a handful of makers back then. These men had no idea that 10 year old kids on the streets can walk up and get a gun with 25 buck. Personally i think everyone who owns a gun should have a psychological test in order to own one. There are some crazy people out there with a whole hell of alot of guns...this is a very dangerous thing. As far a militia...there have always been parnoid people out there.

This group scares me more than the extremists who "think" they are following God's will in blowing up abortion clinics. I think this is where this group fits on the scale of extremism. I disagree that this is about race. This kind of thinking was not going on when Bush or any other "white" president has been in office. This group equates to the lynching mobs that were around in the slavery days. I believe their agenda is hidden. I don't want someone protecting my rights that are "planning" for a government takeover just because they feel their right to hold a gun is in jeopardy. This group is just looking for a reason to hate.

I have sworn an oath to the constitution and will NEVER follow an order that is unethical/illegal....remember the Nazis? Nuremberg trials? "I was only following orders"? Japanese American Prison camps? Hurricane Katrina Superdome Imprisonment?
Hooray for the Oathkeepers.org!!!!

The comment above by one blind Dan proves he is just another sheep who will follow this growing fascist movement to total enslavement. Too bad for him and for the rest of us who took the red pill. We can only hope he and enough others will take the red pill in time.

"Oath Keepers" educates our soldiers about our Constitution and Bill of Rights. The Commander-in-Chief derives his authority only from the Constitution. His authority, therefore, is subordinate to that document. An educated soldier will not obey a "rogue president" (think Hugo Chavez, Kim Jong Il, Ahmedinijad, Mugabe, Hitler) who tries to overrule the rights of The People.

Not only are militias permitted by the Constitution - the Second Amendment states that militias are "necessary to the security of a free State." If Americans would actually READ the Constitution, they would not label as "extremists" those who defend us against oppressive Government coming from Washington, D.C.

The more i listen to this story the more i see a very dangerous group adding people to their list. Mr Rhodes is peranoid dilusional and he's got a following. Let us all make note and not only not listen but do something about the growth of such a group. I have'nt seen one person in this group that's anything but anglo white. I'm white and it just screams wrong and dangerous.

Jim:

This is an excellent and a very informative series that you are doing.

The "Oath Keepers" and your series on the militia movements reminds me of Harry Boyle's next door neighbor "Ralph" who was the leader of his own group of vigilantes in the early 1970's cartoon Wait Till Your Father Gets Home.

To Ralph, everything that he saw from rain, pets, and power tools were all a part of a Communist plot to take over the country. He was also a racist and a bigot who wanted to put all foreigners in concentration camps in New York City. I never thought that I would ever live to see so many people as crazy as this in real life!

Mitch Dworkin
Dallas, Texas

Patriots OR extremists?

Why must the two be considered mutually exclusive?

If defense of the singly most-important legal document of our existence is extremism, then all Patriots shall be known as extremists.

Long live liberty, and long live the Bill of Rights – every single one of them.

"... shall not be infringed."

Well, my issue is the argument whether these men are patriots or extremists... While they have the ideologies of a patriot, they are taking it to quite an extreme level... Why now? What's going on in this country where they believe something terrible is going to happen? Unless they simply dislike our current President, as I presume is the case...

Also, militias are outdated – like i said – I'm not sure why these militias have began to form lately, but if something truly terrible were to happen to our country, having handheld weapons and guns will not be very helpful – at such an advanced era of technology and weaponry, they could all be wiped out with the setting of coordinates and the push of a button.

I just think this whole situation – including the forming of the militias AND the media's spin on them is just over the top and unnecessary.

Extremism in the defense of paranoia is a vice.

This is not something new, everthing that the president do there are people that will oppose him, but all of this was given to him from the last president. Why can't people see that and see that he is doing all he can to work on behalf of all of us.

If you really want to understand why the Oath Takers feel their type of orginization is necessary read up on Eric Holder and Ruby Ridge.

I don't understand why people are doing all the crazy things you see and hear about these days. Extreme behavior is NEVER a good thing. Whenever police or the military act OUTSIDE

When will CNN do a report that isn't biased? The Oathers were not formed under GW Bush, but Barack Obama. The "inherited" excuse is just about warn out. For a year, Obama has been leading this country away from the Constitution and towards socialism. That's why this group was formed. Your reporters need to get an edication in how to report the news, and not how to spin it.

These militia idiots are just that-idiots. They have no idea about being a military professional. They are racist people who will kill without reason. We better get ready for another massacre, they mean business and all we do is laugh at them.

I believe that just as I have the right to my opinion in this country so do these people, even though I may see them as a fringe group. We can not stifle voice in this country no matter how repellent we feel that voice is. My personal opinion is that they are reacting to false ghosts of what could be not what is. I think that their refusal to follow the president is a dangerous tact to take, however the KKK has been going against the grain since it's inception and I view this group as nothing more than a civilian KKK, fear based organization, fear and hatred are strange motivators.

Acosta said Obama inherited Bush's issues. Duh. Bush inherited Clinton's issues, including having to deal with al Queda and Osama bin Laden. CNN is playing the blame game, letting Obama off the hook because 'it's not his fault.' Well, Obama is president now. Consider Americans may just be mad about HOW Obama is handling the issues he inherited. Stop playing the blame game and hold Obama and his administration accountable for their handling of issues.

This guy really puts a negative connotation on the Oath Keepers. The Oath Keepers are there to help us when it comes time. They take an oath to defend the constitution. If this group truly is military and police, then they have already taken an oath to defend the constitution. I think it's great that they are reaffirming their beliefs.

Its people like Alex Jones that open the eyes of the public to do their own research. Do your own research on everything you hear, don’t be fooled by the media. It's not hard to see what's really going on if you open your eyes.

The experts agree gun control works! Hitler, Castro, Stalin, the list goes on.

YES, EVERYTHING WAS INHERITED FROM THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION, WHICH INHERITED EVERYTHING FROM THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION, ETC. BUT, TRYING THESE TERRORISTS IN FEDERAL COURT TODAY IS THIS ADMINISTRATIONS CHOICE AND I BELIEVE IT’S THEIR WAY TO PLACE THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTATION ON TRIAL WITH THE TERRORISTS. IF OBAMA CAN DELIVER, MORE POWER TO HIM. BUT SO FAR HE HASN’T DELIVERED ANY POSITIVE RESULTS BEYOND FABULOUS FAMILY PICTURES IN THE WHITE HOUSE.

These militia Oath Keeper are simply the new KKK in a watered down, supposedly repectable version.

If you believe that their root cause is defend America from government you're naive.

If you believe that they're not racist, bigots, and biased against a Black President and perhaps the Democratic party, then you have not read American History, and you don't have to go that far back either.

I'm a retired war vet, a retired federal LEO, a hunter, competition shooter and firearms enthusiast.

What those folks are include being seditious and agent provocateurs, treasonous in fact. To call them patriots is to liken them to Confederates.

How dare these militant crazies pledge an oath to the U.S. constitution instead of the glorious leader Barack Obama!! What un-American traitors! The constitution is clearly an old and dusty document that no longer applies to the world we live in. The government has every right to take away people's guns and prevent them from assembling in public or voting. In fact, the government has the right to kill you for no reason other than your religion or beliefs. There is no constitution, just men with power who will do what they will.

YOU DO KNOW OBAMA STATED HE NEEDS AN ARMY WITHIN THE STATES TO BE AS STRONG AS OUR MILITARY???

HE REPEATED THAT STATEMENT OVER AND OVER LOOK IT UP ON YOU TUBE...

ASK YOUR SELF ???
why does he need an in house military to equal in power our u.s. military???

SHAME ON YOU THAT YOU LEFT OUT OBAMA'S OWN WORDS!!!
HOW CNN WE TRUST ANY OF YOU REPORTING THE REAL NEWS...
THAT IS WHY YOUR RATINGS ARE IN THE TOILET!!!

JO

Well, folks, I can only say I recall and relate a quote by Samuel Johnson that says something like.....the last refuge of a scoundral is patriotism!!

They are extremist and frighten me as much as any group out there.
Skulking through the woods pretending to be military, armed to the teeth but without the dicipline and inteliigence of a first grader ,they are welcome in my neighborhood.

These people are far from patriotic! They are irrational with extremist views. The family featured with 22 guns in the house, teaching their kids to live this way is appauling. I think something should be done. CNN is giving these unstable people a forum to spread their rhetoric. It is inevitable that some nut is going to feel compelled to act. So please don't go out asking," were there warning signs" after the fact.

They are patriots. Go read "The End of America" by Naomi wolfe or "A Nation of Sheep" by Judge Andrew Napolitano for a summary of the Constitutional issues that these people are worried about. Notice that they were written while Bush was in office. This is NOT about Obama.

It's not that Obama is threatening to do something terrible – and you totally missed the issue in your report – it's that the laws of the US have changed slowly over the years and they now allow the President unchecked control like never before. These people recognized the potential threat that came with that during the Bush years and recognize that just because our President changed it doesn't mean the laws have changed.

Perhaps the people who claim that these people are fools need to read some history books and then they might understand that often before terrible things happen the laws are changed to make those terrible things _legal_. They might also spend some time understanding how drastically the laws in the US changed during the Bush years (and how little Obama has done to fix the problem).

Why don't you do an expose on the southern poverty law center? You just might find out who are the extremists. If your are going to quote them all the time, lets see what they promote.
Why is it you can throw the extremist word around for patriots, but can't use the word for a man who killed 14 (preborn baby included) people at Fort Hood. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. You people are definately double minded.

Yes Obama "inherited" a lot of the problems that irk constitutionalists but has he done anything to reverse course? Kill the Patriot Act. Kill the Military Commissions Act. Kill the FISA bill! Most libertarians realize the threat of marshall law is not imminent; things move slowly; however they are moving in a direction away from the U.S. Constitution! If a candidate like Obama becomes President and does not address our concerns then it's not a question of if Government takes our freedom it's just a matter of time. My guess measured in decades.

The direction that my fellow citizens are moving in scares me. We have so much freedom here, to carry weapons, to vote, to marry/divorce who we wish.... I believe there is a point where a citizen's freedoms end and the protection of the greater society begins. For instance, a man's freedom to have sex with who he chooses ends with my right to be protected from being raped by him. A person's right to carry weapons ends with my right to be protected from being shot and robbed by him.

There are anti-government voices out there who rant against government interference with respect to their rights. They hate the idea of "socialist healthcare". However, they expect the police and firefighters to come to their rescue, the FDIC to insure their money, and the library to provide their kids with literature. Hmm, government run programs...but those are not "socialist". Interesting. Your rights vs the government's intervention....such a slippery slope. Just don't the fight for your rights create an even more dangerous, hostile, self-governing society than we have now. There must be limits in order for a society to survive.

You don't want anarchy if the man next to you is as free as you are....but his desire is to hurt you rather than help you. Freedom.....has to have limits. Sounds contradictory, but you cannot live in a society with TOTAL freedom. You need protection, you need limits, you need order. Even the anti-government organizations are...organized, with leaders and followers. So freakin' interesting.

I don't understand how someone can swear an oath to the Constitution but not the president. Doesn't the Office of President exist because of the Constitution? If you don't believe that the President, in conjunction with Congress and the Supreme Court has the authority to guide the country, then you basically are saying the Constitution is wrong

I believe most of the "Oath Keepers" are misguided, dangerous and delusional extremists. Having said this, I can see a scenario whereby because of natural disasters, nuclear war, and economic collapse we could find ourselves under martial law because of rioting, lack of food and clean water, and no power, fuel or mobility. I personally am stocking up on food and plan to buy a gun, and I am as liberal as they come.

Kiran I have watched amfix for a long time now and for the first time I am highly offended by your comment of why does someone need to carry a gun to go and get their mail. Apparently you have not lived in some rural areas of the U.S.. Southern Kentucky, where I live has been devastated by the economic downturn. We are overrun by illeagal immingrants who along with making up a high percentage of the workforce, also conduct a high percentage of the local crime. I feel as though I live in a small town in old Mexico instead of the heartland in the U.S. anymore. Also, a large percentage of the younger generation will not work, they find ways to draw checks from the government, or they become criminals alongside the illeagal immigrants. And lets not forget the enormous drug problem. I carry a gun everyday, as does my wife. My children are trained to use guns for their defense here as home. Please Kiran, I have a lot of respect for you and your ability as an anchor, so please use some empathy in your comments

When questioned if he thinks that there are potential laws that will "disarm the American people," or "to force citizens into detention camps", Mr. Rhodes asked if we needed to wait around for one of these laws to come into play before citizens take action. Mr. Rhodes' position is one of prevention, but this is a very dangerous road to take, and one verging on paranoia. You could take any American liberty, such as freedom of speech, assembly, or religion, and apply Mr. Rhodes' "logic" to it. Does he honestly believe that these other liberties are threatened? If so, why doesn't he take action in these regards as well?

I think that by trying to recruit people, especially from inside the military, is very dangerous also. These young men and women are very impressionable, and Mr. Rhodes has a talent for twisting words and ideas to fit his agenda. People in the military should support the President because he is their ultimate boss as the Commander in Chief. They should realize though, that he does not make decisions inside a political or diplomatic vacuum. He has military and civilian advisors who assist him in his decision-making processes. All citizens, including military and civilian should realize this so that they do not make irrational decisions such as Mr. Rhodes has.

These groups are NOT patriots. They are choosing to believe false rumors because they don't like the skin color and name of our President.

It is THE RESPONSIBILITY of CNN to continually call these people out so the country as a whole can see how fear is being exploited by the ultra right wing.

CNN needs to ask the "leadership" (and I use the word leadership lightly as there appears to be none on the right) of the Republican party why they aren't denouncing this and calling for an end to the perpetuation of lies and misinformation. John Bohener should be grilled by CNN on why he is keeping his mouth shut and allowing this to take place.

FOX "News", Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin and other neo-cons are perpetuating and providing a platform for this violent rhetoric. They are, in my opinion, trolling for an assasin.

I would like to see CNN come down hard on Republicans for condoning this rhetoric just so they can try to re-gain power in 2010. If harm comes to our President, they will be responsible along with FOX, Limbaugh, Palin, and many other right wingers.

I just do not understand how guns are the solution of everything.economic problems:gun is the solution. and when somebody gets shot, oh, more guns would avoid that. I have a gun to protect myself, but it is not a big deal to kill somebody else in the name of defending oursrlves.What is wrong with this grat country of ours?
Gun is the solution of weak mind.

Where were these nuts when former President Bush violated the US Constitution? i.e. anyone who did not agree with his, VP Dick, or Sec. of Defense Donald's policies could be arrested without just cause with not legal representation or rights at all, monitoring US CITIZENS' personal phone conversations via wire taps without court approval, invading a country that had nothing to us? Please tell me where were they? They say it has nothing to do with race, well former Pres. George was white and did all of this, President Obama is African-American and has done none of them, but now they are afraid that he (President Obama) will violate the Constitution. It is racist clear and simple.

George Washington, our first President, established that the Commander in Chief of the US military is a civilian, namely the President. If they are willingly going to refuse orders from the President of the United States they can be described in one word: traitors. Traitors both to this country and traitors to the very oath they took when they put on their uniforms. These people should not be tolerated. A country with a military that is willing to refuse Presidential orders is a country on the bring of coup, chaos, and disaster.

Do you think the leader of this group and (his) followers are fools? I,for one, do not ! And I think those of them who have sworn allegiance to the Constitution are more likely to keep that oath as opposed to those in government (executive,legislative,and judicial)-who have sworn to defend and uphold the Constitution-and then use it a toilet tissue. This is not about guns-but about using weapons in the defence of liberty-which was what the founding fathers did.Those who are not vigilant in the defence of freedom surely will lose it !

I don't understand why people are doing all the crazy things you see and hear about these days. It's very disturbing. Extreme behavior is NEVER a good thing. Whenever the police or military act OUTSIDE their job in an environment that is NOT military or within the boundaries of the police force, that should scare us all to death. A policeman ONLY has the authority to act within the boundaries of his job. The military ONLY has the authority to act within the boundaries given to them by their COMMANDER IN CHIEF aka THE PRESIDENT!!
So for this group to say that they don't 'obey' our President should be enough to wake us all up.

This is still America – we have the right to live in peace. I resent these groups trying to scare Americans into believing these outrageous claims. If you don't like what is happening in our country, be a part of the answer – not part of the problem. Work within the system that was set up for us by our forefathers – contact your representatives – get involved – VOTE!! Scare tactics by these groups, politicians and others are not helping.

Only in America, a group of people who call themselves Patriots but openly declare their profound focus on not obeying the President of the United States of America. Remember they have automatic weapons and plenty of hate to go along with those weapons.
It just amazes me their members list includes active U.S. service men and women who must obey their commander and chief which is the President of the United States of America, at the least these armed forces members should be court martial and dishonorably discharged from the branch which they took a sworn oath to defend this country under the direction of the President of the United States of America.
Over in Middle East America calls these type of individuals TERRIOST
Only in the good old AMERICA

OK. what is it about patriotism that scares people , im proud to be an american . im proud that this country is my home.with all its good and bad! if not for people who felt the same we would still be colonies of brits. or of germany, or of japan, or any other country whos people thought thay were right..
we would not be the Great country we are if not for Patriots.
People who stood up to fight, kill and die for the beliefs that made this place GREAT....
DONT LIKE IT ? LEAVE....

