What do you think? How can we do this? What are the practical implications? Is it even legal?
I think your post is one of the most timely statements made on this forum this year. The short answer to your questions are YES, this can and should be done. Having a little background at this, class is in session...
Let’s start with the 2nd Amendment as written:
“...A well-regulated militia, necessary for the security of a free state; the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”
2020 Translation: In order to have a free state, you’ll need a well-regulated militia. In order to have a militia, the people need to keep and bear arms. (Note, if anyone thinks that didn’t apply to civilians, read the 3rd Amendment and explain how one would prevent a soldier from being quartered at your home without your permission, but I digress...)
This is not only in the national Constitution, but most state Constitutions as well. In most cases, the ‘militia’ was defined as all persons not in the ‘organized’ militia (national guard) between a certain age range. In fact in some states, there was law stating the Sheriff in each county had to maintain a garrison for each able bodied male of voting age. I’m sure much of that has been removed from the books.
This country was designed to be protected by a civilian defense. The Constitutional authors were even against a standing army.
Back to the Sheriff and the jurisdiction thereof...
Being the highest law enforcement authority in the local political jurisdiction, most Sheriff’s reserve the right to call up (deputize) persons if/when needed from within their jurisdiction. Some states have provisions on who can be called, while others may require POST or other kinds of certifications. But in an emergency, a Sheriff can wave those provisions for a time, as has happened in the recent past(natural disasters come to mind). Check the laws in your state/county, or if you have a good relationship with a Peace Officer, have them over for coffee.
The Sheriff can also call up persons from outside their jurisdiction but from within their state when applicable. But many states have strict guidelines on this type of action.
With the current insurrection now taking place, and war against law enforcement as a whole. now may be the perfect time for Real Americans to forge a partnership with their Sheriff’s office. Citizens should gather locally in order to lobby their Sheriff for a meeting. In this political climate, I might suggest the meeting NOT be public at first. The goal would be to first gauge the Sheriff’s attitude toward your stated goals, and their criteria for deputization (e.g. background checks, passing physicals, etc) . In certain non-metropolitan areas of this country, you might find a welcome ear.
Remember: Some of these Sheriffs were forced to release known criminals from jail before their time. That can’t be sitting well with them.
The Sheriff and citizens must agree on training, and regular musters. This will of course, inconvenience some people. The Sheriff may also insist on a minimum arsenal of tools that must be provided (and documented) by the civilian deputy. This can become a bone of contention, but keep the bigger picture in mind.
I would present the potential need for the civilian deputy as follows:
* protection of government offices and surrounding properties
* protection of Houses of Worship and Historic properties (e.g cemeteries, historic landmarks, etc.)
* assistance in clearing roads
* assistance during mass casualty events
* riot prevention and deterrence
* coordination for local neighborhood watch programs
In today’s climate, every sheriff should expect and have contingency plans for the above scenarios until hostilities cease. The key is to talk among yourselves first to present a sound, reasonable proposal to the Sheriff. If the elected official truly believe ALL LIVES MATTER, your presentation would become a welcome sight, not to mention a morale boost to those behind the shield.
Years ago, unorganized militias formed due to government overreaction, and the potential disarmament of American citizens. Today, it’s about survival as a nation and our Constitution as a whole; a much easier sell. Each person joining this cause must take the oath to Protect and Defend the Constitution against all enemies - foreign and domestic.
We have a domestic enemy in our midst and on the the warpath. At some point, we must engage, else there be no safe haven. We know this. The President knows this. The Sheriffs should know this. Now would be a great time then to join forces with the civilian population.
Hope this answers many of your questions.
Class dismissed.
jimjohn - OUT
Pretty good summation of the philosophical reasoning behind lawful citizen resistance to threats.
This statement by you is key: “now may be the perfect time for Real Americans to forge a partnership with their Sheriff’s office.”
Creating a partnership now makes lawful force against threats pro-active instead of reactive. It prepares the hammer and anvil to pound enemies into submission.
The only matter missing in your summation is working with your state guard, if you have one. Twenty-six states have a state guard that is separate from the state national guard and cannot be federalized.
Thanks for the thoughtful, through reply. I acted on post #17 and was pleasantly surprised at the thoughts and actions taking place thus far. Still a long way to go.