Going Too Far

Well the Southern Poverty Law Center recently released a list entitled "Meet the Patriots" which gives information regarding 36 people leading the patriot movement in the USA. The last time I checked, supporting the Constitution and Conservative principles was not a punishable offense. Actually, they aren't offenses at all. I mean, our service men and women swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic.

This list is awful, the very nature of it makes patriots into villains, it suggests that they are wrong-doers, isn't having an opinion just that? Aren't opinions neither right or wrong since they are not based in fact? The attitude taken by the SPLC is dangerous in that the federal government puts a lot of stock into what they say. Given that the patriot movement is under direct assault by the government makes this issue even worse. This list by the SPLC and recent comments by former President Clinton equating those who disagree with the government with the likes of Timothy McVeigh is a blatant effort to paint those who support the Tea Party Movement, the Patriot Movement, and those who see big government for what it is as dangerous individuals.

The worst part of this list is that THREE sitting US Representatives are on the list. Representative Ron Paul of Texas and Representative Michelle Bachmann of Minnesota, and Representative Paul Broun of Georgia. All three of these Representatives have served honorably in Congress and are not and have not ever been under any investigation for wrongdoing in office. You may disagree with their views, but they have done nothing wrong. I for one support the views of all three Representatives (Bachmann and Ron Paul especially) so to demonize them on a list that equates those who respect the Constitution with villains of society is irresponsible, dangerous and wrong.

Given the spate of threats against Representatives-which is extremely wrong under any circumstances this does nothing but fuel that fire further. No Tea Party activist has been arrested for any act of violence perpetrated during a rally-the left wing activists CANNOT make that statement. Before anyone starts making mention equating militias and the patriot movement they ARE NOT the same. The Hutaree militia was a poor example of patriotism as they sought to harm police officers who may also share patriotic views. The right to form and maintain a militia to support and defend the Constitution is a right provided in the document of the same name. The patriot movement itself is about small government, responsibility, and keeping our legislators honest. It is about standing up for Constitutional principles and it is not yet another plan regarding class separation. We would rather see people help one another through legitimate acts of charity as opposed to government redistribution through taxes.

Before you label us, do your homework. We are non-violent, we are educated, and we are passionate. True patriots and true supporters of the Republic and freedom are not racists. Racism does nothing positive, if you are limiting opportunities for one you are limiting them for all people.

In conclusion, the fix is in-the media and the liberals are rapidly making us into something that we are not. The truth is out there and we that support the patriot movement are keeping a close eye to make sure infiltrators are exposed. We are not monsters, we are not thugs, we do not want to terrorize and destroy the poor. We wish to help all people by giving them the opportunity to pick themselves up and grow on their own, not sit idly by and beg for handouts. We are not racists, we are not violent, and we follow the letter of the law. So the question I pose to the left? How about you?