Didn't see these groups like we see now. Why didn't they show then self when Bush was in the White House ? Could it be we have a black president. These groups are dangerous ,sure hope the real protecter are watching these groups

The oathkeepers, are no more than a glorified extremist and possible domestic terrorist group or modern day klansmen. I hope the FBI has them on watch 24/7. No one is threatening to take their guns away but someone should be. President Obama is being blamed for most of what was created by and left in chaos and debt by the Bush/Cheney administration. Cheney tries to place the blame on Obama with all the offhand lies and Bush keeps quiet allowing the lies to continue. These people are misinformed and have questionable intelligence. Racism may be the underlying cause. Because the constitution is not being violated by the President. These groups are highly dangerous to this country and to our President.

It appears Mark Potok has an anti constitution, pro government control agenda. People like him and others that call Oath Keepers fools and extremists are the fools and the socialists that believe the "Patriot Act" is a good thing that "protects us" The Feds are systematically making the constitution a thing of the past. Any elected official that raises their hand and takes the oath to defend and uphold the constitution and then fails to do just that is the real extremist. That is treason and unfortunately it's become the norm in Washington. Thank's to the lack of free press from the mainstream media. How do you guys and gals sleep at night? Or do you actually believe the scripts you read? Obama would make a pretty good news anchor too. He reads his script very well. Stiil waighting for transparency? Don't hear that word much.

Extremists ? I don't know but if Obama was not in office . I think I
would have join a group . I feel are country has lost the Constitution ?
just look at are laws that are being made ! we are trying to do so much
to free othere country's . we can't even free are self 's . I skrach my
head and wonder sometime 's , " Am I in anouther country " ? ?

On the Patriots or extremists, I think that it's extremists and just another form of KKK. These people hate people of color or any other nationality. Using the Constitution to jsutify their hatered.

The "patriots" are the weakest part of American society. They are like bratty kids that do not want to listen to anythng the teacher says. Our Constitution does not tell us to delete what we do not like. Rather , it encourages us to be patriotic. These groups are the furtherest thing from patriotic, and mirror the mid-East Taliban totalitarian viewpoint. They are a harm to this free society, and are led by loud but immature voices that recruit the weak, again...similar to the extremists.

Long Live the Bill of Rights! Everyone should learn from the example by the Oathkeepers. Our Forefathers would be proud!

Before Mr. Acosta and the previous poster accuse the OathKeepers of simply being paranoid or fools, perhaps they should research a) what happened in New Orleans regarding gun confiscation during Katerina and b) Obama and Hillary's recent announcements that the US will join the UN's gun control treaty negotiations (http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=116041).

If the OathKeepers are paranoid, so also are the legislators of Kansas and other states that passed "non-confiscation" laws after Katrina.

Rex 84, Katrina and the video of the old woman tackled by a military white guy trying to take her pistol. You don't need to bring in Alex Jones into the conversation, there is raw footage of it. Be a Libertarian and forget Republicans and Democrats. Put a fork in them they are done.

I think many concerned americans feel our representatives are acting in thier own intrest instead of ours, they see the government becoming too big, too intrusive, very secretive (we have 16 intellagence agencies, why?) and they have forgottten their oath to support the constitution, as evident by the lack of accountability. Is it and wonder that groups such as these would come to be. Absolutely not.

I don't see anything wrong with these groups. They are not radical, in many ways I see them as quite rational given the times we live in.

Think about this, our government has HIRED the largest force of merc's the world has ever seen and Both the Dem's and Rep's have ok'd this action, and you call these oath keepers radial? Hell, since when is ok to torture people? Any accountability? Nope.

And yes Eric Holder has said that he wants to reenstate the assualt weapons ban in his testimony to congress. That is why people are concerned about this issue.

Anyone who says this is not about race is deluding themselves.
No one in the Obama administration has even suggested taking these moron's guns away or setting up detention camps but that has not deterred these "patriots". No one has noticed that these groups are 99.9% white but "it is not racist" Give me a break.
I am positively amazed at the visceral hatred these groups have for Obama and the half truths and blatant lies that they spew. Unfortunately they are repeated by the news channels in an obvious attempt to churn up emotions. If CNN and Fox didn't pander to these groups they would go away but so would the ratings.

The "keepers" are small in numbers....and MUCH smaller in mind and intelligence. The nation does not need negative militias that are interested in a milatary coup of the governemnt if they are not satisfied with everything....that is what elections are for. These people are immature and supposedly macho. But most of all....are very misinformed by a "leader" that is like a strange man with candy. Anyone that follows a person like that is weak, and ready to listen to any whacko. They are hurting thjis country, and are quite non-patriotic.

Oath Keepers are on the right track worrying about Marshall law. The State of Mass just passed sweeping changes to the State's Marshall law powers, including search and seizure without warrant, entering your home without warrant, removing a person from his home by force and detaining or isolating a person without due process or access to courts. The law gives the State's Boards of Health the power to force innoculations on its citizens, even if the citizen objects and imposes stiff pines and imprisonment for failing to obtain an innoculation when ordered to do so. While the bill is "for the common good" on its surface, its provisions are insidious and give State officials unchecked ability to take away basic rights. Look it up! (Post script: When they are white haired and on walkers, the commentators at CNN will still be saying "Its Bush's fault". It was funny at first. Now it makes CNN look pretty stupid.)

It's "We the People" not "We the Government"! The Government is here to serve the people only, not dictate! We should never have to give up our unalienable rights for any reason, for any President, or at any time. They are God given rights, equal for all men! Praise Jesus! God Bless our Nation!

I am a member of Oathkeepers and resent distortions made to us as being "fools' and "extremists". The leftists in Washington are taking away our Constitution little by little daily and the media and liberals stand by wondering what's happening and denigrating those that oppose their distortions. The Southern Poverty Law Center is a horrible anti freedom organization whose opinions should never be treated as mainstream.

Jim, it is amazing the lies that you spread.
You reported from the blog, "Orville carries a semi-automatic to the curb while getting mail from the mailbox". I searched the blog and only found one Orville and he said, "I carry a licensed concealed handgun (always) in defense of myself and my fellow citizens."

Also I wish you reporters would quit with the SCARE tactics when talking about firearms. When in doubt just call it a firearm or call it a pistol, revolver, shotgun or rifle. Semi-automatic firearms are NOT bad firearms, it simply means one shot per trigger pull. I wish Kiran Chetry and John Roberts would get a NRA taught handgun safety course.

Kiran if I wish to carry my PISTOL on me to the mailbox, it does not deserve an eye roll from you and its my right given to me by the Second Amendment of the United States. The same document that gives us the Freedom of Speech.

Not that I agree with this particular group, but maybe the rise of so many different groups is a good thing for this country. We do need a radical shift in the way the country is run and maybe people will realize that and actually vote for change in the next elections. What is scary about these groups in general is that they really are extremist in their views and their views are also not good for the majority of the people.

for a bunch of guys from the military you think they would note that they swore an oath to the Constitution in the first place and not to the President in the first place. i guess they also missed the part about not getting involved in politics.

This is a smokescreen. What they won't tell anyone is they are taking an oath to their interpretation of the constitution, even if that interpretation is a discredited belief that conflicts with the majority of history and tradition.

This thinking is based in ignorance. Another example is the 'birthers' movement who believe Obama's presidency is illegitimate, based on their incorrect interpretation of a natural born citizenship, rather than the legal definition, determined prior to Obama's presdency.

There are always going to be those who cling to their notions and false beliefs. the best thing to do is just discredit them with logical thinking.

These people are not fools. They are victims. Victims of the government and law enforcement's unwillingness to do any thing about the use of RF and Microwave weapons which someone is using to incite just these kinds of fears.
It is past time that those in authority show people they can trust them to protect them.
There is no need for secrecy about these weapons- they are in use and the American people KNOW they are in use, so law enforcement makes it look like they are involved with this cover-up.

tell those extremists group that the black american are watch them TO and we will support Government and president

These sound like people who tripped over their own shoelaces, swore they tripped over a molehill, and then made a mountain out of it.

They're worried about the usurping of civil liberties from THIS President? What about the Patriot Act imposed by the last sitting President? Oh wait, I forgot – as long as a Republican is doing it, it must be akin to the word of God.

I'm a Veteran – served from 2000 to 2007. I usually register Independent for voting, and lean just slightly to the left. It's right-wing nutbag extremists like these folks who believe and propagate EVERY unfounded rumor in order to push a ridiculous agenda that push me further and further to the left.

Listen, you loons: Obama isn't taking your guns. He isn't setting up detention camps (where the HELL did you get that psychotic delusion???). In fact, most of his actions as President have been fairly reserved. He's struggling with two wars that he didn't start, and an economic crisis that he didn't create. If the man suggests that perhaps we put some controls and checkpoints in place for people who want to buy assault rifles (you know, like the one used to kill and injure so many of our brothers and sisters in uniform at Fort Hood), instead of letting every nutbag stroll in off the street and arm himself to the teeth without any restraint, then I don't see a problem with that!

Guns don't kill people... but people armed with assault rifles are more likely to kill people.

Jim Re: gun restrictions. They can't and won't just come out up front with gun restrictions and ownership. Target shooters and sportsmen that reload their ammo, mostly for cost savings, have long used the once fired brass from the military . This brass is typically bought by gun supply outlets and resold to shooters. The D.o.D. now is no longer making this brass available , instead they are picking up the expense and effort to shred this brass and sell it as scrap to the Chinese , at a lower price than they were getting from American sportsmen. Thus raising the cost to U.S. sportsmen . This is a not so subtle 1st step to making it harder for U.S. shooters.
There are also rumors of the govt. wanting to include in tax forms the declaration of your firearms for taxing. And would not this make a good list for them to upgrade the paperwork on who has what. Where to go to pick up your gun if you do not declare it and pay taxes on it. You would be a criminal if you did not tell them what you have. A lot like making criminals out of those that may not buy health insurance.
I also have heard that the administration has hidden in some of these multi-page bills they are pushing , wishes to fund a massive govt. police force. Since the Constitution prevents the use of the military against U.S. citizens , they may need something to control large gathering of groups unfriendly to their agenda. You know, the nazi's that Polosi refers to. I did just see on cable news a new law enforcement vehicle that is equipted to handle crowds using ultra loud noise , would almost make your ears bleed they said. It's better than using rubber bullets and tear gas the L.E. rep said. So , what do they have in mind that is going to raise this type of demonstrations against the govt. Maybe not as many as they state are willing to do this redistribution of wealth , now that people are coming to see exactly what it is that the govt. has in mind. A trillion here another there, mostly seems to be increasing the size of govt. and assuming the debts of the unions and the massive packages they have to support for their members.

..............a group of law officers and military.................guns........oaths..................an oath "not" to obey the Commander and Chief?.............................................................................................................................................so they will do anything???????????????????????............so they want to be labeled along with the Frt. Hood gunman?//////He took the "law" in his own hands.............look what that caused his "fellow" soldiers.

I think they are on someones' eye watch now.

Dan, i agree that some people are going a bit overboard with their claims, but have you tried to purchase any ammo lately? I have and it is difficult to find. Even reloading supplies are scarce. The government claims it is because people are hoarding all of this stuff, but the retailers tells me that they just do not receive their orders like they did a couple of years ago. They order 6 cases of ammo and get two. Primers and powder for reloading follows the same story. Manufacturers claim they are making the stuff as fast as they can, but it does not get to the public. Care to tell me where it is going???

Too bad there were no Oathkeepers when executive order 9066 was signed. Bet you forgot about that one.

Thank God ; that patriotism is growing in this nation even if they refuse to be considered a militia. The only differance between the Oath Keepers and Militia groups is that ; the oath keepers membership requirement is that the individual has to of held a job that involved swearing an oath to uphold the US Constitution.

To all who think were fools ; Article 6- 2nd paragraph of the US Constitution states that all Treaties that the US Government makes, shall be the supreme law of the land., The UN agenda is to disarm not only weapons of mass distruction but also small arms., Obama being a leader of the US and trying to influence the worlds nations to unite in a comon goal to reduce global pollution and deal with the worlds ecconomy ; we have three more years of Obama whats next on his agenda list ?., Don't get me wrong ; even I voted for Obama because he appears to be for the working class and truly understands how the ecconomy works, and wants to stop global pollution.

I imagine there were quite a few jewish people who said the same thing in the 30's. It can't happen here.

Being retired military I've taken my oath and I still take it seriously along with several hundred thousand others like me.

Again we see other radicals. People get real. Any President can be voted out of office. But to take up arms againist our own people????
What kind of lodgic is this. So you don't like what goes on, Good get out there and work for someone who thinks like you and get that person into
office. Other wise your another Tim McVey. Face it if the majority of Americans want a person as our President that's what we get for 4 years.
Look what we were saddled with in George Bush. Take an pledge to do what is right for the USA not some hair brain idea that might end up getting you arrested and labeled a couk or worse a turn coat.

Its not direct intervention these groups are afraid of. Its the trend of indirect laws that affect certain rights.One example is if you are a felon, you can not own a gun. Ok most do not think that law is to strict. Now , hate speech bill has got alot of people scared their rights will be taken away over a misunderstanding. Healthcare bill , felony not to have insurance. Im not defending them , just citing a few examples of the , imo , legitamit concerns.Yes these examples are a stretch , but they are possible.

I am an Oath Keeper and a former military officer. I object strongly to the statement in the article that "soldiers in the Oath Keepers will pick and choose which orders to follow, disrupting the chain of command." I was trained by the military that it was my duty to disobey orders I felt were illegal or unconstitutional. I might pay a price in a court martial, but that is a small price to pay when your honor and conscience are at stake. Following orders is never an excuse for obeying illegal orders!

::::sigh:::: I only wish I was in law enforcement or the military so I could join....

re: "The Department of Homeland Security has no comment on the group. " surprise, surprise.

Well, let them say what they want to say. I agree that its important to defend the constitution. But, its not necessary to start an organization. Isn't that why we have a military? to defend the constitution? I'm interested to know whether its members have to pay a fee to join, if so, it may just be the perfect scam. What better way to make big bucks than to simply have people pay money to reaffirm something they already believe.

The above post rightly states that if the government was intending to take guns away from law abiding citizens the courts would not have stopped Washington DC from completely banning and outlawing guns in that city. The Second Amendment of the Constitution still rules.

I can only hope that enough educated and open minded citizens still exist in this country to see through the "Oath Keepers" true agenda. I also hope the media "follows the money" that is backing/financing this group.

I only wish groups like this were smart enough to figure out that the Constitution is NOT a dead document that was ever meant to be left as is. Our Founding Fathers were brilliant enough to figure out that society would change and our Constitution was meant to change with the times via Congress and the people.

We may not have a perfect country but we've certainly got a better country than anything else that has ever existed on this earth.

Also: This very philosophy of upholding the Constitution is why I voted for Chuck Baldwin and the Constitution Party in the last presidential election.... a wasted vote? Not to me it wasn't.

I commend the Oath Keepers for speaking out and at least standing up for what they believe in.... this is America after all : )

True patriots standing up for the constitution. Unfortunately the Army has a large number of Immigrants who will follow any orders because they don't love what America is. Plus they can ask for help from China that will be glad to oblige (for payment in land).

There's nothing wrong with these Patriotic groups, in fact we should see some of their ideas as examples such as reading and studying the Constitution and seeing how truly the laws are supposed to be mapped out. The government has strayed away from the Constitution and is now implementing laws that give them MORE POWER! The health care bill, searching homes without warrants, taxing the rich, etc, is all unconstitutional. Do not follow your government leaders blindly, their are only looking after their own agenda. The public needs to empower themselves by doing their own research and being vigilant at all times.

Mistrusting authority quite a bit, I used to be a fan of Alex Jones' sites. There has been a shift even there in the last year from pretty "balanced" paranoia to a newer, more puritannical attitude that really bothers me. Suddenly there is a lot of hyper-religious sentiment in the blogs, a lot of homophobia. I'm distrustful of the motives of our financial and corporate elites, but these angry, hateful people are no kind of refuge either. Then I see people on Fox News starting to pander to the "conspiracy" community and I really get worried. These Oath Takers remind me of the militarist groups that formed prior to the Spanish Civil War. But what can be done?

The students at Kent State would shudder. Oath Keepers pledge NOT obey orders to use military or law-enforcement powers against american citizens. Such as "We will NOT obey any orders which infringe on the right of the people to free speech, to peaceably assemble, and to petition their government for a redress of grievances."

there's nothing wrong with enlisted reaffirming their oath to uphold and protect the constitution. I find it disturbing that people somehow see that swearing to do what they promised to do (protect the constitution and the american people) upon enlisting is somehow wrong – sounds like that's the real problem here.

I would like to see these paste white dorks try to take over my area...we not only have bikers..but tons of gangs that are actually good people until these racist idiots or people like them TRY to ACT tough...they wouldnt stand a chance as even though we are all different colors here...we would stand together against these DORKS

I have mixed feelings about this group. They do have the right to assemble and to bear arms. They can say many things that they would like to, but the question is where is their orientation. What do they believe and what are their end goals? This group sounds like it is a group of libertarians that have decided that have become conspiracy theorists and doing something about it. This is possibly frightning.

These are just white people hating.

AND, they honestly believe what they preach!

It is so sad to see our great country divided like this, in these trouble times. What they people are promoting makes no sense what so ever.

Just white people hating!

Debbie, I think your tinfoil hat is on a little too tight.

