Do We Have A Duty To Resist?

American Thinker ^ | 5 Aug, 2026 | Allan J. Feifer

[MtnClimber]

History shows that mere dissatisfaction with the government is not enough—and that we can prevent a government collapse through our own constitutional and ethical conduct.

(Note: This essay is not a call for armed resistance. Instead, it examines historical situations that justify such resistance, as well as the non-violent values and actions conservatives can immediately use to prevent the need for armed resistance from arising.)

Throughout history, free societies have wrestled with an uncomfortable question: Is there ever a time when citizens have a moral duty to resist their own government? The question matters because America is not immune from decline. We are retreating, overtaken by what increasingly resembles a cult, one built around the destructive moral impulses Gad Saad describes in Suicidal Empathy.

Not only are the barbarians and lunatics at the gate; many now seemingly seek their “leadership.”

Rigor, reason, and resolve can only take us so far. There comes a moment when simply talking about our problems isn’t enough, and our best thinking virtues can no longer ensure our survival. As a society, we preach one thing and practice another when it comes to applying force to defend essential virtues.

Resistance should not be defined as dissatisfaction with elections, taxes, policies, or political opponents. A free society depends upon vigorous disagreement, constitutional processes, and the peaceful transfer of political power. Neither is resistance the refusal to obey laws simply because one believes them to be unjust or disagrees with those charged with enforcing them; we are beginning to see both.

In a constitutional republic, lawful remedies must be exhausted before the moral question of resistance can even arise. Not every unpopular law is tyranny, and not every political defeat is oppression. The threshold for legitimate resistance is intentionally set extraordinarily high because violence to reassert our constitutional

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TOPICS: Society
KEYWORDS: freedom

[MtnClimber]

I don’t believe that we are currently close to CWII. We were getting pretty close when the government was considering internment camps for those who did not want the COVID Spike Jab.

[MMusson]

You have a duty to speak the truth. That is resistance.

[brownsfan]

“I don’t believe that we are currently close to CWII. “

Once the DSA gains control of the government, we either experience CWII, or we experience the persecution that comes from a communist government.

[Resolute Conservative]

IMO we are past “passive resistance”. Sadly, the ship will only be righted by an armed mutiny.

[Disambiguator]

Resist we much.

[ZULU]

Resistance to tyranny is obedience to God.

[aquila48]

Pathological compassion and undeserved empathy is the source of most of our worst problems today. We tolerate the worst of the worst in the name of "compassion" and guilt ourselves into submission.

Everyone should read this book.

[ClearCase_guy]

Beat me to it. If the DSA gains control then this thing goes hot or else we are fools. History shows what happens to people who shrug and say “We’ll try harder next time.” There is no Next Time.

[fwdude]

I don’t believe that we are currently close to CWII.

Trump is the only reprieve that stands between us an open war. Not if, but WHEN, the left again takes over government (because of inherent conservative laziness) they will avenge themselves for the MAGA years, no holds barred.

[Dan in Wichita]

Once the DSA gains control of the government, we either experience CWII, or we experience the persecution that comes from a communist government.

If and when that day comes when we experience the latter, government agents will be monitoring FR in search of dissidents. Those of us who are discovered to be anti-communist voices will be punished.

[MtnClimber]

I hope conservatives will take their responsibility to vote very seriously.

[brownsfan]

” Those of us who are discovered to be anti-communist voices will be punished.”

Silenced, permanently.

[ClearCase_guy]

People vote their way into socialism but you need to shoot your way out.

[central_va]

I have 0 confidence in the GOP to stand up to open communists. Schumer runs roughshod over them.

[fwdude]

I hope conservatives will take their responsibility to vote very seriously.

I've been hoping for over 20 years and they ALWAYS let me down.

There is NO EXCUSE for a house flip to Democrats at every mid-term. None.

[Taxman]

ping

[Taxman]

Well, then, it is up to US to ensure that the DSA thugs NEVER gain control of OUR government!

[stanne]

The Muslims will roll over the DSA DSA is being used.

[dforest]

The problem is that the GOP always fails to deliver. Eventually, apathy sets in and the voters think that it doesn’t matter anymore because both parties stink and nothing will ever improve. They would be right about that.

The GOP has failed at all levels. The only thing we have going for us is that we aren’t pushing communists.

Very sad that this is what our options are.

People should get out and vote whether or not they feel disgusted because the other side is all mostly dangerous kooks and criminals who fully support dangerous kooks and criminals.