"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it."

Thomas Paine

11 April 2010

What is the “Idaho Light Foot” militia?


To begin, we are not a “group”. You don't “join” us. There are no membership forms to fill out. We are members of the Idaho militia for the same reason you are a member of the militia, but you didn't even know it. Until now.

The “Idaho Light Foot” is an attempt, by patriotic Idahoans, to revive the people's militia for the benefit of the liberty and well being of the citizens of Idaho. The Idaho militia consists of “All able-bodied male persons, residents of this state, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years” (Idaho Constitution, Article 14, section 1).

The Idaho legislature and our governor are derelict in their duties, under Article 14, section 2, whereby the legislature “shall provide by law for the enrollment, equipment and discipline of the militia”, and under section 3, “All militia officers shall be commissioned by the governor”. 
 
Some will argue that the National Guard is now our state's militia. But, if you read Idaho Code, Title 46, chapter 1, it reads “The militia of the state of Idaho shall be divided into three (3) classes, to wit: The national guard, the organized militia, and the unorganized militia.”

It further classifies the unorganized militia:
“The militia of the state of Idaho shall consist of all able-bodied citizens of the state, and all other able-bodied persons who have or shall have declared their intentions to become citizens of the United States and are residents of the state of Idaho; who shall be more than eighteen (18) years of age, and except as hereinafter provided, not more than forty-five (45) years of age.”

The “organized militia” under this statute is simply the unorganized militia when called up into active duty by the governor. And the age range given, 18-45 years, is simply the “draft age”, if you will, that the governor can impress into the service of Idaho. Traditionally, the militia has consisted of citizens from the age of 16 up to 70, if “able-bodied”.

The militia is the people, plainly put. It is repeated again and again in the writings of our Founding Fathers. They knew that the best way to enslave a nation was to disarm it's people. That was the reason for, and original intent of, the 2nd Amendment. If the people retained their right of armed resistance, then the federal government would not so easily overstep it's bounds.

I have heard people say, “they're not sanctioned by the governor”. Or, “any militia not called up by the legislature is illegal”. First, we don't need “sanctioning” by the governor or anyone else. We are free people and have our rights given to us by God, our creator. Second, we're not “calling” ourselves up or planning an overthrow of any government. We are simply concerned citizens who wish to prepare ourselves in case the governor ever does call up the militia. And third, if the legislature and the governor would follow the mandate in our constitution to equip, train and discipline the militia, there would be no need for private citizens to do it themselves. (All the while being branded “domestic terrorists” by misinformed citizens.)

Can you imagine the chaos that would ensue if there was an emergency tomorrow? How long would it take to “organize” our state's militia? Weeks? Months? Would you feel safe while the legislature tries to get their act together during a crisis.

No, the time to prepare is before the emergency. When we can calmly organize and train in subjects such as first aid, land navigation (military-speak for map and compass reading), food storage, emergency protocols, liaison with local police/fire/EMS departments, and yes, weapons training and combat tactics (which we all hope we will never need). 
 
Speaking of police/fire/EMS personnel, some of our members are former police officers, fireman and EMT's; as well as many retired and ex-military. They teach classes and pass on their knowledge to the others in our “group” who don't have such backgrounds. 
 
We also are setting up a chain of command which is essential to organization in a crisis. Our officers, including myself, are voted upon by the men below them in rank. I didn't make myself the leader of the “Light Foot”. I was voted in by men and women with backgrounds in the military and police. They honor me with their confidence in my abilities. I am humbled by the faith they have in me.

I wish the state would step in and train county militia units in all 44 counties in our great state. I wish the governor would do his duty and appoint officers in each county. Our state and it's people would be much safer and better prepared to face any emergency.

Until that day comes, though, if you'd like more information about our efforts to reconstitute the Idaho militia, please visit our website at www.northidaho21lightfoot.org or check out our “sister” organization in Washington www.wa63lightfoot.us . We can be reached by mail at P.O. Box 284, Naples, Idaho.

And about the origin of “Light Foot”?

During the time of our country's founding, cavalry units were called “Horse”, heavy cavalry was “Heavy Horse” (e.g. The 48th Regiment of Horse). Infantry units at the time were called “Foot”, as in the “12th Regiment of Foot”. 
 
Since we have no “supply lines” to speak of at the present time, we will most likely have to carry everything we need on our backs. Resupplying as we go.

Light=Speed, Speed=Surprise, Surprise=Victory...

...hence, the Idaho “Light Foot” militia.

2 comments:

  1. Well, as usual, you have demonstrated how illiterate, uninformed and uneducated those in a militia truly are! Do you seriously believe that this is an article that will resonate with people? You have used logic, research, tolerance, information, direction, and gentle persuasion (not to mention good grammer and punctuation) and those are beyond the grasp of those who choose to look at this type of site. Really, Jeff, I am shocked at you! And to think you teach folks, including children, terrorist activites such as music! You even believe in a free America and God! This is just beyond my comprehension!

    It's a good thing this type of rhetoric is not posted on more sites around the internet. Folks might actually learn something! Oh, the horror!

    ReplyDelete