The way it sounds from these comments Canada better get ready to shut her borders from the massive influx of refugees that will come to us after the civil war that is obviously brewing in your country erupts.private armies and militias in michigan running around fully armed? it sounds like their trying to turn your country into afganistan or are they trying to turn back the clock to the 1800,s ,the wild wild west. It seems you have alot of angry white men out there.I thought you called people like these traitors? and could you stop being so paranoid that the UN and other countries are all out to get you ,other countries have better things to do with their time such as trying to repair the global economy ,tackle global warming, eradicate child poverty etc .

Attention active duty members of the U.S. military.

If you become a member of this group you can be administratively punished. Commissioned officers involved in these groups can be (and will be) prosecuted.

It’s amazing how people prey on the stupid in their time of need. Call it what you will; patriot, hero, whatever. Plain and simple these groups only do more harm than good.

Taken from their website...the ideas they hold dear and the basic premise of their group:

1. We will NOT obey orders to disarm the American people.

2. We will NOT obey orders to conduct warrantless searches of the American people

3. We will NOT obey orders to detain American citizens as “unlawful enemy combatants” or to subject them to military tribunal.

4. We will NOT obey orders to impose martial law or a “state of emergency” on a state.

5. We will NOT obey orders to invade and subjugate any state that asserts its sovereignty.

6. We will NOT obey any order to blockade American cities, thus turning them into giant concentration camps.

7. We will NOT obey any order to force American citizens into any form of detention camps under any pretext.

8. We will NOT obey orders to assist or support the use of any foreign troops on U.S. soil against the American people to “keep the peace” or to “maintain control."

9. We will NOT obey any orders to confiscate the property of the American people, including food and other essential supplies.

10.We will NOT obey any orders which infringe on the right of the people to free speech, to peaceably assemble, and to petition their government for a redress of grievances.

If you beleive this makes them terrorists, but the Fort Hood shooter wasnt, Ive got some ocean front property in Arizona to sell you, it will even come with a first time homeowner tax credit...

Come on people, let's get real here. The only reason these so called Patriot Militia groups are springing up is because President Obama is a black man. How many minorities are members of these groups? I did not see one person of any color other than white, in any of these groups. Where were these groups when Bush/Cheney were raping the constitution?

President Obama did not create the mess this country is in. He inherited it from the right wing fanatics. And that's all these groups are, right wing fanatics, or should I say WHITE wing fanatics.

BTW I'm a white man.

make up your minds, people. I thought everyone was still outraged about Kent State and the Japanese interment camps. Apparently not.

This is not a fringe militia group. They are regular law enforcement and military personnel that promise not to infringe on YOUR RIGHTS so something like a Kent State or interment camps never happen again.

The tin foil about "president hating" is thick around here! The white people comment is just plain sick – their are people of color in law enforcement and the military who believe that you and all american citizens should be under their watch! Please, get informed.

Michelle – Thank you!!! I couldn't have said it better myself!

I have heard many people claim that various proposals now being considered violate the Constitution. If you are going to make that accusation, please cite the specific clause of the Constitution being violated.

After all, any accusation should be specific to be credible.

Much of what is written here is nothing more than rumor; the barking of dogs in the night.

Where was all this when we had Bush as our President? I know having Barack as our President is a huge step to a better future–but it had to happen some time! And not including our President now is just wrong.

look at what you people are writing? look how hateful you are..
towards your OWN nation.
we are the people.. and we always will be.
do you even know what goverment was even made for in the very begining? .. goverment was built.. to PROTECT you, all of you.. it was built to serve you.. and PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS.. its to give us structure, and a reason to be.

without goverment.. our nation WILL FALL.

no one is going to take your guns.. its a right u have.
no one is going to detain anybody.. u have your rights.
OUR soldiers DIED for us to even have these rights.. and they are STILL DYING to this very day IN WAR.. for u to KEEP these rights.
how dare you people mock.. and abuse your powers.. how dare u disrespect and speak such RUMORS... and LIES.. and HURTFUL.. UNLREALISTIC STATEMENTS...
people died so you can have the freedom of speech and press..
ask your self are we grateful?.. or are we SPOILED BRATS.. SHELTERED?

you should be GRATEFUL.. we dont live in famine.. poverty.. or have inhumane dictators..

think about it..
who are we?

what does it really mean to be an american?

are we grateful.. just people.. or are we sheltered, spoiled ungrateful, greedy people.
?

whats the reputaion u want to uphold?
i am proud to be american.. but i am ashamed of my people.. other nations look at us and they see "ugly americans" we speak with money.. we should be speaking with our hearts.

-aysha reanne.

Did any one point out that the constitution provides for the election of the Presdident. So, in defending the Constitution they are in fact supporting whoever is elected regardless of political party.

Also, unlike the 10 commandments, the Contitution is a fluid instrument which has been amended many times- including the Bill of Rights which they staunchly preserve.

While I'm at it- this healthcare debate has been declared unconstitutional for the selective defenders but the Preamble to the Constitution reads"We the people... provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare..." This is commonly interpreted to mean health and well-being.

Tell it to Oliver North

Mr. Acosta;

I am not an Oath Keeper, nor do I belong to any grope or originations of the sort.
I am a veteran of fourteen years of military service. (1962 to 1974) I do have a CCW permit and go armed 99% of the time.
In your report this morning you stated. “You did not see or find any circumstance that this administration was working to restrict gun ownership”.
I suggest with respect, do your home work in a more diligent manner.
Look at CIFTA Gun Treaty Removes Congressional Oversight.
Inquire as to what is being tried to be put in new OSHA regulations, that a person with a CCW will not be aloud to keep their firearm in their car as the law requires on the property of their employer.
On and on this administration is doing it’s best to remove the gun rights of American citizens.
I will ask you and others to put your gun fear into the context of common sense!
Please keep in your mind, law enforcement 99% of the times are “after the fact”! They are termed “First Responders” they are the first to respond “”after”” human beings have been killed or severely wounded. We that take on the responsibility of carrying a firearm are immediate responders. I *refuse* to lay behind cover, if I can find cover and look on as people are butchered or to stand and be killed at best, without a manner to defend the one’s I love, myself or others!
Put yourself or a loved one standing in a line as the persons at Fort Hood, Tex? In comes a person, their reason for being there? To kill as many people as they can!
Unless I am the first person killed, the person bent on killing for the sake of killing is “Stopped” in their tracks.
In a perfect world the need to be armed can be argued!
Unfortunately the world we live in is far from perfect and will not in the foreseeable future ever be that way. Until then I will keep faith in 45 cal.

RWJ,

PS

Yes I do carry my gun out to the mailbox, to carry a gun is a commitment, it becomes a part of the person carrying it. To become proficient at anything, one must be dedicated to it!

Militia groups can be dangerous, i.e., Oklahoma City. They capitalize on people's fears to further their own cause. Beneath the surface of their rhetoric and absurd logic is ethocentrism and racism. They remind me of a small group of true believers in Germany after WWI.

Recently, reactionary groups such as the Oath Keepers, Michigan Militia, Tea Party, have been given far too much attention on the national media. While we need to be aware of these groups, giving them airtime on CNN or other national news networks makes them appear larger and more important then what they are and allows them a platform to espouse their extremist ideas.

I agree with the Oath Keepers on one thing, the right to bear arms. We clearly need the tools to protect ourselves against these fanatics. Foremost in this arsenal is our intelligence.

Rick

It seems new groups such as "The Oath Keepers" are merely resuscitating the idiotic "patriot groups" of the 1980s. There is a bitter irony that such "patriotic" groups as "The Oath Keepers" do not object to Bush's Patriot Act and the numerous other breaches of law by the Bush administration. Where were "The Oath Keepers" when our military servicemen tortured prisoners in Abu Ghraib? It seems these right-wing groups only wish to defend the Constitution when it tramples on their rights and not the rights of others.

Militia's have been around for many, many years, and rightfully so!
These are your true patriots and they are necessary, more so now than in recent years, as our economy tanks, and our government tries to force socialism down our throats.

Just another bunch of nuts wearing tin foil hats and drinking the Kool-Aid. The problem is that there are now so many of them.....

A member of the military should not join such a group, if they do they need to have their badge taken away or court-martial if in the service. The oath they take is to uphold the Constitution of the US and obey the orders of the Commander in Chief (the President) and through him his or her appointed Officers (the Officer Corp in the military).

Military members always have the right to disobey an order that they feel violates their oath to the Constitution.

This is a fringe wacko group that just can't accept the fact that we have a President who is a Minority and a Liberal Democrat!

PS Retired E8, 1st SGT US Army 22 years. Ranger, 2 tours Iraqi, 1 tour Afg., Desert Storm, 2 Purple Hearts, Silver Star..........and a registered Democrat.

I see that this is a non bias non opinionated report good job -Jim Acosta sarcasm off. I am prior service I can see why this group would interest me I'm tired of what I been seeing going on in the world and would love to take out a few commies myself if you could forward my email Jim Acosta to the Oathkeepers, that would be swell of you. This was written for comic relief of an otherwise boring troll thread full of paid comments and messages and this post aka comment is not to be taken seriously.

These people should be treated as traders. These are the facts:

– The group was created last year
– They take an other to the Constitution (the parts they like)
– They exclude the Commander in Chief (in the Constitution)
– The Commander in Chief since last year is B. Obama
– B. Obama is Black

I think this is all about racism in America and I am glad that these traders and racist are now coming forward so we no who they are.

It is gun owners like this group that scares me more than external terrorists.

Anyone who ever says a militia is a extremist group is a utter fool. If you know anything about U.S history you would know we won our independence from Brittian on the lives shoulders and blood of the people in the militia. Conrwallace himself under estimated the militia and he lost the war cause he vastly under estimated the civilian population aka (THE COLONIAL MILITIA & THE MINUTE MEN). If it wasnt for the people rising up to help the continental army we would still be part of the U.K. But before you insult Americans and call them extremists for doing the very thing that gave us our freedom and constitution think that what your saying is anti-American and socialist cause you are disrespecting there very people who died to give you your freedom. The people have the right to bear arms uphold & defend the constitiution & bill of rights and the right to form militias in the defense of the country and or from the government.Those brave men who came before us were willing to give there lives and alot did for freedom and independence for future generations and they were not military till after Vally Forge think im talk bs then read your American history the civilian militia won that war. As for this if former military/civilians take a solem oath to keep the American population safe from the enemy at home or abroad and to uphold the constitution & bill of rights then the populace should be thankful that people just like our fore fathers are still around and willing to make the same sacrifices if need be that they did so long ago. I say thank you and i salute you and the people serving in our military /militias past & present.

These groups are what America is all about. They form based on common thoughts and ideas. Really, if all of these groups have problems with the government, then they should take action. Forming groups won't resolve the issue. How about forming another political party that is dedicated to their beliefs. Recruit, fertilize and watch it grow. If enough people believe and join, they can oust the current parties the old fasion way.

The way this country has been changing towards a collectivism mentality is scarey! I am actually glad to hear that there are trained people who are ready to protect our constitution. I voted for Obama and am not yet convinced he represents the status quo just yet. However, I do have to say that it sure is beginning to look like he is going down the same road that every President since Carter has.. For those of you who reject any notion that our country is and has been heading towards Socialism, I seriously suggest they do some of their own thinking and start researching on their own, rather than listening to the garabage from both the left and the right! People need to wake up and stand up for our individual rights that are guaranteed in our constitution. Begin by looking into the Federal Reserve, the Council on Foreign Relations and the Trilateral Commission, I think you might learn something helpful.

Based on Jim Acosta's report of Oath Keepers was the first paragraph written ; when in reality they accept anyone that will take the oath to defend the US Constitution. I don't know if they meet monthly and train like traditional Militia groups ; but they are still classified as belonging to the Unorganized Militia.

These people shred the very Constitution they claim to defend. The Constitution empowers the President, who has been elected and chosen BY The People Of The United States Of America. Any US Service Member who signs such a document of disobedience to The President (and the officers appointed by him) should face a Military Court Martial.

The main event behind the Oath Keepers and their standing have centered around Katrina, not President Obama. In that period of time, the people of New Orleans were disarmed, placed in, forced to stay in camps (a la the Superdome), and prevented from leaving. A number of military and law enforcement personnel came back from raiding homes in flooded New Orleans, detaining civilian, disarming them, and them herding them against their will said that they were unprepared to face that situation.

Suddenly, there were sliding down the slope towards military policing more easily then they expected- and this unsettled them. The Oath Keepers were formed as an eduactional and fraternal organization- when faced with the wrong order in the wrong scenario, knowing that you have people who will turn down that order (properly) helps keep the fortitutde of an individual in a bad situation. Likewise, the members are people who have "Been there, done that"- a feat much of the people you meet every day cannot (or will not) understand. If doctors formed a group to reaffirm their oaths to do no harm, who would care?

Please note the Army officer oath of office: "
I (insert name), having been appointed a (insert rank) in the U.S. Army under the conditions indicated in this document, do accept such appointment and do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God."

My issue with the article is this- it is based on the Oath Keepers having an organizatinal oath that excludes allegiance to the President of the United States as if its included in the oath already taken- it is not true in all cases. As far as I'm concerned, this organization should be an organization of officers, the people who actually recieve the orders (at some point give them to the enlisted members for execution) and are ultimately responsible for everyone's actions.

Also, please note that the Constitution, as the basis of our society, should be properly capitolized as a respected proper word, and that President Obama should be a full term, not just "Obama" or "Bush"- eight years of rampant disrespect being the "in" thing have degraded a respected position.

I am a patriot first and foremost. I agree that our rights as citizens to keep and bear arms "shall not be infringed". I oppose anyone who attempts to take our rights away. I applaud the oath keepers and I too shall join their ranks. It's the liberals who have degraded our great nation from what the founding fathers had intended.

Was George Washingington , Abe Lincoln, et al. extremists ?

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton just announced the Obama Administration would be working hand in glove with the UN to pass a new “Small Arms Treaty.”

Disguised as legislation to help in the fight against “terrorism,” “insurgency” and “international crime syndicates,” the UN Small Arms Treaty is nothing more than a massive, GLOBAL gun control scheme.

Ultimately, the UN’s Small Arms Treaty is designed to register, ban and CONFISCATE firearms owned by private citizens like YOU.

If passed by the UN and ratified by the U.S. Senate, the UN “Small Arms Treaty” would almost certainly FORCE national governments to:

*** Enact tougher licensing requirements, making law-abiding citizens cut through even more bureaucratic red tape just to own a firearm legally;

*** CONFISCATE and DESTROY ALL “unauthorized” civilian firearms (all firearms owned by the government are excluded, of course);

*** BAN the trade, sale and private ownership of ALL semi-automatic weapons;

*** Create an INTERNATIONAL gun registry, setting the stage for full-scale gun CONFISCATION.

I urge evey american patriot to go here and join;

nationalgunrights.org

Don't think another cilvil war can't happen , pray that it won't be necessary.

In closing I have but 1 thing to say;

You can have my gun when you pry it from my cold dead fingers.

I find it exceedingly amusing that groups like this flourish now that someone they don't agree with holds the excessive power the Republicans gave to the Executive branch. I find it even more amusing that we heard not hide nor tail of these groups as our civil liberties were infringed on during the fear-driven legislation rush during the Bush administration.

How suddenly, the cry of "Deficits don't matter" rings hollow when their party doesn't control the government. How suddenly the civil liberties stripped away during their reign seem to matter when they don't trust the one wielding the abuses of the Bush administration. How suddenly they know the fear we felt as we watched the Republican party advance away from the America we know. Did they think that what they wrought would disappear overnight?

No. Instead they continue the same fear mongering that they relied on. Only this time, their words ring even more hollow as they create causes to rally against that have no foundation in the reality of our State. They claim to be patriots and go by many names, but the truth is that their name is Granfalloon.

Extremism, wheather it be the ultra conservative or the ultra liberal segment of this society, will be the undoing of this country. We as a Nation are becoming what we hate the most. We are having extreme intolerance (Racial and Religious) pushed at us from ALL sides.
The Radical Extremists that we are at "WAR" with are are winning, we are becoming more like them and thinking more like them everyday.
We have only loathing and distrust for anyone who does not believe exactly what we believe. I fear for our society. I don't know if we will ever return to being the shining example of Freedom and Prosperity that the rest of the world aspired to be once. I hope so, for my kids sake.

This is nothing more than another right-wing extremist movement with an anti-government, conspiracy-oriented ideology, frightfully familiar to earlier extremist groups such as the militia movement, survivalist and white supremacist groups. They spout the same old tired and idiotic rhetoric consisting in part of a one world order, imminent gun confiscation, an illegitimate government which replaced a legitimate government, along with the construction of large numbers of concentration camps in which to place American dissenters, and the self described right to “take back” the government. The rise and fall of these types of extremist groups has been linked directly to increases in unemployment and the lack of education among their members. Similar events in Germany, with increases of violence against foreigners has been linked to the same rise in unemployment as the major cause of the occurrence of right-wing crime, and the increase of extremist groups in Germany prior to the rise of power of the Nazis has also been linked to the same increase in unemployment and lack of education among its members. This is an interactive process, and it requires not only psychopathic people who are ready to lay violent hands on others (Who need not necessarily be similarly unemployed), but also those who harbor hatred against foreigners and minorities (I would suspect they loathe the very idea of an African –American president) and also against those of us whom they deem, fail to enforce their twisted version of acceptable social norms, i.e. violence against foreigners and minorities.

