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.
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!
ReplyDeleteIt'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!
I'm your huckleberry...
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