I can't believe what is happening here. These people are delusional. The President is the Commander-in-Chief as mandated in the Constitution. These people are traitors in the true sense of the word; to uphold the Constitution means upholding the President. There are plenty of checks and balances to ensure the Presidential power can not be used adversely against the United States and the American people. These "oath keepers", average people not constitutional scholars, actually believe they are smarter than all the institutions that already protect America's constitutional interests; the U.S military, police forces, the Secret Service, FBI, CIA , the Justice Department, Homeland Security et al? These people are mouthing seditious words. Sedition is not patriotism. Sedition is treachery and treason. In earlier times in America, seditionists and traitors who shouted out their anti-government slogans and anger were hanged. Let's try these traitors for sedition and see what the Court decides.

When the president is part of your preferred political party it is your duty to unquestioningly support him.

However, when the president belongs to a rival party it is your DUTY to question EVERYTHING he does.

Or at least that's the way the Republicans work. They constantly chastised the left when there was any dissent regarding the war or terrorism. They would claim it is our duty as Americans to offer our unwavering support to our president during wartime.

Now that Obama is president, the Republicans did a 180 and now they claim it is our duty as Americans to question everything the president does. Because he's clearly a dirty, filthy, Muslim, communist, terrorist who's out to crush the US and her ideals as we know it and turn the US into a socialist regime.

Ridiculous as this sounds, a large portion of conservatives earnestly believe this garbage.

What the Oath Keepers are missing most is basic literacy. There's no need to modify the oath. "I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice."

The regulations and the UCMJ already include rules that allow (and require) a soldier to oppose patently unlawful orders.

Any member of the armed forces or law enforcement who takes this oath to disobey orders should be discharged or fired immediately for insubordination. By that very constitution they are supposedly swearing to uphold, the President is the head of the executive branch, which means, if they are upholding the constitution, they obey his orders. One cannot competently act as law enforcement while a member of this group.

Their very basis perverts the constitution. Maybe they should read it before "swearing to uphold it." If they do not like following the orders of the head of the executive branch of government, then they shouldn't be in it.

@ the Oathkeepers... My father, a retired police chief and current federal firearms dealer, says you're all a bunch of nut cases, and they should do a comedy reality show about you. Open your eyes a little wider so you can see past the redness of hate within them. White supremacy advocates, hate mongers and anarchists alike will probably flock to your side. Honest, hard working, compassionately patriotic Americans will shun you.

While I don't support "redistribution of wealth", I DO support a government control on wages and compensation so that a more prosperous nation evolves from the sweat and tears of those who support it the most.

Detention camps? Hate to break it to you, but they already exist in the form of tent camps for the homeless, which are popping up in cities on a DAILY basis. And they exist BECAUSE of people like the Oathkeepers, who think that only a few people with higher education and the ability to oppress others should be allowed the luxury of an income that provides the basic necessities for existence.

Why are so many people homeless? The facts are pretty obvious. At current minimum wage, a single person who works 40 hours a week takes home just under $200 after taxes, and must make the choice between a roof over their head or food to eat. Why? Because the cost of a small studio apartment with utilities averages $750 a month, leaving nothing to buy food.

I hope God comes back soon. You're all going to get a rude awakening. Those of you who know it's coming and are preparing the RIGHT way, good for you. Those of you who think guns and bullets will protect you then.... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Better learn to turn a spadeful of dirt, and do it soon, 'cause we're not going to feed you while you're holed up in your lead-lined bunkers waiting for the nukes that never come.

Look at the video. I saw only white members. This wasn't done under Bush but it should have been. This is just racism once again rearing it's ugly head. If our President was white this wouldn't be an issue. Our country has taken the right to bear arms way out of control. You just have to read the news to see what is happening in our country. Gun attack after gun attack. We have the military, the citizens of this country do not need to be armed to the extent that we are seeing everyday in the news. I really do not see an attack happening on US soil in the near future. People pledging to not obey the President of the United States! Come on!

"When the people fear government, there's tyranny. When government fear's the people, there is liberty" Thomas Jefferson.

While we did not make this statement, many of us truly believe that it clearly represents our feelings about our present government's actions. It is moving in an unsettling direction, is too dictating, too intrustive and polarizing. Our Federal Government is becoming too big and we are fearfull.

In the theory of thirds, there are 1/3 for, 1/3 against and 1/3 that do not have an opinion. When there is 1/ 2 for and 1/2 against it is polarizing and makes us fearfull. We are approacing that point with political parties (Dem/Rep), Taxes (those who pay and those who don't). It is very unsettling.

If we are labeled a patriotic gorup, then we wear a badge of honor and it is true, just like Thomas Jefferson and our other founding fathers.

Children...all.....you are boring. Grow up and become an adult. Stop playing soldier like you did when you were ten years old. iS YOUR LIFE THAT DULL THAT YOU HAVE TIME FOR SUCH IDIOCY? If you want to do something good go volunteer for a credible organization. You make me ill.

I saw these clowns. A lot of skinhead white supremacists along with a bunch of angry, unemployed, wanna be Rambo loser white men.

Not a person of color (Latino, Afro-American, Asian, etc..) among them.

Does any REAL law enforcement official want to be associated with white supremacist hate mongering groups like this one?

I think these are dangerous exstremists. I wish the goverment would take their guns and all guns away (except police and military) and repeal the 2nd amendment. I know this won't happen but in a perfect word it would be nice. I think any military person who takes this oath should be court martialed. As far as the guy who thinks he has to carry a gun to his mailbox, what is he afraid of? Letter Bombs? I will never carry or use a gun and I feel pretty safe here in Arizona, although there are a lot of gun nuts here.

When liberal folks disagree with something the government is doing, they protest it peacefully and run awareness campaigns.

When conservatives disagree with the government, they form militias and blow stuff up.

They are the military arm of the Republicans like what the IRA is to Sinn Fein.

It always amazes me how wound around owning firearms certain people are. Trying to solve all of your issues with guns and paramilitary organizations is to do nothing but invite woe to your doorstep. These groups should be analyzed and reacted to on an individual basis, but I would concur that this one is especially dangerous. Openly recruiting and advertising your membership of police military and other civil and federal workers seems a scene right out of a conspiricy novel. Military members involved in this group should reconsider their choices.

And also wearing non military badges, patches and identification is out of regulations. If I saw my soldier wearing that I would have some serious questions about his loyality and decision making ability. It is interesting to note that this group designed its logo to look like a special forces band.

This so-called defense of the Constitution group is just the latest EVOLUTION of the KKK, Neo-Nazis, et al.

I will tell you right now that this group is not dumb, racist, extremist, or any other of the words used to describe us. I am a young guy with a masters degree, well traveled and have alot of ethnic friends. I am worried about where this country is headed and the absolute power of gov't over myself and my family. I was proud to take the oath keepers oath and I will not follow any orders to disarm my fellow countryman! Be careful what you say b/c we might be the ones defending YOU one day!

If the group is not banned military can be members but may not be able to take part in activities. Also, if you are basing your opinion on this article alone the you don't have the full story. Think a moment it says only to disobay those orders that improsen, or rende citizens defensless. In truth thats what the constitution says. The military is not required to follow "unlawfule orders" in fact they can get in trouble for them. The military and polices job is to protect and defend no diffrent than this group. As of yet they have not perfomed/benn connected to any vilont act and if policy is correct condem those acts. They are a group of militia (which is legal and supported in the constitution) who are here to support the constetution regardless of the president. They sond like conservative to me, which is fine. There is a lot going on that is under debat not just in the presidency that many people don't agree with. It sound more like the group is trying to raise awarness that the government is not just the president but the whole population of the U.S. unfortunatly they seam like they are riding the ine line between a very outspoke group and an exstrimest group. I thingk calling them exstremest may be a little radical at this point but they are defenatly noteworthy. you never know even if you disagree with them you may learn something

Why should we defend the Constitution? What if the Founders were wrong? The remarkable thing about that document is that it can be changed, not that the Founders had it right the first time. I remind you that the Bill of Rights was a set of amendments. None of those things were in the original. If you are going to take an oath, swear allegiance to ethical principles, not a 200 year old document that wasn't perfect the first time and is still imperfect.

Have any of you good people read any of the "executive orders" that have been passed? Did you know that in some of the recent laws passed regarding H1N1 that you can be detainted and your property seized? Those are the things that few people know and that cause these kinds of groups to form. There is the potential for such things to happen in this country.

Robert... Your logic is flawed. The percentage of gun owners in the time period of our founding fathers was more than double what it is now... The only reason there are more guns is because the population has grown. Also I would like to know where a kid can get a gun for $25. You are clearly a Liberal with no knowledge on this issue what so ever. Ammo in most instances cost $25. The average STREET price of a hand gun is over $500.

I am a Canadian Citizen. I have read the posts relating to this article and am interested in this subject. I am curious, who do you think runs your country? The government, or the citizens that elect that government? A government of the people, by the people, for the people? Is that familiar? Doesnt that mean that YOU are in charge of the government? Yes they have power but isn't that power supposed to be wielded through the discretion of the citizens? If the government works for YOU then doesnt your Constitution say that it is the duty, obligation, of the people to remove that government? But by what means? A bullet? That doesnt seem very democratic. I think it implies removal by vote or impeachment. Is it possible that your founding fathers wanted you to have guns so that your new-found independence from the British would be reinforced and maintained by the people because the armed forces at the time were not in sufficient number to protect the American continent by itself? The terrorist Muslims feel that citizens of the U.S. are fair "military targets". Do you know why this is? Because they feel that the government is "by the people, of the people, for the people" thereby making no distinction between Joe Taxpayer and any Executive Orders that result in the death of any non American citizens anywhere in the world. The Oath Keepers mentioned detention camps. Is it possible they are for the illegal immigrants that are in your country and not for the actual citizens? Im sure Constitutional protection doesn't apply to illegals. Wow. You guys have a black president? I wasn't sure. I just thought he was an AMERICAN that loves his country enough to risk his life and that of his family knowing some cracker may vote him out from 500 yards. By the way, you can fix your healthcare and still be capitalist. Elite few profit from your current system but thousands of people a month declare bankruptcy due to medical bills. Not cool.
That is not "for the people" it is "for some people". What your country has accomplished since Confederation is amazing. But realize that not every country wants to move at your pace to install democracy...particularly if it means bloody civil war. Patience is a virtue. When other countries come around let them remember who supported them...not who bullied them. 'Nuff said.

Its remarkable to me that so many on here are horrified that fellow citizens would take an oath to the Constitution of the United States. We ALL should do so! The government derives its powers from the consent of the governed, so why should we give up that power? By blindly following leaders who would distort the Constitution we would do so. These folks are merely following the Constitution..no harm in that.

The left wing nuts are trying to display people defending their country as extremist racists. That can't be further from the truth. People across the country are seeing their country, rights, and liberty taken from them by the power hungry people in D.C. and they want to do something about it. We voted them in to do a job. That job was to defend the constitution. Instead these people tear down the constitution by voting in unconstitutional laws that strip our liberty, rights and freedom all in the name of a crisis.

When your liberty is all gone, you only have one person to blame, yourself for not doing anything about it. WAKE UP AMERICA. Don't you see these people have an agenda to grasp more power and liberty from YOU, the american people. They sneak in like a thief in the night and steal what is most precious from you as you are blinded by their smooth words. Well, their words are laced with poison.

When all your liberty is gone, then... you will wish you would have done something about it. But then, it will be too late. And you will reap the rewards of your laziness.

Jim says,
"And there are no proposals coming from the White House or Democratic leaders in Congress for new gun control laws"

Please read S45 and tell me there is no plan to take away our guns.

If these people are "extremists" then our founders were "extremists" also, and so were all of our ancestors who gave their lives for this frightening thing called freedom. How could freedom and those who defend it be more frightening than terrorists who want to blow you to pieces or saw your head off? Wow, some of you people really only need a light rinse on occasion to keep your butts in line. Talk about conspiracy theories. I could only hope and pray that IF and WHEN the s___ hits the fan, people like the oath keepers are here to defend our right to our Constitution and BOR. These are normal men and women with the training, the will, the knowledge and the conscience to defend us. They aren't out to destroy or kill anything or anyone. They are taking an oath in a climate that leaves our future as a free nation in question.

If you don't think groups like this have cause to come together, you are NOT paying attention. Incrementalism is socialism's best friend. CNN and ABC loyalists should all consider themselves grossly uninformed. There is some really scary, factual news out there for the grabbing. Ignorance is no excuse. Neither is laziness when it comes to finding out what words mean (look up fascism). The truth is staring all of us in the face, some "news" outlets ignore it completely. Bail outs. Nationalization. We're broke. Fraud is running rampant. China owns us. There are no jobs. Only half of us pay taxes (support the nation and the world) and the other half thinks they deserve more. Copenhagen Treaty. Cap & Trade. Some bill they called Healthcare, which is clearly not about healthcare. Getting us used to rationing care early, with more government task forces making recommendations that endanger lives to save costs.

How much does America think the taxpayers can take?

I love the left side of the debate here...you feel that whether we like it or not, Obama is our President and you are correct. I swore and oath to obey the orders of the President, regardless of who fills that office, and I will faithfully uphold that oath.

Unlike you on the left, who from 2000 – 2008 emphatically stated that GWB was not "your" president and you were outspoken about it and out spoken about America. There is no need to deny this because there are countless videos, blogs and emails that are all permanently a part of the world wide web to back up this claim....NOW, 2008 to present, you expect what you did not give for 8 years and you expect it without question.

If you want cooperation, you need to be cooperative. You cannot force your will upon anyone. The British learned that about America a few hundred years ago.

Me...a registered independent...will still uphold my oath, regardless of my personal opinion of anyone who happens to be the President for the next 4 (or more) years.

>> Personally i think everyone who owns a gun should have a psychological test in order to own one. There are some crazy people out there

Good idea. And on that note, I think that everyone who exercises free speech should have a psychological test in order to talk. After all, there are some crazy people out there...

Point being, you think you can pick and choose which articles in the Bill of Rights are sacred and which aren't? If the second amendment falls, then none of the others are safe from what ever mechanism was used.

Robert wrote "I'd support gun ownership if there were only as many guns and gun makers in the US as there were then and not now"

That sir is a ridiculous notion. It's not the number of guns. It's the % of the population with guns and back in early America EVERY house had a gun. Every single one. There is nowhere close to that % today. So yes by comparison today we have less people armed.

"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."
–Thomas Jefferson to John Cartwright, 1824.

I am not part of one of these militia's because "organized" groups of people are subject to agendas and personal whims. That is not to say however that they are not right.

I don't know if any of you realize it, but there is a precedent of the government confiscating guns in this country. During the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, cops and National Guard went door to door in high-and-dry areas of New Orleans and did just that. The people whose guns were essentially stolen by the government were not hoodlums running the streets or looting. These were people sitting in their own homes, minding their own business.

Also, in regards to the possibility of martial law, it was announced last year by Amy Goodman on Democracy Now that the Army intended to deploy around 20000 soldiers within U.S. borders under the new NORTHCOM, starting 2008 Oct 1. Another several thousand have been requested since then. While this fact, in and of itself, does not suggest impending martial law, the concern stems not just from that but from the creeping militarization of our police forces over the past decade or so, as well as the increasing incidence of police brutality over the past few years. Again, there is no definite sign of impending martial law, but these events, in addition to scaremongering over the H1N1, with the President announcing a state of emergency over it a few weeks ago, certainly has me worried.

It’s amazing how complacent and/or ignorant most Americans are when it comes to the Constitution. The language in the Constitution was clearly written to prevent the government from getting to big and powerful and no longer be run by the people but by a select corrupt few. Our government is slowly eroding away the check and balances that are suppose to be in place. If and when the government becomes so corrupt and starts creating its own laws the constitution is clear, The people are to remove that government.
The media is seems to be quick to put an evil label on a militia group but says nothing against truly anti American groups like the ACLU which are tearing away our freedoms everyday. Which is why the media in general, has been loosing the respect of the people.
Sure there are some extremist groups that call themselves a militia and they will have a completely different agenda than standing up for the Constitution. These groups are the ones that gives the title “militia” a bad name.
This is where the Media is supposed to be the watch dog, not the government. Articles like this one are good and needed. It lets the public know what the group is about as well letting a group know that their actions are being watched.
But unfortunately this article is not the norm for what is reported in the main stream media and it seems that true investigative journalism is dying out and has been taken over by lazy, bias or the story was quickly written to beat a dead line then never followed up on.

What next, disband Congress when the health care bill passes? On no, clearly this is outside the framework of the constitution and not what the founding fathers wanted. Are they really forgetting that the President takes an oath to uphold the Constitution too? Is it because he is not conservative and doing everything they do not want? Or, is the real anger about him being African American?

It is about time Americans woke up. I would like to join – how do you sign up. This is very exciting to me. The constitution is what this country is built on not a leader. Leaders come and go – but my children and their children would like to continue to be blessed by the freedoms we do have that are not corrupt but whole. If we did what we already know – there would be no questions.

I am neutral on the role of the Oath Keepers. Until they do something illegal, then watch, but don't criticize. What burns me, is seeing the statement from Homeland Security again. I still cannot believe that they would stoop to the level of attempting to classify anyone that doesn't support the Democratic party as a domestic terrorist. If you are a combat veteran of Iraq or Afghanistan, if you vote for third party candidates, if you vote Republican then you are being scrutinized. Really makes you appreciate the time you spent deployed to come home to Homeland Security scrutinizing you as a possible terrorist.

I don't think it can be called Patriotism when the key element of their reason for being is something as small as having an African American president. If that's all it takes to trigger this group, then I'd say that's going to the extreme. They are recruiting people trained for warfare, people who think they're above the law..
I'm all for patriotism, but this group scares me... They're building an army right here in our heartland against our commander and chief, based on untruths, misinformation, and their own fear and prejudice... Thats not patriotism.
One more question... What is the ratio of whites vs "other" (African American, Asian, Hispanic... you get the idea) in this extremist group??

The President even has to take an Oath to support the Constitution, if his orders as the Commander in Chief opposes the Constitution ; he and his followers have commited treason..

So are the Oath Keepers a militia group? “We don't need to be. We're the military and the police," says Stewart.

That is the scariest thing I have read in a month, or more.

All silliness, US armed forces swear to follow the President because he is Commander in Chief. President swears to uphold the Constitution. Citizens might swear allegiance to the flag. Most politicians swear to uphold the Constitution. There is a reason the US military must be controlled by civilians and good another reason it is illegal to use regular military in domestic situations. I am sure the people in the article are well meaning but they are as irrelevant as the "border patrol milita" whom had their 15 minutes of fame and have not been heard from since.

I know these individuals have the best intentions in mind. However the execution seems weak and needlessly disruptive at best. The premise of there "cause" is steeped in rumor and suspution, most of which is not factual in any respect. My only question: Where were the "Oath Keepers" for the last nine years?

It seems that the spirit of democracy is lost. The only way to make change is to fully participate in the system, not disrupt the safety of others.

Patriotism is like love; too much of it can blind you from the reality and rationality. To me, Patriotic = good and Over-Patriotic = Extremist
One thing for sure, TODAY, I see militia as people with one-sided view with no sense of diplomacy (violence is the answer to everything, with these groups) .

Paranoia is the fuel that keeps the militia in motion, period!

Okay it funny how these groups are popping up because where were they when Bush was in office? When Wall Street was stealing people money? Where were they when we invaded a country for now good reason? Yes, I said that because I was a soldier over there. All I can say is Stupid is as Stupid does, people like this guy pray on the stupid that follow people because they just want to be part of a group. What is so funny is we the people run this country; it is our decision that we put people in D.C to represent us. Therefore, if you do not like the way the country running, first start with Congress and Senate. Because no one is secured in there, if they are not looking out for you best interest then you need to make a change. I know many people do not like President Obama because of his skin color. Give over because next we will have a woman. So stop your crying and complaining!!!! Because if you’re not part of the solution, then you’re part of the problem.

These people are creepy.
They somehow got hold of my email and put me on their mailing list without my permission. Since I'm an Obama supporter and supporter of gun control, I can't imagine why they thought I would be sympathetic to their "cause".

Where were the "Oathkeepers" when George Bush and Dick Cheney were in office and trampling all over the Constitution? These people have selective memory when it comes to recent history. Law and order for them is whatever's convenient and aligns with their distorted view of reality...

The only thing this piece does is place conjecture upon conjecture. Why is supporting the Constitution a bad thing? Have the Oath Keepers DONE anything wrong?

Also note that the Enlisted Oath and the Officer Oath are DIFFERENT. Officer's are only required to defend the Constitution and NOT the President. Way to spin it CNN. And you wonder why you're at the bottom of ratings? You know we in the military call you guys the Cryptologic News Network because not even 10 minutes after you posted a story it was 'sanitized' to meet the political correctness of whichever administration was in office. You might want to wipe that brown off your nose.

Where to begin? First, I am not an "oath keeper" or "tea party member". I am someone who supported President Obama during the election however I do understand where these groups are coming from and think they have very valid points that should be discussed. CNN however isn't covering the story but instead are spinning it.

The spin is done by softly linking oath keepers to militia members and the lunatic fringe. Listen carefully to the language used in the report. Second it is spun by trying to make this a partisan issue event the degree of distancing our president from the past administration while the current administration is adding to and worsening the mistakes made by the Bush admin. While the current administration is getting the heat (they always do) I don't think the issue with this groups is about political party so please don't link it to that. Bush started the bailout and Pres. Obama is continuing it albeit called stimulus.

Next, the reporter and Mark Potok make statements as though they are undisputed facts. Example, "absolutely not evidence of martial law being considered". In fact martial law was threatened during the first TARP debate in order to push the bill through. See the quote from Rep. Brad Sherman – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDcWa8fOlzs. There are several other reasonable cases that make the topic at least arguable as to whether or not our government would enact martial law.

During the live broadcast of this piece the reporter mentioned that there is no evidence that the government is trying to take away rights. Not true, we need only reference the Patriot Act and Home Land Security Act to see the many of the most basic rights have been compromised. At the very least the point is very arguable and the counter point should NOT be stated as definitive fact.

There is so much more wrong with this piece and not enough space to get into here.

What is really missing from this type of report is the real motivator behind these groups. Among their foundational arguments is that the real problem isn't Democrats or Republicans (although certain Republicans are trying to claim ownership of these groups) however instead the roots our countries problem can be found in Central Banking (the Federal Reserve, IMF and World Bank). All the important policy making that truly effects our loss of freedom is coming from there. Everything else is just a mere distraction of smokde and mirrors. Again whether you agree or not, the body of these view points are at least arguable and should be addressed without such blatant PR spin as seen CNN, FOX, ABC, CBS, MSNBC, CNBC and NBC have been doing lately. This why the latest PEW study sites 63% of people feel the media gets it wrong http://people-press.org/report/543/

CNN, please be better than who your are. America need better right now.

Every member of the military and police has an absolute duty to disobey orders that are in direct contravention of the Constitution. These are known as "illegal orders." An order to go door to door to disarm the citizens would be an illegal order. An order to kidnap Americans and put them into detention camps would be an illegal order.

Not without having first sworn out a complaint and presenting evidence that probable cause exists, shall a warrant be issued for the detention of an American Citizen. Then and only then can an American be deprived of Liberty by the State. The rights enumerated in the constitution cannot be usurped by the federal government or any other.

Those that turn their guns into plow shares will plow for those that do not. – Thomas Jefferson

I support the Constitution. I served in the military. I believe in the American dream. If you do not like it here, I invite you to leave for the country of your choice. If not, may I suggest Afghanistan or, maybe Somalia.
I'm not an "Oath Taker", but, when our school system no longer requires children to say The Pledge of Allegiance, there is a very serious problem HERE. That, in and of itself, would make it very easy for me to become an "Oath Taker."

So far this administration has worked to empower illegal aliens and socialists and done nothing to protect the constiution and the rights that it gives the legal individual citizen. All we will hear is excuses and blame and not actual accountability for this administration. Why else would the continually play the blame card and want to cloud the future with the past on these legally shaky boondoggles? Because they can't tout their own successes because there are no successes to date. One year of your precious vote has been wasted and there, again is nothing of note on the horizon that will get done for this country. So far this President has done nothing but vacation all over the world at our expense and gotten some great photos. Thank goodness the Obama administration will be gone after one term because the American people wanted change and that is what they got, in pennies and nickels... change.

Wth the Marxist president we have and his crime orginazation in the White House with him racing to control absolutely everything and everyone in America I applaud the Oath Keepers and suppport them fully. With Obama spouting his crap of a civilian army at his beck and call the people in this country that are not communist need someone of their side when the government takes us kickin and screaming out of our homes and into the "camp". I dont them many Americans see how close we are to total collapse of this economy and the nation as it has it been for over 200 years. I cant imagine what else peoples sitting on their butts on their couches staring into space need to get up and work to save this Republic. The progressives in the government and big business have been working very patiently for this take over since the early 1900's. We have just kept electing them to office because we were to lazy to watch what they were doing. God Bless the Oath Keepers.

Let me ask you whats scarier People who want to help, save, and take care of our country or a Leader who calls Fox news, people who disagree with his National Health Care in town hall meetings, or people that have tea parties un-American, goes to Russia and promises to stop the missile defense shield in Europe without anything in return?

To me its obvious, its the leader. The Saturday Night Live sketch on him was brilliant and the truth. He has not done anything to help improve our country, in fact its worse then it was. He has bankrupt our country with this "Bailout" for the banks when he should have given the money to us the citizens. This guy talks more junk on stuff he can not back up then anyone ever could. Remeber when he was un Europe "campaigning" what the hell was that? To me that was un-American.

This is what happens when you vote an inexperienced senator as President. Even McCain would have been better, he has experience, has military experience and has proven himself as a leader.

Lets pray 2012 comes fast so we can vote his ass out or at least it will be the end of the world.

i'm really really tired of all these right-wing groups. please just calm down, no one is out to get you, i promise.

Michelle,

"If the man suggests that perhaps we put some controls and checkpoints in place for people who want to buy assault rifles (you know, like the one used to kill and injure so many of our brothers and sisters in uniform at Fort Hood), instead of letting every nutbag stroll in off the street and arm himself to the teeth without any restraint, then I don't see a problem with that!"

The shooter at Ft. Hood *did not* use a "assault rifle", even the gun ignorant media got this correct when they reported he used two handguns.

I would strongly urge you to learn something about guns before you make sweeping statements about controlling something you clearly know nothing about.

Enroll in a concealed handgun license class if your state has such a thing, even if you don't ever intend to buy a gun, the class will teach you quite a bit including the truth about guns so you are not blinded by the voluminous propaganda that is bandied about.

The so-called "Oath Keepers" seem to think that taking an oath to defend the Constitution once is not good enough – but that your oath needs to be born again, as it were, through them. What rubbish! These anti-government, anti-civil society private militia lunatics probably think the movie "Red Dawn" was a documentary – or at least they wish it was!. I am already absolutely clear about the meaning of the oath I took to defend tjhe Constitution, but if I ever had any questions about it, I sure as heck wouldn't ask these nutjobs!

Ok first Ill say I respect these folks for going for a cause they believe in but at the same time I see them as nothing more then a glorified lynch mob. Also possible rather illegal. There is a reason we haveour police force and our military. Cause generally when some folks decide to take matters into their own hands you have far more problems then solutions. I generally try to put faith into man kind but not in this instance. Oh and the whole thing about allowing a state to create its own soverignty. W.T.F thats basically saying lets let the union be destroyed if a state dosen't want to obey one law or the other they can just break away. Dosen't that sound a little like an event that caused the deaths of many Americans? Oh and im from South Carolina.. lil irony there for ya huh? Besides sometimes the military does need to take actions against citizens of its own country. It sucks but hey sometimes citizens can be ass holes.... I mean hell I guess next time there is a riot of some sort you would just have them be let alone and do whatever they want. Keep your guns and have some fun yes but don't try and take the law into your own hands. Thats why we have that whole checks and balancesd that many people seem to forget about. Oh and becides the consitution is at times up to some of your own interpretation. Like the bible or modern art or anything like that. Have your meetings and what not but remember. If your gona be in the armed forces or in any branch of protection agency one thing you are going to have to get used to is orders. You may not like the order but thats life. We do things we may not like or agree with. You took an oath when you went into the armed forces and the fact that some are so willing to break that oath shows that you can't be trusted to do your duties and what not.

Extremists, terrorists, revolutionaries. What do you think the British called them during the Revolution. If there are no hidden agendas of gun control and internment camps then their oaths are meaningless. While I dont feel a need to join these groups, I recognize their right to do so themselves. "I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" Remember this. History is written by the victor, The only difference between a terrorist and a patriot is if their side wins in the end.

A lot of postings here keep mentioning things like "changing my country"... "taking away my rights"... "going away from the constitution"... common thread among all these comments is a lack of detail. My life hasn't changed that much. I can still vote, travel betwen states without notifing the government, and even owe a gun. As for the "socialist heathcare" last time I looked the President made some suggetions and the legislative body took it up to make a law. Gee, just like it is supposed to go under the constitution. If you don't like what is going on then write your representatives, if they don't pay attention to your wishes then don't vote for them. It really is very simple. The country will be fine, some just don't like the color right now.

"For a year, Obama has been leading this country away from the Constitution and towards socialism." Can someone explain how? I'm tired of hearing this assertion without any evidence to back it up. How come the people who make this assertion weren't equally horrified when the Bush administration pushed programs designed to spy on American citizens which is the act of a dictator.

Why should the american people try to protect the constitution, congress is out to destroy it and Obama is out to change it. Obama is running this country like a true Kenyan

Where were these militias when Bush was using the Constitution to his and his rich buddies' advantages?

So where were these guys during the Bush administration when the government was really spying on its citizens and passing the Patriot Act which allowed all sorts of infringements on the Constitutional rights of Americans? The only good answer I can come up with is that this really isn't about the Constitution, it is about the man who was duly elected under the Constitution and how much they dislike him.

As far as disobeying unconstitutional orders, that is pretty much already covered in the oath they took to begin with. Orders to something illegal should not be followed, that is not something new. Making up what you think is legal and not legal however, will only get you court-marshaled or fired or arrested.

"The Commander-in-Chief derives his authority only from the Constitution. His authority, therefore, is subordinate to that document. An educated soldier will not obey a 'rogue president'". All three branches of government – Executive, Judicial, Legislative were created under the constitution. Do you advocate that all citizens should be allowed to pick and choose which actions by these branches they want to obey? So, if a law that is passed by the Legislature, signed by the Executive and upheld as constitutional by the Judicial branch you would advocate disobeying this law simeply because you disagree? And you'd be OK if I decide to disobey any laws that I don't like even if you happen to support them? Where does it stop?

"The Commander-in-Chief derives his authority only from the Constitution"
Is this that same Constitution that you are swearing to uphold? In what way are you upholding it if you are defying one of its directives by not obeying the President it has placed in command?

I personally take comfort in the fact that we have a group of men and women in military and law enforcement positions that are willing to commit themselves to a higher authority, and take an active role in preserving freedom should it ever be at risk.

My post is not based on racism, it is based on the prsidents choices not the color of his skin. I was going to vote for him in the begginning because i wanted change too but as i listened to the real news that reported the truth i realized this guy is a bigger fool than Carter is.

donal if you new anything and ill quote "Sedition is not patriotism. Sedition is treachery and treason. In earlier times in America, seditionists and traitors who shouted out their anti-government slogans and anger were hanged" um thats what the minute men and militia were in revolutionary war read your history and for the assult rifle will kill more people no the mind behind the gun is the only danger a firearm on the ground cant hurt anyone the mind who picks up the gun is now villian or the upstanding citizen, also it was hand guns not rifles in Fort Hood. As for the racist thing
1. minorities can be racist
2. the Government has put people in concentration camps before Native Americans, Japanese look up how many Natives Americans and when they got there rights as U.S citizens it was long after other minorities and 10 million were here when settlers first got here in 1600 how many are left?
3.the militia was here and accepted before the U.S was yet an idea aka French and Indian war
4. Militias have been here since before our founding and only getting notice now to distract americans from what the government is doing
5. the Government has lied to us before and so have the President's "I am not a criminal" if they did it once they will do it again

I am a United States Merchant Marine. I have taken three oaths in my life.

First, as a child to become a Cub Scout.
Second, as a young man to become a Merchant Marine.
Third, as a grown man commiting my wedding vows.

I have held all three close to my heart throughout my life with equal and unwavering reverence.

I will defend the Constitution of the United States of America by any and all means necessary.

Jerry Blondell
Armada, MI

“The power under the constitution will always be in the people. It is entrusted for certain defined purposes, and for a certain limited period, to representatives of their own choosing; and, whenever it is executed contrary to their interest, or not agreeable to their wishes, their servants can and undoubtedly will be recalled. “

- George Washington

“Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature. If the next centennial does not find us a great nation....it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.”

- President James Garfield

“If ever a time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin.”

– Samuel Adams

“When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”

- Thomas Jefferson

"The ultimate authority...resides in the people alone."
"It is proper to take alarm at the first experiment upon our liberties. We hold this prudent jealousy to be the first duty of citizens and one of the noblest characteristics of the late Revolution.
The freemen of America did not wait till usurped power had strengthened itself by exercise and entangled the question in precedents.
They saw all the consequences in the principle, and they avoided the consequences by denying the principle. We revere this lesson too much ...to forget it."
- James Madison

"If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you; and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen."

- Samuel Adams

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is the best most natural defense of a free country.

- James Madison

No one in the United States pledges an oath to the President!
Military personnel pledge to obey the orders of, but not an oath directly to the President!
Where did these nut jobs come from? (must be leftovers from the Bush admin)
Maybe they should leave the US if they dislike it so much!!!!

Why didn't they do all these non-sense when Bush was in office. When we needed them the most. So much laws and the U.S. constitution were trampled upon and violated. I'm a republican and a conservative, but when I hear rants like these it gives me a pause because the devil is in the details. Confederates and KKK believed they were defending the constitution back in the day. As long as these non-sense, eventhough well intensioned doesn't lead into extremism. Obama is only in office say 4 or 8 years and he will be gone. So what becomes of this groups when we have a republican in office or better yet a white male in office, I can't wait. Behind every non-sense like this, there is always some godfathers in the background and some money to be made, follow the money and you will understand the devil in the detail.

From the Constitution of the United States in regards to MILITIAS:

Power of Congress: "To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions"

Power of Congress: "To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress"

Power of the Executive: "The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States"

So, you see Russell Mollot, the creation and use of miltias are governed by the Constitution and are subordinate to the Executive and Legislative branches of the Federal Government and State Governments. Miltias have NO RIGHT to stand on their own and have NO RIGHT to decide to disobey laws and decisions made by the Executive and Legislative branches.

In repsonse to Robert. Back when the constitution guns were more available then they are now. There were no govenring laws, had there been then maybe the Revolution would nto have happened. Also, you don't take into account the rapid population increase due to the industrial revolution so therefor there ar eless per a person.

As a 20 year veteran I took the following Oath that I will continue to stand by for as long as I live. I also believe that soldiers who support this organization or any any other like organization should be punished for openly demonstrating against the oath that they swore to uphold. "So help me God." If you want to openly protest against the democratic party than vote them out of office but don't put rebelious acts into the hearts and minds of our soldiers who already have a hard time with deployments and seperation. Our Oath of Enlistment is as follows:
"I, AMERICAN SOLDIER, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

It's not a militia. Oath Keepers aren't asking anybody to pick up arms. Read their tenets, it is a list of things that those who have taken an oath refuse to do because they are unconstitutional. In every type of professional military training and education the oath is study to make sure that everybody understands the oath they are taking. There are specific comparisons made to the oath we take and those taken by other militarys and how many oaths swear allegience to a leader. We do not. Our oath is to protect and defend the constitution, that includes the leaders of our country as long as they are acting within the framework of the constitution. Along with the information on the oath there is specific instruction on the fact that we cannot do anything illegal and that if we do, even if we're following orders we are still liable.

Bottom line the oath is to the constitution and those that take the oath are responsible to follow that oath and not to do anything contrary to it, even under orders.

Why weren't these idiots 'up in arms' when bush was sending the military to do his father's dirty work? The 'rights' they are so worried about were in jeopardy the moment Bush stole the presidency in 2000. The nimrods are about 9 years too late to make any sense.
These are certainly not the rational, clear minded people I want protecting me. It seems like they are just another bunch of bigotted racists hiding under the guise of protecting the constitution.
Someone get my hip boots, it's getting deep in here...

Where were these fools for the last 8 years when the Bush Administration was ignoring, omitting, or trying to amend the Consitiution to its own ends? Why don't they go by their true names: Neo-Conservative Racists.

Since Obama has become President we've taken ownership of Banks, Insurance companies and auto companies. We tried to increase financial regulation, even CEO pay. He is trying to regulate emissions, healthcare and more. Next they will try to raise taxes. I think that we reacted with our frustration with Bush by electing Democrats and now the country is moving in the wrong direction. I will vote against Democrats at every level in the next few elections. It is the only way to wake them up. Hopefully they'll be forced out of office before they bankrupt us.

Obama has brought this on by not proving he is an Amercan citizen. In fact his father is Arab/British/Kenyon and his mother was not old enough to give him citizeship. There will be millions of people taking the oath. I expect a revolution. Obama wants marshal law. There are s many military personel against Obama that there will be plenty of leaders. I have been reading that Obama may have lung cancer and has purple lips which means he may have poor blood ciculation. So maybe he will die with his next fainting spell, After all there is a God and I'm sure he is pretty upset at Obama. It seems god takes his time dishing out justice when he gives people free will. It will happen soon. Another thing the old guard in Congress will not get back in no matter how big their war chest is.

I pledge alegence to the Constution of America, We the People.

Where were these douche bags at 8 years ago when then President Bush was busy sailing this country down the toilet? Probably voting for him...perhaps the worst president in our nation's history. Bunch of hypocrites.

Arent they just republicans?

Just what America needs right now...a bunch of fanatics of our own. "Be the first on your block to have a home-grown terrorist cell next door!"

Nobody negatively impacted America's image abroad more than George W. Bush did during his eight embarrassing years in office. No president in recent history has run up a deficit as large as he had. So, where were the Oath Keepers then? Where were the Oath Keepers when Dick Cheney and his henchmen were lying about Iraq and plunging our country into unnecessary war and bloodshed?

"All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent." Thomas Jefferson

The lunatic fringe from the left and the right spews propaganda into our homes daily. Our country is portrayed as polarized. And to a certain extent...it is.

If there still is a silent group of people of good conscience in this country, I suggest they remain silent. We should let the extremists (because at this point, it seems like rational thought has been forgotten) on the right and left kill each other off and start the republic over again.

Utopian dreamland? Probably.

I am still seeing comments that the only reason anyone could disagree with President Obama is because he is black. Please, get over it! People disagree with President Obama because of his libral views, not his ethnicity. There are plenty of black conservatives out there (my favorite being J.C. Watts) that would not catch any flack from the right. Our president is of an extremely liberal persuasion, very, very few of his critics care about any of his other charateristics. Those very few who do care about his ethinicity are a dying bread with about 6 teeth between them all!

Ok time to lock up these crazy people and throw away the key...these folks have some brain damage, are smoking something or perhaps a little of both.

If these guys "cared" so much about the constitution where were these guys when the patriot act was passed?? Oh that's right they were probably republicans so they had no problem with it..but since there guy isn't in charge anymore it's the end of the world and the country as they know it. I see....

Lock them up for being traitors and throw away the key

These groups are absolutely hypocritical. Where were they when Bush was lying to us and sending soldiers off to a war that had nothing to do with 9/11. Where were these people when Bush had Katrina survivors sitting in the Superdome with the national guard right outside keeping them in? All of a sudden a black president comes in and crazy rumors are abound about how he's going to do this and that. Has anything of that nature really happened? Have detention camps been built? Has someone come to your house and told you that you can no longer carry your guns? Stop believing the lies spread by certain individuals. Individuals that are the same ones that lead us into the Iraq with falsehoods and deception. Wake up people. As a veteran I am disgusted by anyone that would go through with this. You are basically saying that you will do what you want to do. Now if we were taking people and killing them off or sending them to detention camps for no reason, I could see the point but there is not even one sign that this is happening. Another question I have for these people is would they lay down their guns if we were taking muslims and putting them in detention camp. I bet they would be the first in line to put muslims away. Hypocrites!!!

"All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent." Thomas Jefferson

The lunatic fringe from the left and the right spews propaganda into our homes daily. Our country is portrayed as polarized. And to a certain extent...it is.

If there still is a silent group of people of good conscience in this country, I suggest they remain silent. We should let the extremists (because at this point, it seems like rational thought has been forgotten) on the right and left kill each other off so that the people of good conscience can start the republic over again.

Utopian dreamland? Probably.

michelle – i agree. you said it beautifully. also, thank you so much for serving and protecting americans.

these groups of people are terrorists. they commit terrorist acts against fellow americans. need you be reminded of oklahoma city??? or the KKK? terrorism isn't only in the middle east. it is here in our own country. they spread hate and violence, just like any other terrorist group.

I think people will start to become a little confused when they find out most of our law enforcement, military, and our civil servants who actively protect and save lives every day are 'right wing extremists.'

But don't take my word for it, look at political polling results done among those groups.

Despite what the leader of the group says, this sounds like it is about not wanting to follow a President that they don't believe in. Which, as bad as it sounds, remains their right. You don't have to like the President or think he's a good leader. He's still the President.

However, the American people will give up their children before they allow the government to take away their guns or their cars. So if that's the real issue rallying the group together, they might as well disband now.

These people are not fools, Dan, you are. The Obama Administration is clearly in favor of gun control. Get your facts straight.

hey james...Mr. "Lets pray 2012 comes fast so we can vote his ass out or at least it will be the end of the world."

You, sir, are a total and utter imbecile. You probably think the world was created in the span of a week and Jesus had a pet dinosaur.

"He has bankrupt our country with this "Bailout" for the banks when he should have given the money to us the citizens."

Really? Because, I'm pretty sure the bailouts were created under BUSH.

"Even McCain would have been better, he has experience, has military experience and has proven himself as a leader."

Again, really??? He's an old coot that can't think his way out of a wet paper bag and nearly had Outdoors Barbie seated at his right hand. He is a tempermental nitwit that chose Miss. I Like Shiny Things as his successor. He wouldn't have made it a year without keeling over and putting an even bigger moron in charge.

I am a Dem and proud of those dems that walk the center line with me. I think the GOP made it's biggest mistake discounting Ron Paul.
Big mistake...HUGE....I would have had reason to vote Rep last year.

Mart, what are you talking about? Guns were more available at the writing of the Constitution THAN they are now? What's your source for that???? What do you mean there were no governing laws, and had there been, then maybe the Revolution wouldn't have happened? The Founding Fathers were BRITISH citizens, subject to the laws of the British Crown, before the Declaration of Independence. Where on earth did you learn history? In a GOVERNMENT school? No wonder you're so blind and so in love with the chains you wear.

Jerry Blondell, you are my hero.

The Oath Keepers are patriots. We need a country filled with them.

These people are borderline subversive. It is for the United States Supreme Court to determine what the constitution is and what it means, not any old rightist nutter with an assault rifle.

You don't like what government is doing? Fine. Vote to change it. You can't just go all Lord of the Flies when you don't get your way. The civic immaturity of these clowns is astonishing.

I noticed the only amendment that they mention is the 2nd. These aren't patriots or keepers of the Constitution. They are using fear rhetoric to get people excited about gun ownship. The false and misleading statements and material from this wacko group are far more dangerous to our safety then the current President. No one has said anything about detention camps, no, that's not true, the far right wants camps for Muslims and hispanics. What's it like to be a false propagandist?

There's no indication of whether any of them have ever actually READ the Constitution.

Silly season started last February. Now it has morphed into silly and dangerous. Where were these clowns when Dubya, Cheney and Rumsfeld were shredding the Constitution for eight years? They thought the Constitution was quaint and didn't fit in todays' world. Same with the Geneva Convention. What happened?

Call it what you want. It is all smoke and mirrors.

I agree with the oath keepers (not 100%) I defend the United States and the people, if it come's to it where you need to if need be, force the current president out Im in. Thats just me. But alot of Marine are wearing that around here.

Are these Oath Keepers ALL White, Men?
I didn't see any on the CNN videos.

Gloria Steinberg:
You say Obama is leading this country to socialism. Could you please define socialism, because the Fire Department is a good example of socialism... should we be 100% capitalist, and have to pay the fire department to save our homes?

I'm 99% sure you are just repeating propoganda and you have no clue what you are talking about.

If service personnel are negating the oath they took when they enlisted, they should be court martialed and then dishonorably discharged. If law enforcement personnel are negating their oath of duty, they should be fired. These people are putting their own interpretation of "the law" and "the Constitution" ahead of all else, and that doesn't just make them treasonous. It makes them dangerous to the security of the United States, dangerous to all of us.

If they are unhappy with this country, leave. I compare this group with religious zealots. Both are insane and will say anything to justify their cause. I would like to see them all sterilized so their agenda's die with them.

After listening to mr. Rhodes remarks on his kind of justice only reminds us of idiots that have nothing to do but to try sewing bad seeds among the weak minded.May God have mercy on him.

reading some of the comments here I just have to say WOW! Some of you that spout of things like Obama took the pledge out of schools. NEWSFLASH- that happened way before Obama was even running for office.

jesus christ ! Barak Obama is NOT going to take away your guns you morons. He has not done 1 thing to indicate that. The supreme court justice he recently instated voted in favor of protecting gun rights.

George Washington: “The power under the constitution will always be in the people. It is entrusted for certain defined purposes, and for a certain limited period, to representatives of their own choosing; and, whenever it is executed contrary to their interest, or not agreeable to their wishes, their servants can and undoubtedly will be recalled. “

Recalled by means of vote...not by taking up arms against them.

just remeber one thing. when the time comes you will have to pic a side.bottom line thats whats going to suck

oh yeah... tax funded public education is Socialism... I guess we need to prevent socialism and close public schools.

Its hilarious how these deep seeded race haters continue to come up with things that sound like they are doing good for the country but deep down the hidden agenda is racism.If you really wanted to take an oath to stand for the so called Constitution what is the purpose of adding the comment that you don't won't to do the same for the president, that could have been left out. And the statement about "whoever happens to be the leader" is just a cover up to save face because had the so called 'Oath Keepers" (LOL who can take them serious?) said what they really wanted to say which is "they don't want to obey a president of another race" they would be in hot water, thus the cover up with broad words. When Bush was in office tearing up the ECONOMY & country for 8 years, (our country did not get in this shape over night) which our current president has to try to fix in 4 years, you weren't hooping & hollering then.But now that those they hate for no reason are in office they can use him as the reason for everything going wrong. Please, wake up! Find something worth doing people!

I surely wouldn't say I'm ready to join any group but this group reflects some major sentiment going on today. Our country is falling apart and the goverment we rely on to fix it is actually tearing it apart and its not Obama its the whole system no matter who is in charge of it. No candidate has run with the constitution in mind. Think about how bad things are getting.......we have 1. Drug enforcement agency 2. gang task force 3. now we have a people trafficking task force............ 4. letting prisoners out for overcrowding 5. reducing sentences to keep the prison populaton down 6. Prison that lawbreakers can enjoy, cable, health care, recreation, pool table....no deterent

Good to see a group who will be willing to do something about it all, history on every continent has called for change throughout history. Hopefully our goverment can turn a corner and start to make decisions for the people again or I'm afraid this country could have some form of domestic warfare.........as of now evil is dominating over good and our goverment is allowing it to happen

As a Vietnam Veteran and gun owner I support law and order and the Constitutions Bill of Individual Rights! I don't hate anyone based upon any Physical, Ethnic, Religious, or Political beliefs! I recognize that those with opposing points of view regardless of opinions contray to my own have the same Rights Guarenteed under the Law from the very same document, the Constitution and its Bill of Individual Rights to disagree. This is what I will defend! What I fear are those that exploit the extremes of each others argument making it necessary to being grouped or choosing sides when neither really fits.

Come on people.
Who do you think own's the news, not us people and you would rather believe them and their opinions than find out the actual truth. Do your research. Find out what the group is about instead of hearing the opinion of the news.
Sounds like a bunch of sheep in here to me.

At least this group is trying to do the right thing by following the Constitution which is more than I can say for our government.
If everyone would do their part and start watching and speaking up to their polititions we wouldn't be in the situation we are in. Pay attention to who you are voting for not go with the flow or their promises!!

This is disturbing. Interfering with military units is basically treason, especially when there have been no such actions by the government that justify said treason. By taking this oath, you are essentially going back on the Oath of Enlistment that you take going into the military.

Right wingers are worried about a communist plot to take over our country. Yet, these wingnuts are the ones going around forming militia groups, aka "cells" (where have we heard that before?), and telling soldiers to disobey the government just like the communists they're worried about did in Revolutionary Russia. Oh yeah, this is the same way that Hitler and other reactionary despots started their rise to power.

I only see one consipiracy, the one being formed by the right while they tell us all to look left.

Where were the Oath Keepers when G Bush was running the country from the Dick Cheney bunker? My God the Republicans lost the election just wait 3 years and run someone that will let the gun lobby run the country the way it has for 50 years. This is still a free country, or they would not be able to spout such treason. I served in the military for 20 years and took orders from the people above me; I took an Oath and did what I was told. The Oath Keepers should be looking at the way a bill is passed and the checks and balances that must be used to make it happen. If they are so up on the constitution they need to be ashamed of the lack of support for the laws they gave an oath to protect. By the way as a Black American can I join the group or is the Preamble not part of the constitution? Stop worrying about the Second Amendment and read the rest of the document but I guess that’s too much work. We have a country where you can say anything you want as long as it does no harm, and we have laws, poor as some maybe, but yet we have them for all to be protected. Even the ones that want to run their own little country based on hate and a lack of know age on how laws are made and government is ran? By the way what laws were broken when G Bush was in power? And how much money changed hands to make that happen? Were the Oath Keepers before January 1 2009?

I begin my comments with this truth…GOVERNMENT CAN ONLY EXPAND OR GROW BY CONSUMING OR TAKING AWAY AN EQUAL AMOUNT OF LIBERTY.

I support the Oathkeepers, but before you label me as a radical, hear what I have to say.

President Bush did a great deal of harm with a questionable war in Iraq, and no bid contracts to select companies who are profiting greatly on the war. His stimulus package did little to help the economy, but his political friends profited greatly at taxpayer expense.

The Patriot Act was an assault on liberty, and there are GUN CONTROL provisions with the creation of martial law…a tool of the president for any reason he chooses. Then there is the Brady Bill. Registration of my fire arms infringes on my second amendment right to own and bear arms. How much more infringement is there than the government having a complete list of all fire arms in the US and the address where those firearms can be confiscated.

President Obama has taken the Bush abuses to new heights, and he is attempting to do more.

Where did the money from his first stimulus go? It obviously is not doing the economy any good. How about his bail out of (nationalizing) banks, insurance companies, and auto manufacturers...

The health care bill, that just passed the house, is more of a power grab bill than health care. It gives the government unprecedented power. Just a couple that affect the individual directly. The bill gives the government complete and unfettered access and control of all your medical records. It also gives the government total access to all your financial records.

Even more horrifying is the government’s ability to automatically withdraw funds from your account if your insurance is deemed ‘INADEQUATE’ by a governmental agency. Can you imagine the bounced checks and the profits to the banks from ‘Insufficient Funds’ fees?

I have an enormous fear of both the Republicans and the Democrats. It is blindingly obvious that neither party is listening to the people.

History shows that all totalitarian governments start with slow but accelerated power and a corresponding loss of liberty for the people.

How different would the world be if Hitler’s Germany had had a constitution like ours and a high percentage of the military sworn members of an organization like the Oathkeepers?

Yes, I fully support the Oathkeepers and hope and pray their numbers grow exponentially.

Also, if you did'nt have the nerves to question Bush & why he was not doing all he could do to help the country when he was in office, what has changed so much that you NOW have the nerves to start questioning the new president? We all know what it is, the color of the new president's skin has brought to the surface the deep race hatred that has been sitting quietly for so long. Never in their wildest dreams did they ever think a black man would be president & now that he is, they want everything to be fixed in 4 years that took decades for us to get into.Thank You Obama for standing up for the people & putting a stop to making the rich man richer & lining the pockets of the republic & we do understand that you are trying your best & we also see the hatemongers & republic trying to fight everything you try to accomplish.Truth & Justice will always prevail!

It is funny that you call these "Oath Keepers" fools and idiots and ignorant and whatever else. These are the same people you do or have once relied upon to protect you, your loved ones, your rights and your safety. This group is made up of former military in many different positions, former sherriffs and police officers, state troopers and any one who has taken an oath to do what? TO PROTECT ALL OF YOU THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND YOUR RIGHTS!

Why did you trust them before when they took oaths, that at one point in this country's history were labeled extreme, but you abandon them now when they are simply promising your protection once more? Why are they all of a sudden the WEAKLINK in this country now , when before they were labeled our strong brave protectors?

Some of you are accusing this group of suddenly forming when we received an AFRICAN-AMERICAN president! First of all lets leave it at AMERICAN Isnt that what he would want in the first place? The president wants to end the race war! so you as president EXTREMIST supporters should not even bring up or label people in race catagories, correct? Second were we informed of exactly when the group was even first thought of? It takes a long time to organize and iron out speeches and get a big group of people together. Is it possible it did start with a little chunk of people when bush was in office or even clinton? Yes it is. Third stop and consider what would have happened if the PATRIOTIC EXTREMISTS in or country's past would not have stood up for the future of the USA. I do believe some of you would be having a SPOT OF TEA right about now or getting ready to pay your taxes to the french and wait for your bread hand out, or bow down to any other country that wanted to rule these lands!

Labeling these people as Extremists is basically you FORCING your opinion on us regular joes! Back off and be a little happy that these people are going to stick up for you EVEN WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW YOU NEED THEM TO!

It's a disturbing paradox that they take an oath to the Constitution, but not to the President. They are selecting a key Article of the Constitution to disregard. The role of the President is defined in Article 2 of the Constitution including being comander in chief of the armed forces. Should they also disregard selected Amendments? That 15th Amendment is soooo 1870.

What these people is on the same level of being KKK, but under a different name. They are so afraid that the now president might do something right that all the previous presidents could not do. Remember all the previous president was white and look at the mess we are in now. We live in a country when individual can run for the highest office in the nation, president and vice president and spread rumors to get people to hate the people of color and then pretend that they did not do it.

They want to use their reason for being has nothing to do with Obama's skin color is a bunch of bull. If there words affect some person who have a problem in their own life, to take the president life, then they would rejoice over it.

They are teaching their children to hate as well. How can we as american condemn what happen at Fort Hood when we have this going on outside the army base. They are just as bad or worse than all the terriost here and abroad.

This kind of thinking has been going on forever and a day and as long as we give them the time of day, it will continue to be that way. If they were really afraid then they should come up with better ways to help this country and stop people from killing each other. If we don't change our ways, we will become a nation of people who destroyed each other.

There fear is if this president who is black can some how get this country back on track, that there will be more people of color in the white house. Instead of going forward, this country is beginning to go backward where a lot of people want to put people back into slavery, the only that is stopping them they do not know how to go back to that time period again.

People of color and no matter where they are from will not let that happen again. Since the white population is now becoming the minority and people of color are becoming the majority, they need to remember this is to there on doing not the people of color.

Other countries are sitting back and have a good laugh at us for acting so stupid and are waiting for the right time to step in a make these things that this group come true, the only difference will be, that will be a war they can not win. Instead of working against each other we need to work with each other before it is too late

Stunning ignorance! Can I apply for a job as an ignorant CNN personality?
No gun control? No FEMA camps?

AMAZING!
Get a legislative lacky to look up pending legislation and stealth gun control measures buried in the bills that keep rolling out of the sausage factory.

Oh and I guess $500 million paid to Haliburton/KBR to build and outfit detention camps on American soil is also a hoax?

Stunning ignorance!

Or is it complicity?

I begin my comments with this truth…GOVERNMENT CAN ONLY EXPAND OR GROW BY CONSUMING OR TAKING AWAY AN EQUAL AMOUNT OF LIBERTY.

I support the Oathkeepers, but before you label me as a radical, wacko, or any other derogatory name hear what I have to say.

President Bush did a great deal of harm with a questionable war in Iraq, and no bid contracts to select companies who are profiting greatly on the war. His stimulus package did little to help the economy, but his political friends profited greatly at taxpayer expense.

The Patriot Act was an assault on liberty, and there are GUN CONTROL provisions with the creation of martial law…a tool of the president for any reason he chooses. Then there is the Brady Bill. Registration of my fire arms infringes on my second amendment right to own and bear arms. How much more infringement is there than the government having a complete list of all fire arms in the US and the address where those firearms can be confiscated.

President Obama has taken the Bush abuses to new heights, and he is attempting to do more.

Where did the money from his first stimulus go? It obviously is not doing the economy any good. How about his bail out of (nationalizing) banks, insurance companies, and auto manufacturers...

The health care bill, that just passed the house, is more of a power grab bill than health care. It gives the government unprecedented power. Just a couple that affect the individual directly. The bill gives the government complete and unfettered access and control of all your medical records. It also gives the government total access to all your financial records.

Even more horrifying is the government’s ability to automatically withdraw funds from your account if your insurance is deemed ‘INADEQUATE’ by a governmental agency. Can you imagine the bounced checks and the profits to the banks from ‘Insufficient Funds’ fees?

I have an enormous fear of both the Republicans and the Democrats. It is blindingly obvious that neither party is listening to the people.

History shows that all totalitarian governments start with slow but accelerated power grabs and a corresponding loss of liberty for the people.

How different would the world be if Hitler’s Germany had had a constitution like ours and a high percentage of the military sworn members of an organization like the Oathkeepers?

Yes, I fully support the Oathkeepers and hope and pray their numbers grow exponentially.

Groups like this are excellent; they keep the liberal anti-American agenda in check. Far too many Americans drag through their daily lives not giving a second look at what Obama's doing now that he's in office; the damage he and his administration are doing will take decades to repair....and that's decades our children have to pay for. Liberals are lemmings that are easily fooled and lead to slaughter because of some sort of mental deficiency, they cannot grasp reality. So, conservative, TRUE Americans have to keep an eye on this administration until they're out of office. IT's truly shame because that's 4 yrs of Nannyism that we have to tolerate before we can start down the road to prosperity again. Don't forget; – it was Obama, Raines, Dodd and Freddie mac and Fannie Mae that crippled our economic structure. It's totally Obama's fault that this nation is suffering.

WFG – WRONG in a big way; states are seperated through a series of powers. The constitution was written to protect the militias from power-hungry anti-Americans such as Obama....

Karen,

You should do some research before you decide to blather on. The President is elected and as such functions as part of the constitution, until he/she (general terms) violates the constitution he/she is protected under the same oath.

As for your comments about the current health care bill – Well, the 10th amendment specifically says that if it wasn't delegated to the Fed Gov then it remains with the states or the people. Nowhere in the constitution does it provide for healthcare, not even in the preamble you quoted. While the preamble is part of the constition it is not part of the legal framework of the constitution, it only gives an insight to the intent of the framers when the wrote the constitution.

See Jacobson v. Massachusetts, 197 U.S. 11, 22 (1905) ("Although th[e] preamble indicates the general purposes for which the people ordained and established the Constitution, it has never been regarded as the source of any substantive power conferred on the government of the United States, or on any of its departments."); see also United States v. Boyer, 85 F. 425, 430–31 (W.D. Mo. 1898) ("The preamble never can be resorted to, to enlarge the powers confided to the general government, or any of its departments. It cannot confer any power per se. It can never amount, by implication, to an enlargement of any power expressly given. It can never be the legitimate source of any implied power, when otherwise withdrawn from the constitution. Its true office is to expound the nature and extent and application of the powers actually conferred by the constitution, and not substantively to create them." (quoting 1 JOSEPH STORY, COMMENTARIES ON THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES § 462 (1833)) (internal quotation marks omitted)).

Put your tinfoil hats on everyone!
The government is coming to lock you and me up and take our rights!

PUUHHHLEASE!

To those that judge members of Oath Keepers solely on this report, you need to go further than what this report says. We are not a hate group or a militia. Some of us own guns some of us don't but have access to them if the situation changes. Its not that we believe that their is a movement to take our guns away and put us in FEMA Camps but with some of the info that is available we have concerns that such an event could occur in a short time period. This report talks about What if? Well, What if what some are concerned about is real? What would you do then? If you haven't noticed the loss of Liberty that has occurred here in the US over the last 40 years then your head is not where it should be. I would suggest to those that only rely on the media for their news to do some research for yourself. When you see a news report and they don't ask a question that you would have, do the research yourself and see what differing opinions there are out there. This is a media hit piece on those that have offered up their lives to save your way of life and liberty. Please don't allow the media to mal-align your opion of us. We are your Husbands, Fathers, Son's and daughters and we deserve at least the respect of giving our voices a chance to be heard. None of us are violent but if needed to be we have shown in the past with our service to our great nation that we will defend you and yours the rights that our Constitution declares. I would appreciate it if CNN would retract their statements because they are false and misleading and provide the other side of the story without the ridiculous opinion of the person doing the story. Their job is to report news not opinion.

These folks are indeed extremists, as well as immature adults that will scream loudly when something does not go their way. They are like 12-year old bullies that beat-up smaller kids, but cry when they don't win. They do not act or speak like patriotic people. But rather, like far-right Jihadist extremists attempting to convince weaker people to join. Gee, does that sound familiar to the Taliban? Real gun advocates, like my family of hunters, are embarrassed by such immature lunacy. Extremists...unpatriotic....bad for America.

I think this segment purposely was trying to mislead the audience. From what I understand, the oaths military swear to uphold the Constitution other the years has been changing to support and obey the president. Think about this for a moment. That is a big change. Dictators want their military to swear to them and not to the people, or a Constitution.

People are very careless thinking, oh, I will always have my rights, I'm
an American. Wake Up, they are legislating your rights down the toilet. It has been going on for some time. Please, start looking around and asking questions. I have been reading and learning about the bills they are passing. The left and right are both owned by high end bankers. When they run for office see who their major contributors are. Obama AND McCain biggest supporters were BANKS. Do you see why our country is going to collapse. Read and get information from more sources than one.

I don't know about you but I was just as unhappy with Bush as Obama, in fact they seem to be on the same course. If Obama would cancel all of Bushes Executives Orders it sure would make me less nervous. Go, read Bushes executive orders.

Our military is committing suicide at alarming rates, could it be that they are frustrated by what is going on and feel powerless. I watch a video and a young vet said "If you want to support the Vets LISTEN to them". Our biggest export is the Military Industrial Complex. We are invading countries.

This is not about any particular president it's about YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. Ignore the Constitution you can kiss you freedoms away.

By definition and historical fact, REAL militias have been governed and led by the state and federal government. That was also part of the Revolutionary War program. Pretending that paramilitary militias that are not governed by the state is a fraud led by irrational extremists. It is a step closer to Taliban jihadist dictatorship desires. it is utterly embarrassing for America. If you want to
be in a militia and do what is right, AND what was indicated by the Constitution...join the Reserves. Then we could have some respect, rather than disdain & pity for you. Right now, they are not patriots....just immature extremists.

Please keep in mind that our 'founding fathers' were slave owning drug dealers (tobacco).

So let's take that into perspective when you want to quote anything they said.

Oathkeepers has no people of color supporting it. It is a white supremacist group of lunatics who think they can defy the law and act as an armed militia.

The next Timmy McVeigh will come from a group such as this one.

The federal government gave up on operating within the constraints of the Constitution decades ago. The Oathkeepers may be "extremists," which apprently only applies to white men, but having a group dedicated to defending the Constitution when the governemnt has done just about everything within it's power to subvert the Constitution and to expand its action beyond its Constitutional authority seems to me to be a neccessity. if the Government limited itself to the authority it is granted by the Constitution and did not trample all over the rights of the individual and the States then there would be no reason for the group.

Trust yourself before you trust the Government or any agent of the Government.

Have an Evil day

" I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the PRESIDENT of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God." This is the oath taken by all military enlisting in the armed forces. I would question this guys service, at least service in this country.........

For all those who are asking where these people were during Bush's presidency haven't taken the time to look at the original Oathkeepers Video.

Nothing in there has anything to do with Obama, but is focused alot on the FEMA response in New Orleans after Katrina, where people were disarmed in neighborhood that didn't get compromised. They kept people within the City. Even groups such as the Red Cross and the Salvation Army were prohibited entry to the city to assist in evacuation and feeding. People were fired upon by police officers when trying to walk from New Orleans over to Gretna. FEMA turned away all sorts of aid coming from the public and corporations.

Stop turning everything into racially charged nonsense. This group is formed to disobey illegal orders if they are ever issued and uphold the constitution. The mission is to keep the Military and Police officers aware of the rights of the people so they aren't caught off guard as they were during the Katrina aftermath.

There are limits on what the Federal Government is allowed to regulate stipulated in the Bill of Rights, those rights are there for a reason because there will come a time when the congress and the president (doesn't have to be now or in 10 years) will try to take away these rights (whats left of them). When these orders are issued our military and police is bound to the constitution not to the orders of the Excecutive/Legislative/Judicial branches of government to protect the Constitution. That is the document that gave "We The People" our protection from those who govern us, there is no clause in the constitution that authorizes the Government to violate these rights at any time.

These people aren't patriots, they're nationalists; living in Europe for over 15 years has taught me the difference. Nationalists (you know them as Nazis and Facists, but there are others, such as Peronists, the PKK, the Lega Nord, and yes, even the USSR era communists and French Gallists) pretty much said the same things. Some are more into guns than others, with largely predictable results.

While I was in the Reserves, more than once, I was "recruited" for these militias..(the "International Guard" was the one I heard most often, but I sure never took up an offer) and that was over 25 years ago. So lets face up, this is nothing new. But it still smacks of sedition.

These people sure love to quote American history; it's a shame they don't read a little further back. World history is littered with the results of militants, both in and out of government, who when they felt morally (or mentally) superior to the governed, stepped in to "save" the country. And all too often, lots of blood flows soon afterwards.

Certain religious groups have been stoking government, law enforcement and militrary members for better than 15 years, has anyone taken a careful look to see how many of these "New Minutemen" are also part of the "Left Behind" generation?

Nationalism and Fundamentalism – It seems American "Spiritual Warfare" could be about to move up to the next level. Maybe we can finally give Al Quada a run for their money!

Dangerous !
.

President Obama gave Zar Kenneth Feinberg complete discretion over the $700 billion bailout. A man appointed not elected. Unfortunately,
Americans pay their salary + security protection. Burris from Illinois appointed as Senator. Did you think you would ever see that in America?
WWII, The treatment of the Japanese Americans thrown into camps, property confiscated. Did you think you would ever see that in America? Katrina, the public was never told of the quarantine of certain segments of the population. J.Edgar Hoover, Director of the FBI, hiding in his dress. Did you think you would ever see that in America?
Republicans or Democrats…. I have lived long enough to witness corruption and deception by these powerful ‘gatekeeper’s’, through the years. President Obama said today….I understand the problem…..Well, if everyone understands so well, why is it still a problem?
I don’t like the investigation at Fort Hood put on hold. I don’t like the President not stopping the flow of Illegals immigrants entering the U.S. and reproducing babies galore as Americans that they cannot support. I don’t like the fact that 1 out of 6 Americans goes hungry every night. I don’t like illegal drugs decaying our society.
I am not ashamed to say, I love my country, I believe in our constitution and I stand when my flag is passed before me, and I know the pledge, and I fly the flag that says, “ Don’t Tread On Me”, below my American Flag.
Lets not all follow the Pied Piper…..we are not sheep, it is a long way down over that cliff and there will be no coming back.
No I don’t get all warm and fuzzy and become an outrich , believing that I am ‘in good hands’.

You geniuses think they are not trying to take away our firearms...you obviously do not follow the latest legislation...try the Blair-Holt Firearms Act....and that just scrapes the surface of the plans coming down the pipe...Wake Up America....little pieces of socialism eventually turn into communism.....

Where were these "oathkeepers" when a rogue president disobeyed the Constitution, suspended habeas corpus, curbed civil liberties, intruded on the privacy of American citizens, opened a concentration camp, considered declaring martial law and started a unilateral war against a country that didn't attack America - during the Bush administration? Why were they silent about these very obvious and documented violations of the American democratic system then?

why do thay have to be racist can one explain this line i have read in the comment's ?

i dont see anything good coming out of the white house so i guess i am ah racist also ??

how about the president who is a do nothing pres DO SOMETHING for once outside of trying to make america Amerika. the new ussr.

WFG says: "Miltias have NO RIGHT to stand on their own and have NO RIGHT to decide to disobey laws and decisions made by the Executive and Legislative branches."

um. again, Oath Keepers swear to uphold your rights as citizens, even if instructed to do otherwise .

By your reasoning, you're saying that what happened at Kent State, Montgomery Alabama Civil Right Protest, and the Japanese interment SHOULD have happened – all because we don't have the right to and shouldn't disobey orders – even though civil rights of American citizens were being violated? You may want to study German history for some case studies about those who wouldn't disobey orders.

For those who keep reverting this argument back to Bush and Obama, who is to blame...? Wow! Anyone in this country who actually believes that these 2 men are the men making the decisions for our country and are responsible for the erosion of our personal and civil liberties needs to quit sucking on the teet of the corporate news machine. Just because you dont experience this erosion on a daily basis or at all in your personal life doesn't mean it is not there. For proof of this take a look at the internal check points set up within 200 miles of our international borders which are essentially constitution free zones now where Homeland Security no longer needs probable cause to search you and your vehicle.

Our policies are now dictated through the Corporatocracy and international banking institutions who's loyalties do not lie within any border or flag but who's entire driving force is control. Bush was a terrible president in the sense that these policies were enabled under him as well as those who came before him, and Obama is even worse because he is continuing these policies and expanding them. Obama is where he is for a reason, not because he is giving our country the change it wants, because he is a celebrity and our society is infatuated with celebrity. With the dire situation our country is in, I'm sorry, but I do not believe our president should be spending time making multiple appearances on late night television and plugging George Lopez in a commercial. If our country cared more about what is actually being passed into law as opposed to who was voted off American Idol, we may have a shot to reclaim our independence. Sadly, with the vast majority of our populace incapable of critical thinking and forming their own ideas of what is actually happening around them, i doubt this will happen.

When our Liberties are gone, let it not be said that we did nothing.

History repeats itself, all these Tea Bagger & militia types would've been the same people against freeing the slaves and giving minorities and woman the right to vote. They can spin it all they want but it's the absolute truth.

Why aren't people more interested in keeping terriorists out of our military? Out of our country?
We the people are afraid of our government right now. We are afraid of losing our constitutional rights, our freedoms. The government should be the ones to fear us. We elect them, we can send them the pink slips they deserve when election rolls around. The government needs to remember for the people, of the people and by the people.
Our elected officials need to be reminded who pays their salaries. We need term limits. Elect no incumbent!

I remember an interview with Ronald Reagan in the 1980s and he commented that he sincerely believed that the "end times" were here and would see their fruition in his lifetime. Next. Look, people are entitled to their own BELIEFS, but they're not entitled to their own FACTS. This sort of wing-nuttish hysteria crops up everytime there's a Democrat in the White House (and the grandparents of our current crop of Palinistas were saying that FDR – the godless commie, etc etc ad infinitum ad nauseum – didn't even have a BIBLE in the White House). Again, if people get comfort demonizing the opposition, so be it. Thank goodness for the 2nd Amendment. I think many reasonable people can agree that there needs to be at least SOME gun ownership to ensure freedom and the rise of a tyrant. But bazookas? AK-47s? Puh-leez. The gun fringe has its points, but that's no excuse for paranoia, and some of these grown ups need to GROW UP. This isn't Hitler Germany people – and if the president gave an "illegal" order there is a constitutional instrumentality in place already to de-horse him, so to speak. These Oath Takers are vigilantes if they ever acted upon their dysturbed phantasies. God bless America.

These are men (Usually always men) who have way to much time on their hands. It is these groups that make us need gun control.

In response to – Left Behind ;

I plan on standing by my Lord Jesus on the day of his coming armed with my SKS and perhaps AK-47, ready for battle ; if that day comes during my life time.., but still got the events that could happen in 2012, either way I'll be prepared and ready..

Only a wise man prepares and is ready for what ever may happen, while fools parish because of their ignorance..

Are tailors working on those Brown Shirts yet? These guys are a bunch of wannabe somebodies is all, I doubt most understand what the constitution really says or have never read it, the internet is full of the crazies, give me a break . why give a bunch of right wing jerks the media time?

Yes, they are pretty nutty, and they hate Obama. OK.

But let's at least admit that the U.S. government HAS put U.S. citizens in detention camps–namely, the Japanese-Americans (ALL of them), during World War Two. Only 60 or so years ago. It is not as far-fetched a possibility as one might imagine. Only a short step from extraordinary rendition (outsourced torture) and Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib, to domestic camps. Why are we so horrified with the prospect of domestic detention camps, and not by Guantanamo? Because we think that Americans the only real human beings in the world.

One really funny thing about these militias is that they actually think that, at that critical moment when the government finally becomes sufficiently tyrannical (hate to break it to them: that was a long time ago), their little militias will be able to effectively fight back against the entire U.S. government. Their romantic illusions of freedom are quite touching, but the fact is that the government really IS all-powerful and insurmountable. The fact that it's a tyranny of the majority makes it no less tyrannical.

Meanwhile, whom do the militias have on their side? A bunch of late-middle-aged, potbellied, off-duty deputy sheriffs whose main hobby is overdosing on cheap beer and donuts while watching pro sports on their plasma TVs. I don't think the US military is frightened of these "militias."

I was at the Oathkeepers event on Lexington Green and have met both Stewart Rhoades and Richard Mack. They are just two guys concerned about the erosion of the Constitution and about the government taking undue power. There was no anti-Obama retoric and the group came across as thoughful and reserved. It was all very positive and progressive and there was no hate speach or wild paranoia. Get your facts straight about this group. If you were't there don't make things up.

I am very saddened that the American people are willingly giving their rights away. Read the Constitution of the United State. Read what rights the President, the Senate and the House of Represenitives have. They are in violation of the Constition. The Constitution does not lie.

I wish this group. I hope will never need your services. I n would join myself but I am a woman and disabled

Earth to corporate owned media.

Ratings and ad revenue are crashing, the blogosphere is winning and it has exactly zero to do with cost & convenience.

The people see and reject state propaganda like never before.

In response to WFG, have a look at Article IV Section 4 wherein the Federal Government's role in "domestic violence" is addressed,

"Section 4.... and on application of the legislature, or of the executive (when the legislature cannot be convened) against domestic violence. " The legislature & executive enumerated being the state legislatures & governors.

I would love to see my congressman take the Oath Keeper pledge under penalty of treason. A new rep would be along in short order.

If we really needed the "Oathkeepers" they would have been rounded up for treason and executed or imprisoned well before now. That has not happened, so obviously things must not be that bad eh? Of course maybe Obama is just smarter than you, and since your organization is so public and he can keep an eye on you hes just waiting for the best time to strike? Seeing as how you didnt feel the need to keep your little rebellion secret where it might do some good (thus breaking rule one of any smart freedom fighter) against this "massive Evil army"it must be doomed since your enemy is way smarter than you. Maybe though your right much in the way the proponents of Civil War were "right" and your are the vanguard of a new army composed of our own military which you will be forced to fight against and seeing as how your taking this so seriously you must be prepared to kill all our sailors, airmen, soldier and marines (not to mention cops, citizens etc) who have no doubt been brainwashed by being forced to single pro-Obama songs....and theres a lot of those right? Guess they will have to die so the righteous may live eh? Or maybe just maybe its not really your rights that are being abridged and instead perhaps your minds have just been unhinged? Read your history gentlemen, either your about to be "put down" by the tyrant, or your about to start a civil war (in which case you kill a LOT of innocent people, your wrong and you lose...not just the fight but your honor and souls) or you have gotten something very very important, very very wrong. Who really is the bad guy here? Stop the nonsense, go help people that really need help if you really have to do something...i know there are plenty of Good causes for you too champion that dont involve treason and armed pointless rebellion.

Oh and just in case you do start your rebellion against the evil army of your fellow citizens, please dont come to my house and kill my family and friends because i disagree with you, im just a poor, proud American trying to lead a good life and i will return the favor.

Hooray for the oath keepers. God knows our politicians don't keep theirs. I'm glad our citizens serving in our armed forces and police on the street are willing to stand up and public state they won't take orders that fall outside the Constitution.

We don't have to have something happening right under our noses to be prepared for it – and be ready to stop it. Oh, I'm a conservative American. Not a republican, democrat, libertarian, green partyer...just someone who thinks that we need to return to the ancient landmarks that made our nation great.

Put Principles before party; don't believe everthing the media tells you; do your homework (on the internet) as there are lots of very good factual sites, videos, etc. Google PNAC, End the Fed, the MIAC report, Ron Paul, Trilateral Commission, CFR (Council on Foreign Relations); David Rockefellar; etc. You see we have PLENTY to be concerned about as independent, freedom-minded Americans.

Taking an oath to defend the constitution is a good thing. Believing in your right to own a firearm is the duty of every American. It doesnt matter if Obama has said that he is taking away our guns or if he is planning to set up detention centers. Beleive me that could happen very quickly. Just let a crisis happen where he declares a national emergency and martial law and watch how fast guns will be outlawed and systematically confiscated. I'm not paranoid but I am realistic. these guys want to control every aspect of your lives and they are going about it systematically. First destroy the economy, take over health care then hyperinflation destroys the dollar and our economy collapses. Next in order to protect everyone martial law is instated. Wow what next. Just a theory that could never happen could it....

By the way, all you fools that say that Oath Keepers are racist because we have a "black" president are racist yourself. You see the "black" in Obama – I see the white. He's half and half you know, which makes him just as much white as black.

Obama can't be blamed for all that's happening. He's just a puppet of the New World Order, just like the Bushes before him, Clinton, etc. Watch the video on youtube about Kennedy talking about secret societies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhZk8ronces). Ooops. He got shot – must have been some wacky conspiracy theorist that killed him, eh? Didn't have anything to do with Kennedy's plans to get rid of the private bankers at the Fed. Blah, Blah, Blah.

Don't do any research – just sit back and enjoy the news and American Idol. Eat your fast food – disconnect from your families – abort your babies – everything's going to be ok. I'm from the government – I'm here to help.

More nut cases with a gripe and "imagined" conspiracy theories. Jeez!

People like this are leading our country into anarchy. Sadly, they do not understand the president (whoever hs or she is) is the leader of the country, including the military.

With all the social issues we face in this country, why are these people concerned with guns? more people are going hungry than ever before, more people are on some sort of welfare than ever before, child abuse is up, and the education system is in real trouble – the list is huge. Why not get upset about these things and get involved in a solution?

Also, AFAIK, no one takees an oath to a person. Instead of making up this nonsense, they should spend their time thinking about how they might make life better for those less fortunate.

It's easy to spot the Fox News watchers in this discussion. They rant about losing the country to socialism and immigrants because of their choice of "news" sources. The rest of us aren't ignorant or asleep–we just don't share their right-wing delusions.

Fox watchers, you are being fed paranoid propaganda. Fox wants you angry, armed, and against anything and anybody they don't like. Fox News doesn't care about what their demented agenda leads. As long as they can make money.

Where were the Oath Keepers when we needed them? You know to refuse to go into Iraq on the grounds that it was absolutely, clearly, certainly and obviously a political operation, engendered by a secret agenda. Nothing at all to do with defending the Constitution. Any conflict there? Let me parapharase the movie. Say something increduously stupid and the nitwits will gather.

Mart: Please assure everyone that you don't vote.

If you reallly want to do an informative piece, do an honest study of the Southern Poverty Law Center, a half dozen guys who specialize in taking money from rich/guilty liberals by creating phantom rightwing boogie men that have to be contained, and only your donation can do it. These con men make Jimmy Swaggert look good. The SPLC may have done some good years ago, but today they are just conmen taking advantage of gullible leftwingers. Don't believe me, check out their ratings on any charity rating service.

No different than Al Quaida.

....small group of disinfranchised citizens who latch onto the wording of their "one truth" or their "country's heritage" and use it as an excuse to demonstrate their fears and attack others...

No different than ethnic cleansing.

No different than inquisitions.

No different than witch hunts.

No different than McCarthyism.

All people who were VERY scared of their neighbors, and decided to try to get rid of them in some way.

We are trying to keep people alive by having more health care and less wars. Instead, these people are putting their own fears and intentions, (that everyone is against everyone else and should therefore be attacked), onto the rest of us who have no such intentions or thoughts.

How wounded must you be to not be able to see and accept good intentions and help when they are offered? And how strange to then assume that the helpful person is thinking the scared and angry thoughts that you are actually thinking.

Better schools and more health care and less wars and world peace are all good things. Where in this is a reason to think someone is trying to kill you and that you should get ready to attack them?

I wonder if they read Article II of the Constitution where in Section 2 it states: "The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States."

In other words you'll defend what parts of the Constitution that are convenient for you to make some political statement. Your extremist views are those of a minority, otherwise Rush "have another pill and wash it down with 75 hotdogs" Limbaugh would be lord and master of the imperial fiefdom of america.

What about the environmental extremists? The anti-world bank extremists? Where was the "militia" special on them? These groups were responsible for uncontrolled rioting, destruction of public property, and vast vandalism! Don't forget the E.L.A. But wait, "they are a peaceful movement". This is why people continually lose trust in the media. Any special you do I cannot trust, but I can trust the men and women of this country who serve their country with honor and respect, who do not advance chaos and weak arguments, who stand and continually stand for this country.

They are just domestic terrorists trying to hide their hate.

"The President shall be commander in chief of the Army and Navy of the United States"

United States Constitution, Article II

These crazies are disobeying the Constitution as well as the Commander-in-chief.

Obama is a TRAITOR – he works for the special interests groups not the American people and I'm glad we have true Americans willing to stand and fight for our rights!!!!

I suspect they are very practical, law abiding citizens who believe in the constitution and want to preserve the freedoms we have. The government doesn't have a clean record of treating citizens fairly. Consider how thousands of Japanese Americans were illegally put in camps. As far as gun ownership goes, most early American's owned a gun, including young boys. The frontier was a dangerous place, and kids were taught to survive.

Please SEARCH back up and READ Randy's Comment.

IT IS VERY WORTH READING!!!

Remember Katrina? The govt did nothing; then they showed up to declare martial law and go door to door taking peaceful citizens guns. Americans have a short memory. WWll: the japanese camps. Kent state: students shot by national guardsman. It happened before and it could happen again tomorrow. I would just like to see more people of color in all these groups, these people have felt the wrong side of govt policy time and time again. I'm glad the whites are finally getting it. Welcome, and let's stand together.

Oaths for Officers are different than Enlisted- see below

Officers agree to support and defend the Constitutionand the several States against all enemies "foreign and domestic" but by defending the Constitution which enshrines the POTUS as the C in C they are supporting any governmental policies. Witness policies such as the Indian Wars or the Japanese-American Camps in WWII that would be considered abhorant today. There was no large scale muntiny in the military ranks because by policy the directives were lawful. The UCMJ shows that unlawful orders need never be followed as in a illegal killing- but policy directives need to be followed by the DOD, as per the CIV Control of the Military. What amazes is that the same individuals who are touting such "militiaism" are the same that say "States Rights" was the justification for the Confederate Insurrection that saw thousands of officers who swore oaths to the USA become traitors (i.e. Robert E. Lee). I say all of this as an Officer in the US Army.

By the way the Organized Reserve Act and National Guard Acts were the last laws in reference to a well organized Militia as mentioned in the 2nd Amendment- these are the Militia spoken about not some rabble sporting clubs which support treason......
traitors

The wordings of the current oath of enlistment and oath for commissioned officers are as follows:

"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God." (Title 10, US Code; Act of 5 May 1960 replacing the wording first adopted in 1789, with amendment effective 5 October 1962).

"I, _____ (SSAN), having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of _____ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God." (DA Form 71, 1 August 1959, for officers.)

Boy, the kool aid has been flowing on this bog. lets clear up some facts here.
(1) Enlisted service members take an oath to obey the (lawfull) orders of the President and those appointed over them. Military Commissioned Officers Do NOT make the same oath. Also it is not only lawfull for them to disobey UNLAWFULL orders, but it is their duty to do so, no matter the outcome to them for doing so. Note: I inserted the word Lawfull due to the UCMJ. that word is not in the Current oath.

2) Those that call these Americans traitors with not skin in the game are just a little better than scum. They are noisy scam. It's easy to point a finger and say you don't have the Right to do that. It's another thing to do something about it. In other words "the only rights you really have, are the ones your willing to fight for". Other than that, your just parasites living off the good graces of those than have given all they had (their lives) so you could spout you vial crap. Don't get me wrong I support your 1st Amen. rights to flap your gums, its just that you have no creditability to say what your saying FYI. So when someone comes to your door with a gun in their hand, you let them know that you have rights and they can't shoot you. ok.

3) Any of you'll that think that the Media tells the true about anything are fools. They are propaganda peddlers, cut and dry. They have an agenda just like our Congressmen, Senators, President and wallstreet does.

4) IMO This is not a democrate, republican, black, white, conservative or liberal issue. It's bigger than that. It's about what type of country we are going to leave to our children.

I agree with some of you here on some things though. Did President Bush voilate his oath? In my opinion, yes. Was he alone? No. Should he and others be held accountable, yes. Many here ask where were these "oathtakers" during the Bush years? Well where were you. What skin did you put in the fight? None.

As to those that say that the "oath takers" serving on active duty should be court martialed. Your an idiot. What are you going to charge them with? Failing to follow UNLAWFULL orders? Encuraging americans to read the constitution and knowing thier rights? They are not a Militia and they don't claim to be one. Some of you may be right on one issue though ..... that they are haters. It appears to me that they hate those that fail to follow the oath they took to the people of the United States of American, but can't judge or blame them for that.